GLEANINGS IN EXODUS

LESSON 33

THE CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS (Cont.)

– By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: Ex. 29:45————Lesson: Ex. 29:26-46

Three animal sacrifices have been brought before the Lord. The first a “bullock” for “a sin offering” v.14. The second a “ram” for “an offering made by fire unto the Lord” v.18. The third a second “ram” for “consecration” v. 22. Portions of this “ram of consecration” shall be for a “wave offering” and a “heave offering” unto the Lord and also for a portion for the priests to partake of.

I. THE PRIEST’S PORTION FOR FOOD. v. 26-34

A. The Ram Of Consecration. v. 19-22; Lev. 8:22-29

The ram of consecration is used to fill the hands of Aaron and his sons. With their hands filled with the portion designated, they wave it before the Lord as a sign that all else had been fulfilled: the putting on of the priestly garments; the anointing with oil; the identification with the sin offering, etc.

B. The Portion Of The Ram Used. v. 26-28; Lev. 7:31-34

1. The breast for a wave offering. v. 26

a. At this time it was Moses’ part. Remember Moses’ God-given position. Ex. 4:16

b. Later this was to be Aaron’s and his sons. Lev. 7:31, And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.

2. The shoulder a wave offering. v. 27

3. A continuous statute for the priesthood. v. 28

C. The Holy Garments For Aaron’s Replacement. v. 29-30

1. Continuous fellowship demands proper adornment.

2. The next priest would also need to be anointed, consecrated. v.29

3. All this is a must “to minister in the holy place.” v. 30

4. God expects believers to be clothed in the holy garments Jesus’ righteousness when we come to worship Him. This means that we must have the imputed righteousness of Christ, and separated to God. Rom. 4:22-24, And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.

D. The Priests Feasting. v. 31-34; Lev. 8:31

1. The preparation and the place. v. 31-32

a. Typical of true fellowship with the Lord.

b. The bread of life. John 6:35, And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:48-51, I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

2. The people who could not partake. v. 33. The stranger could not eat, just as unsaved people cannot partake of Christ, until they are saved.

3. The process to follow. v. 34

a. The place to be eaten. At the door of the Tabernacle. v. 33

b. All must either be consumed or burned with fire. v. 34

c. All of this service was associated with the brazen altar which is a type of the cross.

II. THE COMPLETE CONSECRATION. v. 35-37

1. Seven is the number of spiritual perfection. In the repetition of these ordinances we see a completion of the consecration of the priests. v. 35

2. God requires the sin offering for atonement, and cleansing the altar. v. 36-37. The cleansed altar speaks of our altar, the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 13:10, 15, We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

3. All of this was necessary to represent the true pattern. The requirements of God must not be taken lightly. Heb. 8:1-2, Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Heb. 9:24, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

4. They were to do this for seven days, and seven speaks of completion. Christ’s people are to be completely consecrated to Him. Col. 2:10, And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

5. We must worship God in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

III. THE REGULAR REPRESENTATION. v. 38-42

A. The Daily Offering. v. 38

1. It was a definite requirement. “thou shalt offer.”

2. It was a daily requirement. “day by day continually”

3. It was a designated requirement. “lambs of the first year”

B. One Lamb Every Morning And One Every Evening. v. 39-41

1. A regular and orderly service. I Tim. 3:14-15, These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. They started each day with a lamb, and they ended each day with a lamb. We should start the day and end the day in communion with our “Lamb.” John 1:36, And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

2. An offering of “sweet savour” unto the Lord. Eph. 5:1-2.

3. The lamb is a type of Christ, and the flour represents the grain of wheat that was crushed and died for our sins. John 12:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat (Christ) fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

4. The wine speaks of joy, and of the joy of the Father in His Son. Jud. 9:13, And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? Psa. 104:15, And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart. Matt. 3:17, And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

5. God wants His people to be joyful. I John 1:4, And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. Phil. 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

C. A Continual Burnt Offering. v. 42

1. The people; “throughout your generations.”

2. The place: “before the Lord.”

3. The purpose: “where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.” Heb. 10:19-25, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

