Christ in the Old

Testament...

This week - 7th June 15

Priesthood & Garments

The symbolism in the colours

Colour Symbolism

Gold Deity & the Divine. Purity.

Blue Heavenly. Priesthood.

Purple Royalty. Mediation

Red Earthy. Man (humanity). Sin. Blood sacrifice & atonement.

White Righteousness. Humility.

The Priestly Garments

Garment Material & Colour

Tunic Turban & Sash White Linen

Robe of the Ephod Blue seamless fabric

Ephod & Band Gold, Blue, Purple & Red woven fabric

Breast-piece of Judgement Gold, Blue, Purple & Red woven fabric.

Crown plate Gold

Precious Stones

So what are the precious stones in the Breast-piece all about?

The precious stones represent the 12 tribes of Israel.

We understand their unique historical identity & significance from a combination of the following….

•The Hebrew meaning of the name of the tribe (which is the name of the corresponding son of Jacob with 3 exceptions).

•The Hebrew meaning of the name of the precious stone.

•The blessing that Jacob spoke over his sons in Genesis 49.

•The blessing that Moses spoke over the tribe in Deut 33

•The historical behaviour, prophecies & exploits recorded for the tribe in the rest of the Old testament.

You have to do your homework!

Precious Stones

The first 4 sons of Israel (Jacob) born of Leah…

Name Hebrew meaning

Reuben Behold a Son

Simeon Listen

Levi Joined to

Judah The praise of God

A Gospel message in itself!

Behold Christ the Son of God….Listen to Him…Be joined to Him…For He (Jesus) is the One whom the LORD delights in.

Precious Stones – in God ordained order as they appear on the Breast-piece (right-to-left from the top as is Hebrew custom)

Tribe Characteristics

Judah The Hebrew for this stone = red (Ruby?) It is a derivative of “Adam”, which also means red because Man was formed out of the soil.Speaks of Jesus as Son of Man and His Blood Sacrifice.

Issachar Issachar means recompense or reward (for labour). The golden yellow stone Topaz originates on a small fog bound island in the red sea – difficult to find – was a reward for diligent seeking. Type of the Intercessor – seeking face of God.

Zebulun = exalted. Stone (Emerald?) known for its brilliance. Jesus – Light of the World. Let your light shine.

Reuben Reuben = behold a son. A turquoise sea-green glistening stone (Emerald?). In our storm-tossed lives – God says “Behold my Son” - Comforter.

Simeon = Listen or hear. Type of the Prophet/Intercessor.

Gad = troop – a valiant warrior. Diamond stone known for its hardness. Type of the Prayer Warrior.

Precious Stones – in God ordained order as they appear on the Breast-piece (right-to-left from the top as is Hebrew custom)

Tribe Characteristics

Ephraim = double fruitfulness in times of hardship

Manasseh = causing to forget. Stone = Agate – a hard semi-translucent stone that has to be split in two to reveal its variegated beauty.

Benjamin = son of my right hand. Stone of amethyst quartz – a purple stone of dreams. A much loved son. A zealous warrior tribe.

Dan A judge – one who procures justice or vengeance – taking the law into own hands. Beryl yellow stone means to break or subdue.

Asher = Blessed & fullness. Stone is Onyx – blanched nail like in appearance. Type of a long full life.

Naphtali = My wrestling & strife. Jasper – polish stone clear as crystal of various colours. Wrestling that leads to freedom and finally resting.