210
From Eternity Past
About half a year was occupied in building the tabernacle. When it
was completed, Moses examined all the work of the builders. “As the
Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed
them.” The multitude of Israel crowded around to look upon the sacred
structure. The pillar of cloud floated over the sanctuary, and “the glory
of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” There was a revealing of the divine
majesty, and for a time even Moses could not enter. With deep emotion
the people beheld the token that the work of their hands was accepted.
A solemn awe rested upon all. The gladness of their hearts welled up
in tears of joy. God had condescended to abide with them.
In the days of Abraham, the priesthood was the birthright of the
eldest son. Now, instead of the first-born, the Lord accepted the tribe
of Levi for the work of the sanctuary. However, Aaron and his sons
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alone were permitted to minister before the Lord; the rest of the tribe
were entrusted with the charge of the tabernacle and its furniture.
A special dress was appointed for the priests. The robe of the
common priest was of white linen, woven in one piece, confined about
the waist by a white linen girdle embroidered in blue, purple, and red.
A linen turban or miter completed his outer costume. The priests were
to leave their shoes in the court before entering the sanctuary, and also
to wash both their hands and feet before ministering in the tabernacle.
Thus was taught the lesson that all defilement must be put away from
those who would approach the presence of God.
The garments of the high priest were of costly material and beauti-
ful workmanship. In addition to the linen dress of the common priest,
he wore a robe of blue, also woven in one piece. Around the skirt it
was ornamented with golden bells, and pomegranates of blue, purple,
and scarlet. The ephod, a shorter garment, was confined by a girdle of
the same colors. The ephod was sleeveless, and on its shoulder pieces
were set two onyx stones bearing the names of the twelve tribes of
Israel.
Over the ephod was the breastplate in the form of a square, sus-
pended from the shoulders by a cord of blue. The border was formed of
a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations
of the City of God. The Lord’s direction was, “Aaron shall bear the
names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon
his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before
the Lord continually.”
Exodus 28:29
. So Christ, the great High Priest,