4. God meets with His people in the local church. Matt. 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

IV. THE AFFIRMED ASSURANCE. v. 43-46

A. The Sanctified Place. v. 43-44

1. God sanctified and appointed a place for them to meet.

2. A sanctified priest to do service.

3. It was sanctified by God’s glory.

B. The Sanctified People. v. 44

1. The Altar for sacrifice.

2. Aaron and his sons for service.

C. The Certified Promise. v. 45-46; Ex. 25:8

1. God’s presence. “dwell among them.” v. 45.

2. God’s protection. “be their God.” v. 45.

3. God’s providential Presence. v. 46.

4. God has led them out of Egypt that He “may dwell among them” and be “the Lord their God.”

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What were the three animals that were brought for offerings in the first part of this chapter and give their place in the sacrifice?

2. What was the purpose of the ram of consecration?

3. What does the feasting of the priests typify?

4. Who was not allowed to participate in this feasting?

5. Where was this feasting to take place?

6. What does the number seven mean?

7. How many days was the consecration of the priests to be continued?

8. What animals were to be sacrificed daily?

9. What was God’s divine promise to the children of Israel when the service was completed?

LESSON 32

THE CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: Ex. 29:25————Lesson: Ex. 29:1-25

The consecration of the priests and its connection with the offerings is recorded in Leviticus in greater detail. Here we have the basic instructions given. All believers are priests. Rev. 1:5-6

I. OFFERINGS TO HALLOW THE PRIESTS. v. 1

“Hallow” is from the Hebrew word “qadash” and means to make, pronounce or observe clean ceremonially or morally. Used first in Ex. 20:11, “…the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

A. One Young Bullock & Two Rams. v. 1. Lev. 8:2

1. To prepare the priests to minister.

2. These must have no blemish. I Pet. 1:19, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

B. The Bread, Cakes, Oil & Wafers. v. 2-3

1. Leaven is a type of sin. Matt. 16:6, 12, Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

2. Tempered with oil (Mingled or overflowed with.)

3. Anointed with oil. (Holy Spirit)

II. THE HIGH PRIEST AND HIS SONS. v. 4-9

A. The Washing Of The Priests. v. 4

1. Aaron considered alone is a type of Christ and clean. Jesus needed no washing, cleansing, but He submitted to baptism. Heb. 7:26-28, For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

2. Water is symbolic of the Word of God. Titus 3:5, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Eph. 5:25-27, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

3. The consecration of the priest meant entire dedication to his office. Rom. 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

4. Aaron in association with his sons typify believers.

a. Only the saved can occupy the place of priests.

b. Begotten and cleansed by the Word. James 1:18, Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. I Pet. 1:23, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

B. The Installation Of The Priests. v. 5-9

1. The installation of Aaron. v. 5-7; Lev. 8:1-12.

a. Aaron alone typifies Christ …with his sons, the priestly family in service to God. He was consecrated first.

b. Aaron separated to serve. Heb. 7:26.

c. Aaron was anointed with oil, a type of the Holy Spirit, after being arrayed and before service. v.7. Matt. 3:13-17, Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2. The installation of Aaron’s sons. v.8-9.

a. It was for a “perpetual” service. v.9. So also should believers live a consecrated life before our Lord Jesus and the world. Matt. 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

b. The priest’s office worthy of their consecration and dedication.

3. Notice the Divine order in the installation process. They were born (v. 4); bathed (v. 4); clothed (v. 5); crowned (v. 6); anointed (v. 7); and consecrated (v. 9).

III. THE SACRIFICE OF THE SIN OFFERING. v. 10-14

A. A Bullock is Presented. v. 10

1. The sin offering needed because they were sinners. v. 14

2. Typifies Christ bearing the sins of is own. I Pet. 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

3. The priests places their hands on the head of the sacrifice. (This represented their identification with the sacrifice.)

