Exodus 28:40-42 - Homiletics

The priests' attire.

The dress of the ordinary priests teaches us—

I. THAT NOT ONLY THE CHIEF , BUT THE SUBORDINATE , MINISTERS OF THE SANCTUARY MUST BE CLAD IN HOLINESS . The priests' garments are called "holy," no less than the high priest's ( Exodus 28:4 ). They are almost entirely of fine white linen. The linen drawers denote the need of holiness with respect to sins of the flesh. The linen cap implies purity of thought and imagination. The linen tunic is symbolical of the complete sanctification in which the whole man should be wrapped. The girdle, also of linen, marks the need of purity in respect of all the active part of life. In every one of these respects the ordinary priests were on a par with the high priest. The same holiness was required of both.

II. THAT IN EXTREME SIMPLICITY THERE MAY BE A HIGH DEGREE OF BEAUTY . The priests' garments were, like the high priest's ( Exodus 28:2 ), "for glory and for beauty" ( Exodus 28:40 ). And, being designed by God for those ends, they doubtless attained them. Yet, unless the girdle was an exception, they were all white. So, when Jesus was transfigured, "his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them" ( Mark 9:3 ). There is a wondrous beauty in pure, spotless, snow-white raiment. Still more is there beauty in the simplicity of a spotless life. A pure mind—a pure heart—pure conduct—simple, uniform performance of every-day duty—what is more lovely, more glorious? To such the Divine Bridegroom will address the words—"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee" (So Exodus 4:7 ).