The High Priest's Garments

By Phil Elam (1946 – 2012) PHP, Keystone Chapter No. 146, S. Louis, Missouri

The garments of the High Priest (Kohen) were made from the finest materials received in offerings from the people of Israel. This included the usual offerings of colored yarn (blue, purple, and scarlet), along with pure white linen. Woolen fabrics were identified by the costly dyes from Tyre used in their manufacture. In addition, gold thread was received, along with fine-twined linen, which had been spun from flax by the women of the various tribes. The people also contributed precious stones for both the Ephod and the Breastplate.

There was a threefold purpose for the priestly regalia:

Decorative: They were to give Aaron, the first High Priest, to denote dignity and grandeur. This was most essential since the appearance of the High Priest was to convey the beauty and authority that belonged to G-d himself.

Functional: Each piece obviously had, in addition to the decorative purpose, a functional role. The breeches, for example, were for the sake of modesty, while the breastplate served as a pouch to contain the sacred lot, Urim and Thummin.

Symbolic: More than ornamentation was involved. Consider the 12 precious stones of the “Breastplate of Judgement,” which represented the 12 tribes of Israel. When wearing this article, the High Priest bore the names of the tribes to bring them to continual remembrance before the Lord. The clothing of the High Priest was to provide a measure of realization of his task in representing Israel to G-d.

Eight items of clothing are listed for the High Priest in the Old Testament Book of Exodus. An explanation of each follows, plus other items worn only by the High Priest.