4. The sacrifice represents Aaron and his sons. II Cor. 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

B. The Bullock Sacrificed. v. 11

1. Death is the penalty of sin. Rom. 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. James 1:15, Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2. The sacrifice took the place of Aaron and his sons. Isa. 53:5-6, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

C. The Blood Applied. v. 12

1. The blood upon the horns. (Horns represent power.)

a. Represents the power of an endless life. Heb. 7:15-16, And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

b. The life is in the blood. Lev. 17:11-14

2. The life of the sacrifice was offered instead of Aaron and his sons.

D. The Burning Of The Inwards And Fat. v. 13

1. Typifies judgment upon sin.

2. Also that Christ on the cross was complete in obedience. Phil. 2:8.

E. The Burning Of The Flesh. v. 14

1. It was without the gate. Heb. 13:11-12; Isa. 53:3-4.

2. The guilt of Aaron and his sons upon the sacrifice. I Pet. 3:18

IV. THE BURNT OFFERINGS. v. 15-18; v. 1

A. Identification With The Ram Offering. v. 15

B. Preparation Of The First Ram. v. 16-17

1. The blood here was to be sprinkled. v.16

2. Life presented to God.

3. The entire sacrifice is offered. v.17

C. The Offering A Sweet Savour. v. 18. Eph. 5:2; II Cor. 2:15

V. THE RAM OF CONSECRATION. v. 19-25, v. 1

A. Once Again Identification. v. 19.

B. The Priests Consecration. v. 20-21

1. Completely set apart for service. II Cor. 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. I Cor. 6:17, But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

God’s people are not called to cleanse Sodom, but to come out of her.

2. The ear for attention for hearing. Heb. 4:12, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

a. Our hearing does not belong to ourselves. Matt. 3:19; Rev. 2:7, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

b. It is dangerous to listen to the wrong things. Mark 4:24, …Take heed what ye hear…. Luke 8:18, Take heed therefore how ye hear….

3. The hand set apart for working. I Chron. 29:5, The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

4. The foot set apart for walking. Col. 1:10, That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

a. As a separated consecrated people we are glorify Christ in all that we do. Gal. 6:14, But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

b. We are separated by the gospel and the call of the Spirit. Eph. 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

5. Note the steps taken in preparing the priests.

a. Wash with water. v. 4

b. Sprinkle with blood. v. 20

c. Anoint with oil. v.21. Sealed.

C. The Wave Offering. v. 22-25

1. A part of the ram, bread, cake, wafer. v. 23. A consecration of every portion typifying the devotion of Christ’s life.

2. It was placed in the hands of Aaron and his sons. v. 24.

3. It was in turn to be presented and received as a burnt offering, a sweet smelling savour. v. 25

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Of what is the water a type?

2. Of whom is Aaron a type when taken alone?

3. What does the laying on of hands represent?

4. What does the sin offering being burned without the camp represent?

5. What was the sin offering?

6. What was the offering of consecration?

LESSON 31

THE PRIEST AND HIS GARMENTS (Continued)

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: Ex. 28:29————Lesson: Ex. 28:22-43

III. THE BREASTPLATE. v. 15-30 (Continued from last week)

The chains of gold (v. 14) on the ephod, and the chains of gold on the breastplate (v. 22) were used to bind these parts of the high priest’s garments together, A part of the accessaries were the rings of gold to which they were attached. Gold speaks of divinity, and so the chains of love that come from Christ, bind us together upon His heart.

B. The Breastplate United With The Ephod. v. 22-28

1. A complex part of the ephod, girdle, shoulder-stones. v. 22-25. The breastplate was the costliest and most important part of the garments for the high priest.

2. The same interwoven materials. v.15, 6, 8

3. The positioning of the breastplate. v. 26-28. It was positioned and bound to the ephod in such a way that the two could not be separated..

C. The Breastplate Worn Upon The Heart. v. 29-30

1. The breastplate was attached to the shoulders for strength. Isa. 26:4. “Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”

2. It was upon the heart speaks of Strength and joy.

a. This is mentioned 3 times in v. 29-30. The high priest is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. The precious stones, are a type of the saved ones, who are borne up to the Father by Christ.

b. It was a continual memorial.

c. God’s grace, mercy and love binds us to His heart securely.

