In the pouch formed by the front and back of the breastplate were placed what was called the U'rim and Thum'mim. No description is given, and whether these words represented material objects, or simply the He'brew terms for "lights and perfections," is not known. They seem to have been a sign to Is'ra-el of God's solemn promise to send information for every need in answer to the prayer of the High Priest.
Worn over his heart, this article of dress reminded both Aa'ron and the people of the loving care which he must always have for the nation, of the fact that he represented the people before God, and of the duty of faithfully reporting the will of God to Is'ra-el at all times.
The turban or Mi'tre worn by Aa'ron on his head was made of fine linen, with a gold band encircling the front on which was inscribed "Holiness to the LORD." Crowned with this diadem symbolic of purity and majesty, the High Priest was constantly reminded of his complete consecration to God, and the people were reminded of the holiness which they must always seek.
Thus we see that even the splendid garments worn by the High Priest had a spiritual meaning in keeping with the purposes of God in founding the whole priestly system of ancient Is'ra-el.
How wonderfully do all these sublime provisions made for the High Priest of Is'ra-el point to our great High Priest at the right hand of God, who:
"Exalted high at God's right hand,
And LORD of all below;
Through Him is pardoning love dispensed,
And boundless blessings flow.
The Tabernacle having been completed, the High Priest and his assistants having been provided with suitable garments, Aa'ron and his sons were set apart to their offices by a special service of consecration. They were washed thoroughly, and then anointed with holy oil; this was a symbol of peace, indicating the grace imparted to them by the LORD, and through them to all Is'ra-el. There was also the offering of burnt sacrifices to the LORD, and the sprinkling of blood upon the priests, signs which pointed to the nature of the ministry to which Aa'ron and his sons had been Divinely appointed.
All these rites and ceremonies clearly signify the absolute necessity for thorough sanctification of heart and life for worshippers of God:
"No spot or wrinkle on their holy brow,
No film upon their robes of dazzling white,
Most beautiful, most glorious; every saint
HOLY in individual HOLINESS."
