Exodus 28:1-3 KJV And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. [2] And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. [3] And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Exodus 28:39-40 KJV And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework. [40] And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
Exodus 39:28 KJV And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
Leviticus 16:4 KJV He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
I. INTRODUCTION—THE FORCE OF SCRIPTURE
One of the most compelling things about Scripture is its authority. Furthermore, if we believe the authority of Scripture then we will come to a belief in the sufficiency of Scripture. By sufficiency of Scripture, it is meant that one can have confidence in knowing that every problem of life has a solution found in the Word of God. The very nature of the authority of Scripture gives to us the understanding that there are multiple places in the Word of God that gives to us the same answer.
The more familiar that we become with Scripture, the more one can see a consistency that is noted throughout its pages. The whole goal of the preached Word is the sanctification of the church of God. A true apostolic church can never minimize the work of the Word! As the Word is unfolded to us, there are characteristics of holiness and godliness that began to take place in our lives. It gives a sense of mission and motivates sacrifice.
Paul noted the goal for his dedication to the preaching and teaching of the Word:
Galatians 4:19 KJV My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
Ephesians 4:11-15 KJV And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
The Word is given to us so that the truth of God will conform or shape us into the image of Jesus Christ. The goal of our Christian life is holiness because the world needs to see a holy church. The great virtue of any church is a drawing sense of godliness; in fact this is the ideal church growth method. Sinners are attracted to a church that people reflect an obvious transformation of lifestyle. This very well may mean that there is a great simplicity to our worship. Because of some of the business inclined elements of church growth, the American church has been very easy prey of marketers who were interested in gaining wealth and notoriety rather than godliness. However a church that is marked by true devotion and sanctified worship will garner an attraction to sinners who are seeking peace and salvation from their sin. A church that is worshipful, joyful, godly, and endeavoring to fulfil the commands of the New Testament is a very powerful force in our world.
The force of Scripture because of its authority will always have an aspect of confrontation. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, all spiritual growth is generally stimulated by some form of confrontation. All who will grow in Christ will have some kind of Damascus Road experience to render them helpless so they can go on to greater service.
In fact all spiritual maturity that comes to us in the form of sanctification will have certain aspects of crisis. There is crisis that comes from spiritual maturity because the holiness of God is brought to light which is diametrically opposed to walking in the flesh. Peter commanded that pastors are to feed the flock of God (1 Peter 5:1-3). The feeding of the Word is always moving us toward complete conversion and spiritual maturity. The feeding of the Word is given so that we can have victory against the mortal enemies of every saint—the world, the flesh, and the devil. Anything that promotes friendship and fellowship with these enemies will be fatal to our relationship with the Lord. The job of the five-fold ministry is to help the church to be equipped to fight against these matters. Be it far removed from any man who fills the role in the five-fold ministry to allow these matters to creep into the church. To do so is to be negligent about the calling that God has placed in their life.
By the godly content of Scripture, it is discovered that the High Priest put on these holy garments. When the High Priest put on these garments, there was a dignity, respect, and honor that he had for worship and for his service to the Lord which serves as a type for the New Testament saint. When the saint puts on the holy garments it lends the same kind of structure to his service.
• We are to put on Jesus Christ—Gal. 3:27
• We are to put on the new man—Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10
• We are to put on the armor of God—Eph. 6:11
• We are to put on the armor of light—Rom. 13:12
• We are to put on love—Col. 3:14
• We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—Col. 3:12
• We are to put on incorruption and immortality—1 Cor. 15:53-54
As all of these things are incorporated into our walk and into our character, we are changed into holy men and women of God who are prepared for service.
II. THE MITRE AND BONNET
A. It’s Position—Above All
The High Priest would wear the mitre and order of priests would wear their bonnets. It is important to point out that both of these were made out of fine linen which is related to holiness and righteousness. The bonnets that the priests would wear would be similar to a turban. In relation to this turban, it is clear from Exodus 29:9 that the turban was placed securely on the head.
The Hebrew word for “put” has some very interesting connotations to it. The word is châbash and has the following meanings: to tie, bind, bind on, bind up, saddle, restrain, bandage, or to govern. Josephus, the Jewish historian, makes it clear that this mitre was not just a cap of sorts but it was an important crown (Antiquities, Jud. iii. 7, & 3). Therefore the need for holiness is the accentuated by its presence as the order of priests went to worship. Additionally we find that there was a plate of gold that was tied with a blue cord around the mitre. Similar to the breastplate but its position on the mitre would probably arrest the attention of those who observed more quickly than would the presence of the breastplate.