(1) This ensures that all things will work together for our good. Rom. 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

(2) It sustains our high calling. Phil. 3:14, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

(3) The breastplate kept the stones from falling. Jude 24, Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. John 10:28, And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

3. The breastplate contained the Urim & Thummim. v. 30

a. We have little explanation about this.

b. The secret things belong to God. Deut. 29:29, The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

c. They are mentioned seven times: Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Num. 27:21; Deut. 33:8; 1 Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63

d. In some manner they were used to receive information from God. (Exactly how is a mystery.) We now have God’s Word to reveal to us the will of God. II Pet. 1:19, We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

e. The position of the breastplate could not shift. So also is the position of the redeemed upon the heart of the Saviour.

4. The names. v. 30. We believe they were two objects.

a. Urim means “lights.” A type of Christ. John 1:5, 9. John 8:12, Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

b. Thummin means “perfections.” A type of Christ the perfect one. Rom. 9:5, Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Luke 1:35, … that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. John 7:46, The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

c. They were both used in some way to determine the will of God. Num. 27:21, And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. I Sam. 28:6, And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

d. It is through Christ and His Word that we know the will of God. Heb. 1:1-3, God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person…. John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

e. Their origin. Moses was not told to “make,” them but to “place” them. The were placed in pouches in the breastplate behind the twelve stones.

IV. THE ROBE. v. 31-35

A. Its Color And Strength. v. 31-32

1. “All of blue,” speaks of heaven.

2. It appears to be seamless, with a hole for the head. This reminds us of the one piece garment of Christ. John 19:23-24, Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also [his] coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

3. “Habergeon,” speaks of strength. It was there so that the garment would not split around the hole for the head and neck.

B. Pomegranates And Bells Upon The Hem. v. 33-35

1. Pomegranates of blue, purple, & scarlet hung between bells of gold. 33-34

a. A cushion to prevent discord.

b. Represents a perfect fruit in the midst of active service.

2. Alternating golden bells. v. 34.

3. The purpose of the bells. v. 35.

a. “Upon Aaron to minister.” Identification.

b. “His sound shall be heard.” Manifestation.

c. “When he goeth in …cometh.” Administration.

d. “That he die not.” Continuation. If the bells had stopped ringing his work would not be finished, and he would have died.

4. Pomegranates-fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

5. Golden bells-testimony connected with fruit.

V. THE MITRE. v. 36-38

A. The Plate of Gold. v. 36. “Holiness to the Lord.”

1. A constant reminder of the incomparable God. Ex. 15:11.

2. “When Aaron stood before the Lord clothed in his magnificently glorious and beautiful garments, the Lord looked at that plate flashing forth holiness unto His name and accepted the people in their priest in all the moral beauty and ceremonial righteous which he displayed and represented.” I. M. Haldeman

3. The holiness of God on the head, guided all his work.

B. Worn Upon The Forehead. v. 37-38

1. An emblem of acceptance before God. v.38. Heb. 12:28-29, …let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.

2. Aaron, the figure of Christ, was to wear this to bear “the iniquity of the holy things.” II Cor. 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Eph. 1:4, According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

