The chief ornament of the high priest, was the breastplate, a rich piece of cloth, curiously
worked. The name of each tribe was graven in a precious stone, fixed in the breastplate, to signify
how precious, in God's sight, believers are, and how honourable. How small and poor soever the
tribe was, it was as a precious stone in the breastplate of the high priest; thus are all the saints dear
to Christ, however men esteem them. The high priest had the names of the tribes, both on his
shoulders and on his breast, which reminds us of the power and the love with which our Lord Jesus
pleads for those that are his. He not only bears them up in his arms with almighty strength, but he
carries them in his bosom with tender affection. What comfort is this to us in all our addresses to
God! The Urim and Thummim, by which the will of God was made known in doubtful cases, were
put in this breastplate. Urim and Thummim signify light and integrity. There are many conjectures
what these were; the most probable opinion seems to be, that they were the twelve precious stones
in the high priest's breastplate. Now, Christ is our Oracle. By him God, in these last days, makes
known himself and his mind to us, Heb 1:1, 2; Joh 1:18. He is the true Light, the faithful Witness,
the Truth itself, and from him we receive the Spirit of Truth, who leads into all truth.
Verses 31–39
The robe of the ephod was under the ephod, and reached down to the knees, without sleeves.
Aaron must minister in the garments appointed. We must serve the Lord with holy fear, as those
who know they deserve to die. A golden plate was fixed on Aaron's forehead, engraven with
“Holiness to the Lord.” Aaron was hereby reminded that God is holy, and that his priests must be
holy, devoted to the Lord. This must appear in their forehead, in open profession of their relation
to God. It must be engraven like the engravings of a signet; deep and durable; not painted so as to
be washed off, but firm and lasting; such must our holiness to the Lord be. Christ is our High Priest;
through him sins are forgiven to us, and not laid to our charge. Our persons, our doings, are pleasing
to God upon the account of Christ, and not otherwise.
Verses 40–43
The priest's garments typify the righteousness of Christ. If we appear not before God in that,
we shall bear our iniquity, and die. Blessed is he, therefore, that watcheth, and keepeth his garments,
Re 16:15. And blessed be God that we have a High Priest, appointed of God, and set apart for his
work; furnished for his high office by the glory of his Divine majesty, and the beauty of perfect
holiness. Happy are we, if by the law spiritually understood, we see that such a High Priest became
us; that we cannot draw near to a holy God, or be accepted, but by him. There is no light, no wisdom,
no perfection, but from him; no glory, no beauty, but in being like unto him. Let us take
encouragement from the power, love, and compassion of our High Priest, to draw near with boldness
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Chapter 29