The principle to be understood is that it taught “holiness to the Lord” (Exo. 28:36) is the highest crown and greatest virtue of worship. All that presents to worship with the absence of the mitre and its head plate would be a mockery to God. It was a truth that God wanted to be set before the eyes of his people as they observed this man who would go before God. Obviously this form has changed in the New Testament church but now it becomes ever more crucial because we are in the priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9) and we must have on the correct gear to be pleasing to God. Internal and external holiness are still important to God.
B. The Position of the Priest
Every sacrifice that the Israelites rendered to the priests had to be purified and atoned for. The mere act of the sacrifice would not suffice in itself. It had to go through designated order that God determined for it. For the priest to be able to fill this role, God deemed that the plate of gold on the mitre would clearly state “holiness to the Lord” which would give the priest the right to offer the sacrifice for the atonement. This type points to Jesus Christ who was representative as the Holy One who could atone for sin and justify the saint.
The priest who wore this mitre and those who wore the bonnets had been born into the position. By virtue of being a son of Aaron and Levi these men had been set apart. They had been consecrated in a very holy and ordered manner (Exodus 29). It involved various sacrifices, the process of holy clothing, anointing, unleavened bread, the wave offering, and a period of waiting. It was during this time of the week long process that the most visited place the priest would be at was that altar. We can draw a great principle from this and gather the priority that must be placed on the altar in our lives. It would not be just a once in a lifetime visit for those who were in the priesthood but it would be routinely repeated again and again in their ministry.
It was through this process in Exodus 29 that a official holy position was given to the priest. But when he placed on the clothes of the priest, his holy garments would identify him as separated but it was crucial for his heart and life to also be holy. This is what Jesus pointed out in His excoriation of the Pharisees. He noted that they looked like white-painted graves but inwardly were filled with putrid and decaying things (Matt. 23:27). Throughout Scripture there is a very high pressure point that is brought on hypocrisy. The high priest had on the plate that declared “holiness to the Lord” sitting directly on his head. However he could have a great decaying spirit and attitude working in his thoughts.
What went on in his soul could not be a moral contradiction to the God he served and the people he represented. We must be forever vigilant about this matter of a holy head and heart in this terribly fallen world that we are living in. Overall, we can believe that those who serve the Lord in an official capacity are the majority because it takes masterful work to fill the role of a hypocrite. There are many godly men who are devoted to the cause of the Lord and they are examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).
With this position of outward holiness and the necessity of inward holiness, we are now brought to the last position of this priest and that is for his leadership. He is to be a cause of encouraging and stimulating holiness in the hearts of others. He does so in three ways; by fulfilling the role of public ministry; by the teaching and exhortation of the Word; and by the example of his life (1 and 2 Timothy; Titus).
His whole mission was to make sure the people were “accepted before the Lord” (Exo. 28:38; Lev. 10:19). The fact that he had the proper head-gear on would give him the authority to make sure the people were purified from the defilements. By the very process of the defilements being removed, the conscience was purged and the soul would be cleansed from sin. All of his work was a serious matter and it would be dangerous for him to take his responsibility to lightly, rebuke sin too mildly, and have a general sloppiness of service about him. This was the case with Nadab and Abihu, Eli, and Balaam and it would be detrimental to all of them.
III. THE APPLICATION FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT SAINT
From our previous study concerning the linen breeches it was noted that this aspect of clothing was given as a covering for the flesh. The linen coat served as a covering over the linen breeches and determined the necessity of external holiness and righteousness. The mitre and the bonnet which were also made of linen is a covering for the head or our thoughts.
A. The Goal of a Clear Conscience
With our mind, we are to be given to holiness. Our exposure to Scripture, worship, preaching, and prayer should be matters that will soften our heart and quicken our conscience. On the other hand when a mind lacks elements of holiness, these things can actually have an adverse effect on us—by hardening the heart and the conscience can be deadened to spiritual matters. This headgear that may seem almost silly to require of the priest was absolutely crucial in the picture that God used to paint for us. Ultimately it was a picture for us to see how important that a godly conscience was for the saint.
Acts 23:1 KJV And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
Acts 24:16 KJV And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
1 Timothy 1:5 KJV Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 1:19 KJV Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 3:9 KJV Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Our conscience is affected by many things in our spiritual life. However one of the most powerful ways that our conscience can be affected and even transformed is by the practice of biblical meditation. This kind of activity is almost a lost form among us in our fast-paced rat race that we live in.
Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time preaching away from our church in a distant state. As always I am interested in how other ministers go about their spiritual lives and if there are any helpful areas that I can glean from them, I like to take advantage of it. The pastor whom I visited with had a magnificent personal library that wasn’t just for looks. The array of books on different subjects was astounding. He had not just haphazardly put his library together; it had been well thought out and thoroughly organized so he could put his hand on any book of any subject that he needed to get to. He also had wisely spent time with his Bible and his books in such a way that they were like very trusted tools that a carpenter would use.
This pastor had taken his Bibles and his books and filled them with neat notations in the margins of them. While I did not attempt to read those notes, a few of them he pointed out to me so that I could see what he would do as he studied. Some of the books were biblical theology and on matters of doctrine, he had made marks about specific Scriptures. However what was most interesting to me was his fictional books—novels—both of biblical narrative and secular setting. He would underline conversations that the characters had in the books and would record thoughts about the nobility or the deviousness of those who were involved in the plots of the story. This is the thing that happens when you allow your mind to be given to meditation in a positive manner.
B. What Meditation Is
Meditation is an art that will put the mind in gear to think. Thinking is hard work but when it is done for the glory of God, it will add to the strength of a saint’s soul. Meditation is the ability to take biblical phrases and think clearly on them in such a way that it causes the actions of life to follow the meditations of the heart. For instance, Romans 8:28 indicates that all things work together for our good. It also brings out the fact that we have been called for a purpose greater than that of our own initiative rather for the very purpose of God. To meditate on that thought about the purpose of God will cause life to be looked at in an entirely different manner.
• What is God’s purpose in my life?
• What things has God placed in my life to fulfill that purpose?
• What circumstances has God allowed me to be exposed to so that purpose will be accented?
• What will I do today that will further that purpose that God has brought out in my life?
These kinds of questions are those that are sorted out when we began to meditate on God’s Word as more than just something to “just read.” If God has a purpose in my life, the path of the Cross will not be looked upon as an inconvenience but rather we can see it as method of God’s purpose. Meditation is putting on the mitre as we approach God in places of prayer, worship, devotion, and service.
(NOTE: From this point on, I have relied heavily on Elmer Town’s very good book Biblical Mediation for Spiritual Breakthrough. Regal Publishers, 1998.)
However the devil is constantly at work to control our thinking so that the process of meditating on God is rendered ineffective. He uses financial pressures, work problems, marital stresses, family upheaval, sickness, pleasure, entertainment, selfish pursuits, promotion and advancement at work, and sinful attractions to hinder the art of meditation.
Proverbs 23:7 is a powerful Scripture when it comes to the aspect of thinking and meditation. It says that as a man thinks so is he. Whatever we think about is what we will ultimately become. Furthermore our concept of who God is will set the direction of our soul. That is why it is crucial to have on the linen mitre as we come to a place of worship.
We can meditate in the following ways:
• Thinking about God as the Creator.
• Thinking about God as the Problem-Solver.
• Giving an examination of the principles we live our life by.
• Looking at our world in wonder giving consideration to the Heaven that is to come.
• Looking at the past and remembering.
• Looking to the future and planning.
• Facing our failures so we may do better.
• Examining our successes so we can go on to greater things.
Furthermore the Bible uses various terms to describe meditation:
• Remember
• Think on these things
• Ponder
• Behold God’s love
• Muse on the work of thy hands
• Meditate
• Consider
• Let the mind of Christ be in you
• Set your affections on things above
• Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
There are great benefits of mediation. If we desire to be godlier, then our thoughts have to be focused on God. Meditation will help us to gain significant truth and insight and understanding so that we will surpass those who instruct us (Ps. 119:99; 2 Tim. 2:7). It ought to be the great priority of my life to have a mind that is given to meditation on God and His Kingdom. The benefits of meditation are given to us by the Word of God:
• We gain insight and instruction of truth—Ps. 119:99; 2 Tim. 2:7
• We get a positive outlook on life—Ps. 104:34
• We will deepen our love for the Scriptures and God—Ps. 119:97
• We will become prosperous as we apply the insights we gain—Josh. 1:8
• We grow and become stable in the Christian life—Ps. 1:2-3; John 15:4
• We develop a strong prayer life—John 15:7
• We are motivated to ministry—1 Sam. 12:24; 1 Tim. 4:15
• We are motivated to repent and live better—Ps. 39:3; Rev. 2:5
• We find the peace of God—Php. 4:8-9
• We get a clear focus to guide our decisions—Matt. 6:33; Col. 3:2
• We focus our life on Jesus Christ—Heb. 12:3; 1 John 3:1
• We worship God in His majestic glory—Deut. 4:39
Lastly as a good resource, Towns has given a topical index of scriptures about meditation. I am going to list them here so it can help in times beyond this Bible study.
