Scriptures

Exodus 27:20 to 30:10
Ezekiel 43: 10-27
Romans 12:1 to 13:14

Continued from last week’s study: Terumah

Review: The Israelites have just betrothed themselves to YHVH (Exodus 24:1-11) and Moses set himself apart for a time to receive YHVH’s plans for the tabernacle called a mishkan in Hebrew. This same word, mishkan, is also a reference to a bridal chamber. Last week we studied the mishkan furnishings; this week we look at the garments to be worn by YHVH’s priesthood when ministering before Him in the mishkan.

Exodus 27:20-21 Oil for the Menorah

Olive oil is derived from olive trees. Wild olive trees, called oleaster, grow throughout most of the Mediterranean countries and bear little fruit. Domesticated olive trees belong to the family of olea europaea, flowering flora of which jasmine and lilac are also members. There are hundreds of varieties of olives, and like the grape, the climate and soil in which the trees are grown determine whether the olives they produce will be pressed for oil or used in eating.

The culturing of olive trees requires the patience of generations of agriculturists. The olive tree is green and non-deciduous, with a gray trunk that appears wrinkled and knotty. An olive tree takes twenty-five to fifty years to mature; however, it begins to give fruit six to eight years after planting. This evergreen tree stands anywhere from ten to fifty feet high. The average tree will yield about twenty-two pounds of olives during harvest, and the best yields are often from mature trees exceeding two hundred and fifty years of age.

Olive tree leaves live for about three years before dying to make way for new leaves. Olive leaves are paired opposite each other down the branches. They are single and undivided, rather like a willow leaf, lance-shaped, shiny, and leathery.

An olive tree blooms in late spring with clusters of white flowers. Depending on the variety, there can be anywhere from ten to over forty flowers in a cluster, but only one in every twenty flowers will become an olive. Olive trees are self-pollinating by means of the wind.

Olive trees prefer a hilly terrain and grow best at one to two thousand feet above sea level in lime soil.  These trees are small, with deep roots, thirsty, with small olives and pits, and a high content of oil particles. In early autumn and spring the soil in the groves is plowed and weeded, and the trees pruned. Pruning is most important and is labor intensive. You must thin the growth on the crown of the tree so the fruit-bearing branches can be exposed to the sun and air.

There is not one part of this “eternal” tree that a person cannot utilize. Olive trees are resilient–they do not die of neglect, need little water, and produce for decades. During the winter, a tree handpicked for olives yield two to four pints of olive oil–thus the finished product is expensive. Olives yield about twenty percent of their weight to oil. Some olive trees live to be more than two thousand years old, however the average is two hundred years.

And you shall charge the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. In the tent of meeting, outside the veil, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before YHVH. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel (Exodus 27:20-21).

Matthew 25:1-10 The Parable of the Ten Virgins/Believers In the End Times

Then the kingdom of heaven [supreme Messianic term for YHVH in the flesh, Yeshua] will be comparable to ten virgins [reference to the ten lost tribes of Israel returning to walk in the way of Yeshua] who took their lamps [symbol for the Word of God], and went out to meet the bridegroom [the Messiah]. And five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent virgins took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

In the above Scripture, oil is a reference to what is produced by walking in obedience to Yeshua’s commandments (John 14:23-24); and five, a reference to the five books of Moses (Torah). Moses wrote about Yeshua; the five wise virgins lived in accordance to the Testimony of Moses, walking in Yeshua’s ways and obeying His Word. The five unwise virgins, the ones with no oil, had not obeyed Yeshua’s words (John 5:46-47; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:23). It was a commandment that the lamp was to burn with oil perpetually. The Torah and the Commandments of YHVH are what the Lamp/Menorah is founded on. Yeshua is the oil that produces the light for the menorah. Torah and the commandments on their own could not produce oil or, subsequently, light. Only when Yeshua and Torah come together will oil be produced and light revealed.

Now while the bridegroom was delaying [preparing a place for the bride}, all the virgins got drowsy and began to sleep (Matthew 25:5).

Sleep is a reference to not walking in Torah. We are reminded that the bride is to be “watchful,” keeping her oil burning continually. The decorations on the Menorah in the tabernacle were fashioned after the almond blossom (Isaiah 56:10). The word for ‘almond’ in Hebrew shares the exact same spelling as its verbal root, shaqad, which means ‘watchful’ or ‘sleepless’.

