Exodus 28: The Priest, Bearing the Weight of Glory

Exodus 28: The Priest, Bearing the Weight of Glory

"Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD." (Exodus 28:29)

What does a priest live by? Exodus Chapter 28 describes the splendid garments of the priesthood, yet their essence is closer to a 'yoke' than an 'ornament'. Upon the High Priest's chest lies the breastpiece, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Whenever he enters the sanctuary, he must bear these heavy stones upon his heart. This is a mechanism for God to 'remember (Zikaron)' His people, and simultaneously a holy burden lest the priest forgets for whom he exists.

Furthermore, upon his forehead is a plate of pure gold inscribed 'Holy to the LORD'. This is not a nameplate displaying the priest's nobility. Scripture declares its function is "to bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate" (v.38). That is, the priest's holiness is a 'Vicarious Holiness' that covers the people's imperfections. This is the precise point where "love for God" and "love for neighbor" become synonymous.

In Hebrew, 'Glory (Kabod)' signifies 'weight'. The reason the priest's garments are so "for glory and for beauty" (v.2) is that the weight of the calling he bears is so heavy. Just as Moses and Paul pleaded for their people at the risk of their own lives, true priesthood is willingly bearing the 'weight of glory' upon one's shoulders. What we must guard against today is the attitude that treats this holy office 'lightly', as mere honor or power.