And it will be worn on Aaron's forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD. And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead,This phrase refers to the gold plate, or "holy crown," inscribed with "Holy to the LORD" (Exodus 28:36). The forehead is a prominent and visible part of the body, symbolizing the public and representative role of the high priest. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the forehead was often associated with identity and purpose. Aaron, as the high priest, represents the people before God, and the placement on the forehead signifies the bearing of responsibility and the need for holiness in service. Exo 39:30 They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold,… so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things The high priest's role includes bearing the iniquity or sin associated with the holy things. This concept underscores the imperfection of human offerings and the need for a mediator. The high priest acts as an intercessor, taking on the burden of any impurity or imperfection in the offerings. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who bears the sins of humanity (Hebrews 9:11-12). Num 18:1 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons… that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. The sons of Israel, or the Israelites, are commanded to bring offerings and gifts to God. These gifts, though consecrated, are still tainted by human sinfulness. The high priest's role is to ensure these offerings are acceptable to God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the need for purification and sanctification in worship (Leviticus 16:30). Num 18:19-20 All the holy offerings that the Israelites present… It shall always be on his forehead, The permanence of the gold plate on Aaron's forehead signifies the continuous need for atonement and intercession. The high priest's role is not temporary but an ongoing requirement for the people of Israel. This continuity points to the eternal priesthood of Christ, who intercedes for believers perpetually (Hebrews 7:24-25). Rev 22:4 They will see His face, and His name will be… so that they may be acceptable before the LORD. The ultimate goal of the high priest's actions is to make the people and their offerings acceptable to God. This acceptance is not based on the merit of the offerings themselves but on the mediation of the high priest. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that believers are made acceptable to God through the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Lev 22:19-21 must offer an unblemished male from the cattle… Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is a central figure in the priestly system established by God for the Israelites. 2. Israelites The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people and were given the Law through Moses. 3. Holy Offerings These are the sacrifices and gifts that the Israelites were commanded to bring to God as part of their worship and covenant relationship with Him. 4. Forehead The location where the gold plate, inscribed with "Holy to the LORD," was to be worn by Aaron, symbolizing his role in bearing the guilt of the people. 5. Tabernacle The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness, and where Aaron performed his priestly duties. Teaching Points The Role of the High PriestAaron's role as high priest was to mediate between God and the Israelites, symbolizing the need for a mediator in our relationship with God. Bearing Guilt The concept of bearing guilt points to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Holiness and Acceptance The inscription "Holy to the LORD" signifies the need for holiness in approaching God, reminding us of the call to live holy lives. Continuous Intercession Aaron's continuous wearing of the plate on his forehead symbolizes the ongoing need for intercession, which Christ fulfills eternally. Symbolism of the Forehead The forehead represents the mind and thoughts, reminding us to keep our thoughts and intentions pure before God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Aaron's role as high priest foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest?2. In what ways does the concept of bearing guilt in Exodus 28:38 relate to the sacrificial system described in Leviticus? 3. How can we apply the principle of holiness, as symbolized by the inscription on Aaron's forehead, in our daily lives? 4. What does the continuous nature of Aaron's intercession teach us about the nature of Christ's intercession for us today? 5. How can we ensure that our thoughts and intentions are aligned with God's holiness, as symbolized by the forehead in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 16This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest makes atonement for the sins of the people, similar to Aaron bearing the guilt of the holy offerings. Hebrews 9 This New Testament passage explains how Christ, as our High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, fulfilling the role that Aaron symbolized. Isaiah 53 The suffering servant bears the iniquities of the people, paralleling Aaron's role in bearing the guilt of the Israelites' offerings.
People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Aaron's, Acceptable, Accepted, Always, Bear, Borne, Brow, Committed, Consecrate, Continually, Error, Forehead, Gifts, Guilt, Hallow, Holy, Incurred, Iniquity, Involved, Israelites, Offering, Offerings, Pleasing, Regard, Responsible, Sacred, Sons, WhateverDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:38 6603 acceptance, divine 5154 forehead Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Names on Aaron's Breastplate Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation. Edwards -- Spiritual Light That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought. Sanctification That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action. Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;' That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech. Fourth Sunday after Epiphany The Covenant of Grace The Earliest Christian Preaching Exodus Links Exodus 28:38 NIVExodus 28:38 NLT Exodus 28:38 ESV Exodus 28:38 NASB Exodus 28:38 KJV Exodus 28:38 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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