VI. THE BROIDERED COAT. v. 39

A. A Woven Work Of Fine Linen. Ex. 39:27

1. This is the same word for coat as is used in Gen. 3:21.

2. It was made of fine twined linen which represents righteousness.

B. The Mitre And Girdle. v. 39

1. The mitre was a linen cloth wound around the head of the high priest as a turban.

2. The girdle was worn around the waist to bind his garments together.

C. Summary of the Teaching of the Garments for Glory and Beauty.

1. Linen coat and breechesthe Sinless One.

2. Linen girdlethe Serving One.

3. Robe of the ephodthe Heavenly and Gracious One.

4. The ephodthe Human and Divine One.

5. Shoulder piecesthe Strengthening and Sustaining One.

6. Breastplatethe Loving One.

7. Mitrethe Obedient One.

8. The golden platethe Holy One.

VII. THE ORDINARY GARMENTS OF THE PRIEST. v. 40-43

A. For Glory And Beauty. v. 40

1. One of the sons of Aaron would one day be the high priest.

2. These sons were to wear the garments for glory and beauty.

B. For Service And Identification. v. 41

1. They were to be anointed, consecrated and sanctified. The consecration of the priests is presented in Lev. 8.

2. This is a picture of what believer priests are to be today. Without it we cannot successfully minister unto God.

C. For Modesty And Covering. v. 42

God always requires modest.

D. For A Statute To Follow. (For them and their posterity.)

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Other than the twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, what else did the breastplate contain?

2. What was attached to the hem of the robe?

3. What was the purpose for this?

4. Where were these words worn, “Holiness to the Lord?”

LESSON 30

THE PRIEST AND HIS GARMENTS

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verse: Ex. 28:3————Lesson: Ex. 28:1-21

Exodus 25-30 gives the details of the Tabernacle. Two chapters (28-29) are devoted to instructions concerning the priest, his garments, and his consecration. The Tabernacle without the priesthood would be less than complete.

The priests number one responsibility was to minister unto the Lord. See v. 1, 3, 4, 41, Ex. 29:1; 30:30; 40:13-15. While it was true that they ministered to the people, their first priority was to minister unto God. God must always come first. As a royal priesthood, the people of God are to put Him first. John 21:17, He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. I Pet. 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

The priesthood, their garments and their duties should never be used to try to justify the sacerdotalism and ritualism that is practiced in some denominations today. These things in the Old Testament were … a figure for the time then present….imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands…. (Heb. 9:9-11) These were only …a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things…. (Heb. 10:1) These old rituals were sign posts that pointed to the coming work of Jesus Christ. They have been done away with by the Holy work of Christ. Heb 9:24-25, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others.

I. AARON, HIS SONS, AND THE GARMENTS. v. 1-4

A. Aaron A Type of Christ.

1. Aaron a figure of Christ. Heb. 8:1-6, Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

a. Aaron was high priest and his sons priests under him.

b. Christ is our High Priest and we shall reign with Him. Rev. 1:6, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev. 5:10, And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev. 20:6, Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

2. Aaron’s priesthood in contrast to Christ’s.

a. Aaron was of Levi – Christ of Judah.

b. Aaron was a priest after the order of man – Christ after the order of Melchisedec. Heb. 7:5-11. See Heb. 7:1-28

B. Aaron’s Sons. v. 1

1. Nadab and Abihu – disobedient sons. Lev. 10:1-3, And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

2. Eleazar and Ithamar – obedient sons. Num. 3:4, And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.

C. The Garments Of The Priest. v. 2-4

Lev. 8:7-9, And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

1. The preparation and purpose of the garments. v.2-3.

a. They gave the priests dignity, glory and honour. v. 2. This set them apart and gave them identification.

b. They revealed spiritual truths in relation to their ministry.

c. The priests would die if they did not wear them as they came into the presence of the Lord. v. 35, 43

2. Garments to minister in. v. 4

II. THE EPHOD. v. 5-14

A. The Material Used. v. 5-6

1. The high priest wore seven pieces of clothing. (1) Undergarments, v. 42-43; (2) A white inner robe, v. 39; 39:27; Lev. 8:6-7; (3) A blue over that with bells and pomegranates on the hem, v. 31-35; (4) The ephod a sleeveless garment of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet, held together by a jeweled clasp on each shoulder, v. 6-8; 39:1-5; Lev. 8:7; (5) a girdle at the waist, v. 8; (6) a jeweled breastplate on the ephod, v. 9-30; (7) a white linen mitre (turbin) with a golden plate on it that said “holiness to the Lord,” v. 39

2. The ephod was a kind of apron made of “gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.”

3. The gold speaks of Divine. Ex. 39:2-3, And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

4. Blue heavenly; purple royalty; scarlet sacrifice; linen righteousness.

B. The Shoulder pieces And Girdle Of The Ephod. v. 7-8

C. The Onyx Stones Engraved. v. 9-12

1. These stones fastened the front to the back. v. 7

2. They bore the names of the tribes of Israel. v. 9-11

a. Six names on one, six names on the other. v.10

b. According to their birth, set in gold ouches. v.11.