Benefits of Meditation
• Blessing of God—Deut. 8:18; Ps. 119:77; Prov. 3:3-4
• Divine Protection—Ps. 91:1
• Heart’s Desire—Ps. 37:4
• The Joy of the Lord—Ps. 104:34
• Peace of God—Isa. 26:3
• Overcoming Anger—Ps. 4:4
• Overcoming Fear—Deut. 7:17-19
• Overcoming Sin—Ps. 119:11; 119:36-37
• Renewed Mind—Rom. 12:2
• Stability—Ps. 37:31; 57:7; Prov. 4:26
• Wisdom—Ps. 49:3; 90:12; 119:98-99; Prov. 2:1-2; 2:5; 23:12; 24:32
Examples of Meditation
• Gen. 19:27-28
• Gen. 24:63
• Ps. 39:3
• Matt. 1:20
• Luke 1:29; 2:19
• Acts 17:11
Motive for Meditation
• Overcoming Evil Thoughts—Gen. 6:5; Num. 15:38-40; Ps. 2:1
• Seeking God’s Blessing—Deut. 4:29
• Spiritual Insight—Ps. 27:4
• Allowing the Spirit to work—John 14:26
Spiritual Disciplines Associated with Meditation
• Admonishing one another—Col. 3:16
• Giving to God—1 Chron. 29:3; 2 Cor. 9:7
• Moral Purity—Job 31:1
• Prayer—Ps. 5:1; 19:14
• Repentance—Ezekiel 18:28; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:61-62; Rev. 2:5; James 1:21
• Teaching one another—Col. 3:16
• Worship—Ps. 44:8; 57:7; 103:2; Col. 3:16
Subjects of Meditation
• The Attributes of God—Ps. 48:9; John 1:14; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Peter 3:15
• The Blessings of God—Ps. 103:2
• Jesus Christ—John 1:14; Heb. 3:1; 12:3
• Covenants of God—1 Chron. 16:15
• The Cross of Christ—Gal. 6:14; 1 John 3:1
• God Himself—Deut. 4:39; 8:18; Ps. 34:2; 37:4; 44:8; 46:10; Eccl. 12:1; Isa. 26:3; John 1:14
• The House of G0d—1 Chron. 29:3
• The Intervening Work of God—Ex. 13:3; Deut. 7:17-19; 8:2; 24:9; 25:17; 32:7; 1 Sam. 12:24; 1 Chron. 16:12; Job 37:14; Ps. 46:8; 77:5-6; 77:10-12; 78:7; 105:5; 111:4; 119:27; 143:5-6; Eccl. 7:13; Isa. 46:9
• The Latter End—Deut. 32:29; Ps. 73:16-17
• The Mind of Christ—Php. 2:5; 4:8; Col. 3:1-2
• The Name of God—Ps. 20:7; Isa. 40:9; 46:9; Mal. 3:16
• Nature—Job 12:7-10; Ps. 8:3-4; Prov. 6:6; Matt. 6:26; 6:28-29; Luke 12:24; 12:27
• Personal Lifestyle—Ps. 119:59; Prov. 4:26; Haggai 1:5; 1:7; Gal. 6:1; 2 John 8
• Personal Responsibilities—1 Tim. 4:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:7; 2 John 8
• The Scriptures—Num. 15:38-40; Deut. 6:6; 11:18; Josh. 1:8; 1:13; 1 Chron. 16:12; Ps. 1:2; 37:31; 40:8; 103:17-18; 112:1; 119:11; 119:15-16; 119:18; 119:23-24; 119:27; 119:35-36; 119:47-48; Prov. 2:1-2; 2:5; 3:3-4; 4:4; 4:20-21; 7:1-3; Mal. 4:4; Rom. 7:22; Col. 3:16; Jude 17
• Experience of Salvation—Deut. 5:15; 15:15; 16:12; 24:18
• Ways of God—Ps. 119:15
Times of Meditation
• Day—Ps. 119:97
• Early in Life—Eccl. 12:1
• Night—Ps. 63:6; 77:5-6; 119:148
• Sabbath—Ex. 20:8
Warnings against Forgetting God
• Deut. 4:9-10
• Deut. 4:23
• Deut. 9:7
• Neh. 9:16-17
• Job 8:13
Philip Harrelson
April 29, 2013