But at midnight there was a shout (the sound referencing to the sound of the trumpet, primarily to the trumpets blown at the feast of Yom Teruah), 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'  Then all the virgins rose, and trimmed their lamps (menorahs). And the foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'  But the prudent answered, saying, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.'  And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:6-10).

There is so much symbolism when reading about the olive tree. YHVH has charged the “sons of Israel”, all twelve tribes, to bring clear, beaten olive oil to keep their lamps burning continuously. The responsibility falls on those who have betrothed themselves to the Messiah to bring the oil for their Menorahs. The true bride will have prepared and brought oil for her lamp. The foolish will try and buy their oil, but the oil for their lamps cannot be purchased.

Oil is produced by walking in obedience to the ways of the Messiah, knowing the difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy, and worshipping at His Feast days/moedim. These are called the ‘paths of righteousness’ that we are called to walk in. The unwise virgins did not follow Torah or come to the appointed feasts. They were totally unprepared and did not have enough oil for their lamps. In this context, we need to realize that the foolish virgins were unprepared and missed out on being the bride at the return of the Messiah (Ezekiel 22:26).

Exodus 28 The Priestly Garments

Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me - Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty (Exodus 28:1-2).

Moses’ brother Aaron and Aaron’s four sons were chosen to minister before YHVH. They were to wear appropriate garments when serving. They could not wear “common” clothing in the mishkan/tabernacle, but instead wore clothing of distinction, setting them apart. Only the firstborn, starting with Aaron, and passing down through his generations, would carry the High Priest position. His priestly clothing consisted of eight garments. They were: the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, belt, crown and undergarments. These garments are all prophetic imagery, each piece representing an aspect of the ministry of the priesthood of the Messiah. Without these garments, the High Priest was not fit to serve in the Holy Place.

The materials needed to make the High Priestly garments were gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. These are the same colors and fabrics used for the curtains that divided the three sections of the mishkan/tabernacle, the one difference being the added gold threads. Only the priestly garment had the gold thread running through the multi-colored fabric. This tied in directly to the furniture in the mishkan that was to be made of pure gold or acacia wood covered in pure gold.  The furnishings represent different aspects of Yeshua’s ministry, thus the priestly garments have a “divine” nature about them. So in addition to the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and linen, the gold thread in the priestly garments connected directly to the divine nature and ministry of Yeshua. When the priest wore the garments, he was walking and serving in a heavenly dimension.

The five materials used to create the priestly garments–five representing Torah (mercy and truth)–were obtained in the following manner: Gold thread was produced by beating pure gold into thin sheets, rolling them and then cutting them into fine threads. Blue dye for the wool was obtained from snails known as chilazon that lived in the Mediterranean Sea. Red dye was taken from a kermes insect also called “the crimson worm” that lived on a cedar tree. And purple colored wool was possibly created from the dye of the murex snail or a mixture of the blue and red dye together. The last material used was white linen derived from the flax plant.

Exodus 28:6-14 The Ephod

The first garment described was the Ephod, which was made of all five materials and was like a short apron wrapped around the top part of the body with two shoulder straps. Two sardonyx stones were to be set in gold on the shoulder straps with the names of the twelve tribes engraved on them as a remembrance, six names engraved on one stone and six names engraved on the other stone.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of YHVH of hosts will accomplish this (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, when he opens no one will shut, when he shuts no one will open (Isaiah 22:22).

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32).

The definition of ‘engrave’ is: to cut into, mark by incisions, to carve upon a surface, to record by incised letters, to impress deeply, fix indelibly, to represent by incisions upon wood, metal, stone, etc. with the view of reproducing. (Reference: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary)

The impression YHVH was giving to the twelve tribes of Israel was of an everlasting remembrance. The names of all twelve tribe are forever engraved in stone on His shoulders and forever remembered as memorial stones. Just as Moses set up the twelve stones in front of Mount Sinai during the betrothal stage of the wedding, so the Bridegroom Yeshua carries the remembrance of the twelve stones/tribes on His shoulders(Exodus 24:4).