3. The stones were placed on the shoulders. v.12.

a. Aaron bore these names before the Lord.

b. So also the Lord Jesus bears his sheep. Luke 15:4-5, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

c. Our High Priest bears our names before the Lord.

4. Notice that the names were “engraved” in the stones. v. l l.

D. The Chains Of Gold. v. 13-14; 22-25

III. THE BREASTPLATE. v. 15-21

A. The Breastplate Of Judgment. v. 15-21

1. The material used. v. 15.

2. The shape and size. v. 16.

3. The inset stones and the names of Israel. According to tribe. v.21. Numbers 10

a. Each stone was precious. v.18-20. Psa. 116:15, Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

b. Precious because of the price. I Pet. 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

c. The names on the onyx stones for the shoulders, so that he might bear the children of Israel up before the Lord. The stones in the breastplate representing the twelve tribes, shows that they were upon his heart. The Lord Jesus bears our names upon His shoulders, but He also bears us upon His heart.

d. We as believer priests are to bear God’s children upon our hearts. I John 4:18, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. Phil. 1:7, Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Name Aaron’s four sons?

2. What are the six basic parts of the priests garments?

3. How were the names of Israel arranged on the onyx stones?

4. How were they arranged on the breastplate?

5. How was the breastplate united with the ephod?

6. What was the first obligation of the priests, and how does this apply to us as believer priests today?

7. Why do we not need priests, beautiful garments, and rituals today?

LESSON 29

THE BRAZEN ALTAR, THE COURT, & THE OIL

By E. L. Bynum, Pastor

Memory Verses Ex. 27:20 (N.W. 28:3)————Lesson Ex. 27:1-21

I. THE ALTAR OF BRASS. V. 1-8

The word “altar” makes us think of worship. Here it is the Hebrew word “mizbeach” and means slaughter place. It is a place of humility, submission and sacrifice.

In our study of the tabernacle, we now move from the inside to the outside, but inside the fence that surrounded it. Once inside the gate of the fence, you would come first to the brazen altar. Ex. 39:6; 40:33. It was the place of sacrifice and where the burnt offerings were made. It stands for the cross where Jesus was crucified. You could not enter the tabernacle without coming by the brazen altar. The fire was ever burning on it, ready for any sinner to bring his sacrifice. It was here where God met with His people.

A. The Material and Shape. v. 1-2

1. Made from acacia wood; typifying our Lord’s sinless humanity. v. 1. A desert tree in a dry land. Isa. 53:2, For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

2. Covered with brass, v. 2. (Speaks of judgment.)

a. Figuratively, that which is common and vile. II Cor. 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

(1) First brass made by the descendants of Cain. Gen. 4:22

(2) Samson bound with fetters of brass. Judges 16:21

(3) Zedekiah bound with fetters of brass. II Kings 5:27

(4) Goliath’s helmet and amour made of brass. I Sam. 17:5-6

(5) David refused to wear Saul’s amour of brass. I Sam. 17:38

b. As opposed to that which is considered more pure as silver and gold.

c. Moses made the serpent of brass. Num. 21:9, And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. John 3:14, And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.

