Exodus 28:38: “It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 28:38 describes the significance of the gold plate inscribed with “HOLY TO THE LORD” that the high priest Aaron was to wear on his forehead. This plate symbolized Aaron’s role in bearing the guilt associated with the sacred offerings made by the Israelites. By wearing this plate, Aaron acted as a mediator between the people and God, ensuring that their offerings were acceptable to the Lord, despite any imperfections or unintentional faults in their gifts.
The verse emphasizes the continual nature of this responsibility—Aaron was to wear the plate “continually,” signifying the ongoing nature of his role as high priest. The presence of the gold plate on his forehead served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness and purity in worship and underscored the high priest’s vital role in ensuring that the people’s offerings were pleasing to God.
Historical Context
The instructions given in Exodus 28 were part of a broader set of guidelines for the construction of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests. These instructions were given to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Israelites had been delivered from Egypt. The high priest’s garments, including the gold plate on his forehead, were designed to reflect the sacredness of his duties and the need for continual intercession on behalf of the people.
In the ancient Near East, priests often bore symbols of their authority and the divine favor they sought to mediate. The gold plate worn by Aaron was unique in that it bore a direct message from God—”HOLY TO THE LORD”—signifying that the high priest himself, and by extension the people, were set apart for God’s purposes. The concept of bearing guilt was also significant, as it underscored the high priest’s role in atoning for the sins and imperfections of the people’s offerings.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 28:38 highlights the concept of mediation and atonement in the relationship between God and His people. Aaron’s role as high priest involved bearing the guilt associated with the people’s offerings, making them acceptable to God. This verse underscores the idea that human offerings and worship, while sincere, are imperfect and in need of mediation to be acceptable to a holy God.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of holiness in worship. The inscription “HOLY TO THE LORD” on the gold plate served as a constant reminder that the high priest, and the people he represented, were to approach God with reverence and purity. Holiness was not just a requirement for the high priest but a standard that the entire community was called to uphold.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 28:38 is a verse that combines both symbolic and practical elements. The gold plate on Aaron’s forehead serves as a powerful symbol of his role as mediator, bearing the guilt of the people’s offerings. The repetition of the word “continually” highlights the ongoing nature of this responsibility, indicating that the high priest’s role was not limited to specific rituals but was a continuous obligation.
The placement of the plate on Aaron’s forehead is significant as well. The forehead, being a visible and prominent part of the body, symbolizes the public and representative nature of the high priest’s role. The inscription “HOLY TO THE LORD” being placed there serves as a visible declaration of the high priest’s consecration and his role in ensuring that the people’s worship was acceptable to God.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible expand on the themes found in Exodus 28:38:
- Leviticus 16:21-22: Describes the scapegoat ritual, where the high priest confesses the sins of Israel over the goat, symbolically transferring the people’s guilt, similar to how Aaron bore the guilt of the people’s offerings.
- Isaiah 53:6: Speaks of the Messiah bearing the iniquity of us all, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation and atonement made by Jesus Christ.
- Hebrews 9:11-12: Describes Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who entered the Most Holy Place once for all, obtaining eternal redemption, highlighting the fulfillment of the high priest’s role in Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 28:38 serves as a reminder of the need for mediation and atonement in our relationship with God. Just as Aaron bore the guilt of the Israelites’ offerings, making them acceptable to God, believers today rely on Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who bears our sins and makes us acceptable before God. This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness of our worship and the need for holiness in our approach to God.
The verse also encourages believers to recognize the continuous nature of Christ’s intercession on our behalf. Just as Aaron wore the gold plate “continually,” signifying ongoing mediation, Jesus continually intercedes for us, ensuring that we are always accepted by God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 28:38 reflects God’s love in providing a way for His people’s offerings to be accepted despite their imperfections. By establishing the high priest as a mediator who bore the guilt of the people’s offerings, God showed His desire to maintain a relationship with His people, even though they were flawed. This verse demonstrates God’s deep care for His people, providing a means for their worship to be acceptable to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest. Unlike Aaron, who had to bear the guilt of the people’s offerings continually, Jesus bore our sins once and for all on the cross, making a perfect and final atonement. In Hebrews 7:24-25, it is explained that Jesus lives forever and has a permanent priesthood, meaning He continually intercedes for us, ensuring that we are always acceptable to God.
In Christ, the symbolism of the high priest’s role and the gold plate is fulfilled. Jesus, who is holy and blameless, bears our sins and mediates between us and God, making us holy in God’s sight.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Aaron’s role in bearing the guilt of the people’s offerings challenge you to think about the seriousness of your own worship and relationship with God?
- In what ways can you strive to live a life that reflects the holiness that God desires from His people?
- How does understanding Jesus as our ultimate High Priest, who continually intercedes for us, influence your relationship with Him?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your worship and offerings to God are acceptable, reflecting a heart that is consecrated to Him?