For He Himself [Yeshua] has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)

Exodus 28:15-29 The Breastplate

Again the importance of the names of the twelve tribes is shown in the next garment described to Moses, called the breastplate. YHVH designed that the twelve tribes be displayed using precious stones in four rows. “There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes” (Exodus 28:21).

The definition of seal is: as evidence of authenticity or attestation; a token or symbol of a covenant; something that authenticates or confirms; a final addition which completes and secures; the impression of one’s signet placed upon an article as evidence of a claim to possession; a mark of ownership; an impressed mark serving as visible evidence of something. (Reference: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary)

The pattern called for the stones to be set in gold filigree and mounted on embroidered fabric like the ephod, using gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen.

The twelve tribes were not only to be represented on the shoulders of the High Priest but also openly displayed over His heart for all to see, forever before YHVH and forever written on His heart. These twelve tribes serve as YHVH’s “government” or priesthood to the Nations (Exodus 19:5-6) for through Yeshua, our High Priest, all authority has been given to us (Isaiah 9:6). 

Ten of the original twelve tribes have not been “wiped out” or “lost” as some have declared. All are accountable and independently set up in their own positions and displayed as precious stones before the Father. Today, our High Priest, Yeshua, wears the High Priest garments and carries the twelve tribes on His heart continually while serving in the heavenly tabernacle. Because of this, the Father continues to see every tribe and no one can say that one is missing or that some tribes have been fully assimilated into another tribe. They are all “precious stones” before him! (Matthew 10:6; 15:24; John 18:9; Hebrews 8:1-2)

And Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastplate of deliverance over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before YHVH continually (Exodus 28:29).

We have such a high priest [Yeshua], who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which YHVH pitched, not man (Hebrews 8:1-2).

After describing the stones set in gold filigree and fitted into the breastplate, YHVH shared about the Urim and the Thummin, which had the ability to serve as YHVH’s mouthpiece for making decisions of deliverance for YHVH’s people. The vital role the two stones held in times past can been equated with the guidance of the Holy Spirit believers abide by today (Exodus 28:30; 1 Peter 1:9-13).

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

This is the Urim and the Thummin today. (Ezekiel 11:19-20; Jeremiah 31:33)

Those who call themselves Israel are to also uphold and proclaim the message of all twelve tribes coming home as individual tribes. If we are of the royal priesthood of Yeshua, then the Hebrew letters of the names of all twelve tribes are also be “engraved’ on our hearts that they may be reflected continually before YHVH. Those who do not acknowledge the existence of all twelve tribes or proclaim the redemption of all Israel are not proclaiming the gospel according to Yeshua.

2 Corinthians 3:3 “You show that you are a letter from Yeshua, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

Exodus 28:31-35 The Robe of the Ephod

This robe was to be made entirely of blue cloth and reflected the heavenly, divine side of Yeshua. The hem was to have pomegranates made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn adorning the hem, with gold bells alternating between them that would make noise while the High Priest served before YHVH so he would not die (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Pomegranates: Tradition says that the pomegranate fruit has 613 seeds, representing the 613 commandments or principles that govern the earth. The seeds are encased in twelve sections within the fruit, representing the twelve tribes encamped around the Tabernacle. The pomegranate is full of white, pearl-like seeds in a red fluid that represent the sweet, purifying redemptive work of the blood of the Lamb, Yeshua, and that in His fruitfulness, each and every law YHVH gave would be like nectar, sweet to our soul.

Subsequently, the pomegranates can represent the House of Judah, the keepers of the good news of Torah, while the bells can represent the House of Israel, keepers of the good news of Messiah. When the two come together in unity they make a beautiful sound. If you have only bells without pomegranates (or, Torah), Paul said you are likened to a clanging cymbal. If you have only pomegranates (or, have only the Torah) and no bells (no Messiah), then it is like you are walking around with Torah and no sound, for Torah without Messiah is dead. So pomegranates and bells work together to make a beautiful sound!

The gold in the bells also acts to defuse any electrical buildup when the priest went into the Holy Place to serve YHVH, so that the priest would always be grounded and not die.

