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February 19, 2014

The Crown of the High Priest


The Jewish high priest wore a golden crown with the words "Holiness to the Lord" engraven upon it (see Exodus 28:36-38). The crown was not like a traditional royal crown (going all the way around the head and covering the top) but instead was a small plate that was held on by two blue straps tied in the back. According to Jewish tradition, the crown was two fingerbreadths wide and went from ear to ear (Temple Institute).

The Bible states, "It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD." (Exodus 28:38 ESV).

From this verse it seems to indicate that the crown made the high priest holy, or "set apart" so that he could bear the guilt of the people upon himself. Aaron (and the later high priests) were all sinful (as Christ is the only sinless man ever to live), thus the crown only seems to symbolize that it is through a holy life that one can approach God. Because the high priest was considered "holy" he hallowed, or made holy, the gifts (sacrifices) brought forth by the children of Israel.

From the Bible we learn that Jesus Christ is the true "great High Priest" (see Hebrews 4:14). Just as the high priest went before the Lord to intercede before God, so Jesus the Messiah goes before God and intercedes on our behalf. Jesus was of royal blood (of the lineage of King David), thus the crown represents the royal lineage of Christ as the true King of kings. The words "holiness to the Lord" represent the life the Savior lived. Because of his sinless life, he makes our gifts (or our sacrifices that we bring to the altar of God) become holy, or acceptable to God.

Engraving the Hebrew letters on the back of the crown
The crown of the Jewish high priest
Wearing the crown of the Jewish high priest
The crown with the words, "Holiness to the Lord"
The back with the blue ribbons tied, holding the crown on the head

16 comments:

  1. Particle ManMarch 12, 2014

    To split a linguistic hair:
    Wouldn't Paleo-Hebrew be a closer match than Aramaic, or Modern Hebrew, to the script that was likely used on the engraving?

    To split a theological hair:
    Wouldn't "Aaronic" high priest be more accurate than "Jewish"?

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  2. Yea, you're probably right on both accounts.

    I might be considered an "armchair scholar" and have no credentials when it comes to ancient languages. I wish I spoke/read Aramaic, let alone even modern Hebrew, but alas, I can't. I am well aware that the script I use is incorrect. I just got the letters from a modern Hebrew Bible. We know very little about the high priest clothing, so in actuality, much of my outfit will be incorrect. My purpose is to give a general idea. Maybe one day I will have the resources to make a more accurate outfit.

    In regards to "Jewish" vs. "Aaronic" high priest, yes, it would be a more correct term. However, Jews consider anyone of the twelve tribes as a Jew (assuming their mother is a Jew). Even Jews recognize a Jew with the last name Kohen (priest) as often someone descended from Aaron (even though they would be considered a Jew). Even Wikipedia (which granted is not the best source) says that the high priest "belonged to the Jewish priestly families that trace their paternal line back to Aaron."

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  3. This is wonderful to find as I'm reading Exodus .. thank you so much!

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    1. Glad it was helpful! I assume you also watched my video which goes over the entire outfit? https://youtu.be/mznSvWsv0Xc

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  5. I would love to purchase this along with the full priestly ephod (no garments).just the breast plate of righteousness. ...and the crown

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    1. Sorry, but they are not fore sale. It took over two years for me to make and it was very difficult to purchase a full set of stones. At some point I hope to find a way to make them to sell, but untill I find a better solution on how to make it quicker and more cost effectively, I just won’t be able to offer it. I am happy to help with tips and tricks on how to make your own if you would like help.

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  6. WOW! What a project! I love your outfit, and know that was a lot of work. I was looking for good pictures of the high priest a few years ago, and wish I would have found your site. I was illustrating the Book of Exodus, and had to make some of the props for the pictures myself. I dabbled a bit into trying to make the garments myself, but would have taken me too much time to do that, and still try to get the study guide for Exodus out in time for a group of youth to use it for a Bible quiz. Here is a link to my set of study guides, if you want to see them. I have pictures of what I think the unleavened bread could have been like for Aaron's dedication service, and a recipe, too. http://readyanswers.org/PathfinderBibleExperience/Exodus/index.html Blessings, Shelley Houser

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    1. Rochelle, I’m very impressed with your study guide! I can tell you have put a lot of work into it. And to translate it as well! I’d love to see the clothing you were able to make, and any other pictures of the showbread. You may also be interested in my YouTube channel which has several videos about the Tabernacle and the clothing of the high priest. My contact email is under the About tab on YouTube when viewing from a desktop. Here is a playlist of the videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpjohncRg94Eybiok4oYfZt4VrU7VAW52

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  7. Hi Daniel what is the length and width of the turban?

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    1. Amos, the turban is 152" long and 10" wide. This is after hems.

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    1. Sorry, too much effort to make another one. I thought at one point I might try to sell them, but it just takes too much time, and is not worth they money. I really did it to help teach people. That said, I'm happy to help you make your own. I can give you tips and suggestions on what to do and use if you decide to make one.

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  9. Somebody that does this for sale? Thanks

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