“And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.”– Exodus 28:36 (KJV)
“Make a medallion of pure gold and engrave it like a seal: ‘Holy to the LORD.’”– Exodus 28:36 (NLT)
“Make a medallion of pure gold and engrave it with these words: ‘Holy to God.’”– Exodus 28:36 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 28:36 Mean?
This verse outlines a specific instruction given by God concerning the attire of the high priest, Aaron. The medallion or plate made of pure gold is meant to be worn on the front of his turban. Engraved with the phrase “HOLINESS TO THE LORD,” it serves as a constant reminder of the sacred duty Aaron performs and the holiness required of him while serving in that role. This command reflects the importance of holiness, not just in the physical representation of the priest’s attire but in the spiritual life of the priest and the people he represents.
The term “HOLINESS” is not just a word engraved on gold; it encapsulates the essence of God’s calling for His people. Holiness signifies separation from sin and dedication to God. Through this medallion, we see a physical reminder that God’s presence is among His people, and they are called to be holy as He is holy. This is a theme we can recognize in our lives, where our actions and representations should align with our commitment to reflect God’s nature in our daily conduct.
Exodus 28:36 Explanation and Commentary
As we dive deeper into the meaning of Exodus 28:36, we realize that this verse is not isolated from the broader narrative in the book of Exodus and the story of Israel’s journey toward becoming a holy nation. The context of holiness in this verse points to the significance of being set apart for God’s purposes. The high priest’s unique adornment establishes a profound link between God and His people, reflecting the intimate relationship they share.
When we think about what it means for something to be holy, we understand it is about purity and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, holiness was paramount, especially regarding worship and approaching God. Throughout the scriptures, there is a consistent message that God desires a relationship with His people, but that relationship is defined by His holiness. In this way, the high priest, as the mediator between God and the people, plays an essential role in maintaining that connection.
As we consider this in our lives, we may ask ourselves how we live out this call to holiness. Do our lives reflect the image of Christ, just as the gold medallion reflected holiness? The responsibilities we have in our families, our churches, and our communities ask us to bear the mark of holiness. Being “Holy to the LORD” means living with integrity, love, and purpose, striving to reflect God’s character in every situation, and reminding others through our actions about the holiness that comes from Him.
This command to the high priest reminds us of the beauty in boundaries and requirements set by God. He desires our hearts to be tuned into Him above all else. Just as the high priest wore the medallion, we too can be adorned with good deeds, love, and kindness, signifying our commitment to God. The significance of this medallion transcends mere adornment; it invokes a continuous dedication to holiness in our worship, actions, and relationships with others.
Context of Exodus 28:36
Understanding the context of Exodus 28:36 is essential to grasp its full meaning. This verse comes from a segment where God is giving Moses specific instructions about the garments of the priesthood. By creating a distinct appearance for the high priest, God is emphasizing His standards for holiness, which Aaron and his sons must uphold while serving as mediators between Him and the people of Israel.
Prior to this command, God established the role of the priest. Aaron was to be set apart as the first high priest, and his duties were not just functional but symbolic. Everything about the priestly garments, from the fabric to the colors, served a purpose grounded in the representation of God’s glory. The way that Aaron dressed was not just for show—it was an expression of his commitment to God and the weight of his responsibilities.
This focus on the garments addresses the importance of holiness in worship. Just as Aaron was to have his appearance reflect his role as high priest, we too are reminded that our lives should reflect our commitment to God. Our attitudes, the way we treat others, our words, and our decisions should all echo “HOLINESS TO THE LORD”. The established rigorous standards of holiness reflect God’s desire for a meaningful, deep relationship with His people. This is an invitation to us to take our commitment to holiness seriously. Every aspect of our life can be an opportunity to represent God’s character in the world around us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 28:36
In this verse, there are several key parts that stand out—let us break them down and see how they contribute to our understanding of holiness. The phrase “plate of pure gold” signifies something valuable and precious. Gold, in biblical terms, is often associated with wealth and purity. The choice of material shows how significant this message of holiness is; it is not just an ordinary item, but a treasure, reflecting the value God places on holiness.
The engraving of “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” represents an identification, a badge of honor, showing that the high priest is not just a religious leader but one whose life and duties are intricately connected to God’s character. The engravings being like a signet means that the message is permanent—a lasting reminder of what God commands of Aaron and the priesthood. Just like that medallion, we also have the opportunity to imprint God’s word in our hearts, leading us in our journey of discipleship.
How does this relate to us? We may not wear a physical medallion of gold, but each one of us can carry the mark of Christ on our hearts. Our identity as followers of Christ should shine brightly, influencing our interactions with others. It compels us to act with love, humility, and service. This also underscores the need for us to remain grounded in God’s holiness so that it may continually guide our actions.
Lastly, the phrase “to the Lord” directs our focus. It shifts my perspective from self-centeredness to a God-centered approach. We must remember that holiness is not self-achieved but is granted through Christ. As we pursue lives that reflect His character, we realize that it is our daily dependence of being reminded of His grace that enables us to walk in holiness.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 28:36
This verse teaches us valuable lessons about our identity as children of God. The portrayal of the priest’s role serves as an example for us personally. It reminds us of the significance of our spiritual position as believers. We are called to represent God in our daily interactions and decisions, much like Aaron did. This means we have a responsibility to uphold purity and integrity in every area of our lives.
One lesson is that holiness requires intentionality. We cannot take holiness lightly. Every day offers us opportunities to shine His light in a world that desperately needs it. As followers of Christ, how we treat others, our dedication to prayer, and our engagement in meaningful community demonstrate that we value “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” Just as the high priest wore the inscription, we too should aspire to live as examples of faith, reflecting God’s love and truth.
Another important lesson centers on the reality that holiness empowers us to minister to others effectively. When Aaron served as high priest, he acted on behalf of the people, bringing their concerns and sins before God. It was through his holiness that the people learned about God’s forgiveness and grace. Similarly, our desire to live holy lives can lead others to understand and encounter God’s mercy. When we strive for holiness and genuinely reflect God’s character, we become vessels that help others find hope and healing through Christ.
As we reflect on these lessons, it becomes essential that we create an environment of holiness in our communities. This can mean building relationships leaning on accountability, support, and encouragement. Instead of focusing on judgment or criticism, we should extend grace and help one another grow stronger in faith. By doing this, we collectively reflect God’s holiness in ways that draw others nearer to Him.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our thoughts on Exodus 28:36, let us remember the profound impact of this verse. God’s desire for His people is that we reflect His holiness in the way we live. The medallion worn by the high priest is a powerful reminder of what it means to be dedicated to God, to pursue a life that honors Him and to reflect His light in the world.
Living “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” is not just a responsibility but a joy. It calls us into a deeper relationship with Him and a greater understanding of who He is. The challenge before us is to embrace this call to holiness, allowing it to shape our lives in ways that reflect His love to those around us. Let us focus on nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience, always striving to be better representatives of His glorious legacy.
If you are interested in learning more about other topics in the Bible, I encourage you to explore the following links: Matthew 11 and Genesis 18:5. Each passage offers wisdom and insight that can help us deepen our understanding of God’s Word.