Exodus 28:36-38 The Pure Gold Plate

A gold plate was to be engraved with the words ‘HOLY TO YHVH.’ It was to be attached to the turban by a blue cord and placed on the forehead. It was to be worn continually, signifying our mind before YHVH, that we be continually thinking purely holy thoughts. The blue cord tied to the turban brings the heavenly element into our thoughts through its symbolization of Yeshua, as our thoughts should always be YHVH’s thoughts.

Exodus 28:39-41 The White Robe

This robe, the turban and the sash were all to be made of fine white linen. They represent the righteous acts of the saints and were called the wedding garments of the bride.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands (Revelation 7:9).

When the priests’ white linen garments wore out, they were recycled in several uses, such as making wicks to light the menorah in the temple and swaddling clothes for a newborn baby (Luke 2:12). When the High Priest’s colorful garments wore out, they were buried not recycled.

Exodus 29 Consecration of the Priests

Once Moses received the pattern for the garments, instructions were then given for how to consecrate priests who came to serve before YHVH in the mishkan/tabernacle, the home YHVH designed for His bride. There are many that serve in the outer court but few who have consecrated themselves through surrendering to YHVH’s circumcision of their hearts, minds and deeds that can, as a result, serve in His holy court. Having an understanding of this is vital for believers who are living and serving YHVH in these last days. The approach to YHVH is the same and has not changed. It is, has been and always will be through holiness. Today we have the blood sacrifice of the Lamb covering us. His blood has redeemed us that we might walk in holiness before Him. With the redemptive work done, the walk of holiness is up to us. He has shown us the way, now we need to walk in it.

For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says YHVH. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty." Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1).

Ephesians 6:10-17 The Prophetic Priestly Garments of Yeshua

Are the priestly garments taught in the Brit Chadasha/New Testament? And are we to follow them today? Paul taught much about what believers’ behavior and lifestyle ought to be. Man’s tradition has taught us that in Ephesians, Paul was telling us to resemble a Roman soldier. Why would Paul, a Pharisee, want us to look like a Roman soldier? Have we misinterpreted this scripture? If we look a little closer at what Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, we find he was quoting from the Torah to instruct us how to act and behave in Yeshua’s army. Due to misinterpretation, ‘the armor of God’ in Ephesians 6:10 has been held to resemble the armor of a Roman soldier. Paul was not teaching us to wear armor reminiscent of what of a Roman soldier would wear, he was teaching us to put on the priestly garments of Exodus 28:1-43 and to walk in the calling of the royal priesthood. The scripture Paul quoted was from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and Isaiah never saw a Roman soldier in his life. With this preface, we look at Paul’s teaching on the priestly garments with the understanding that the armor being described denotes the priestly calling through YHVH’s prophet, Isaiah.

Finally, be strong in YHVH, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God [priestly garments], that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God [priestly calling], that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth [Isaiah 11:5 "righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness (in YHVH) the belt about His waist"], and having put on the breastplate of righteousness [Isaiah 59:17 "He put on righteousness like a breastplate"]. And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace [Isaiah 52:7 "How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"].

In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith [His faithfulness, not our own] with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. [1 Thessalonians 5:8 "But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith (His faithfulness) and love Yeshua defines love as obedience to His word) as a breastplate."] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [Isaiah 59:17 "A helmet of salvation (was) on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle." 1 Thessalonians 5:8 "And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me, and He has also made Me a select arrow; He has hidden Me in His quiver"] (Ephesians 6:10-17 ref. Isaiah 49:2; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Matthew 4:4; Revelation 12:11)

Exodus 30:1-10 The Altar of Incense

The altar is listed last because we cannot come to the altar of incense until our hearts have come into agreement with YHVH’s ways and our minds having been consecrated before Him. The altar of incense will not function within us until this happens, thus the description of the altar is placed follows after the pattern of the Mishkan furnishings and the garments of the priesthood are taught, as it is the High Priest who approaches the altar of incense on behalf of the people.

The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light [priestly garments]. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on Yeshua the Messiah, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:12-14).

To be continued…

Shabbat Shalom
Carl and Julie Parker

References:

Redeemed Israel – Reunited and Restored by Batya Wootten

Pomegranate: Internet source

Various teachings from STBM by R. Messer

Past Parshot: www.messianicisrael.com/sheepfold-gleanings/
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