3. The size, shape and the horns. v. 1-2

a. Three cubits high. The number of the divine trinity. (4 ½ feet)

b. Five cubits long and broad. The number of grace. (7 ½ feet)

c. Four horns on the four corners. The number of the earth. Salvation available to the four corners of the earth. Rev. 7:1, And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth …. Matt. 28:19, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

B. The Vessels And Grate. v. 3-5

1. The vessels were needful to implement the sacrifice, v. 3

2. The grate of woven brass. v. 4

3. The grate was positioned in the midst of “the altar.”

4. The pans were for the receiving of the ashes.

5. Note that all these items were made of brass and this represents judgment.

C. The Staves. v. 7-8

1. The staves were to make it portable. No matter where a person may go, he still needs the sacrifice.

2. All made according to the pattern. Ex. 25:40

D. Types Seen In The Brazen Altar.

1. It was called the altar of burnt offering. Ex. 30:28

2. This burnt offering was a “sweet savour” unto the Lord. Lev. 1:9; Eph, 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3. An offering that satisfied the God of heaven. Isa. 53:11, He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

4. This altar was made by the hands of men according to God’s pattern. Ex. 25:40. Acts 2:23, Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.

5. A place of sacrifice and fire.

II. THE COURT OF THE TABERNACLE. v. 9-19

A. The North And South Side. v. 9-11

1. The court was always to face the east. v. 13. Num. 3:38, But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

a. The fence was to keep anyone from entering the wrong way.

b. There was only one way, and that was through the gate and by the altar.

c. The only way to get to God, is through Christ the door, and the cross. John 10:9, I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

2. The hangings of fine linen, v. 9

a. Linen represents the righteous of Christ. I Cor. 1:30, But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

b. Also the imputed righteous of the saints. II Cor. 5:21. Rev. 19:8, And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

3. The pillars, sockets and fillets. v. 11-12

a. The pillars held up the linen (righteousness).

b. The fillets of silver (redemption) stationed the pillars at right intervals.

c. Each pillar was properly positioned with another by the fillets of silver. Eph. 2:21-22, In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

4. There were 60 pillars which is man’s number. It is man’s sin that shuts him out. Sixty is a multiple of five, the number of grace. Through the gate and by the altar there was a way in for all.

B. The West And East Sides. v. 12-15

The Hebrew word that is translated “east” in v. 13, and is translated “forward” in Job 23:8.

C. The Gate Eastward. v. 16-17; Num. 3:38

1. Hangings of 20 cubits; blue, purple, scarlet and linen (white). v. 16

a. “Wrought” with needle work. v. 16. Psa. 139:15, My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Here David speaks of his body being “curiously wrought” (embroidered). Heb. 10:5, Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.

b. The gate was according to the pattern also.

2. The “way” of entrance. John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 10:7-9, Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

3. The “gate” (Christ Jesus) permitted entrance within the court of “linen” (God’s righteousness), that once kept him without.

D. The Court Dimension, v. 18-19

1. 50 cubits wide; 100 cubits long; 5 cubits high.

I Pet. 4:10, As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

2. Remember that five is the number of grace. All of these dimensions are multiples of 5. This represents the manifold grace of God.

3. The pins and cords of the court for strength and stabilization, Ex, 35:17-18

4. The vessels were all made of brass. v. 19. This reveals that there is no way to God without judgment.

III. THE OIL FOR THE LAMPS. v 20-21. Ex. 25:37; Lev. 24:2-4

A. Oil A Type Of The Holy Spirit. v. 20

1. God’s way of bringing true light into the world. Gen. 1:2-3

2. God’s way of bringing true light into the world. Luke 1:35. John 1:4-5, 7-9, In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

3. The oil was “pure,” “beaten” and eternal, “to burn always.”

4. Without the oil there could be no other service in the Holy Place.

5. The light was the result of the oil and lamp being united.

B. The Relationship Between The Light And Service. v. 21

1. It was performed “before the testimony.”

2. It was a service of Aaron and his sons.

3. It was a “statue” for future generations.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What were the dimensions of the brazen altar?

2. What do the following typify? The wood; brass; the number five.

3. The burnt offering was a “_____________” unto the Lord.

4. All things pertaining to the altar was to be made according to what?

5. Give the dimensions of the court.

6. What direction did it face?

7. On what side was the gate?

8. How does the gate typify Christ?

9. Give the meaning of the oil and where the oil came from?