Our Great High Priest

"Israel stood doubly represented by the high priest in the presence of God. On the brilliant stones that rested on his shoulders their names were engraved according to their birth. The stones on the breastplate, however, were arranged in four rows of three; and the names were engraven on them according to their tribes.

These names, on the shoulder-stones and on the breastplate, were borne as a memorial before the Lord (Ex. 28:12,29). Aaron could not enter the holy place without reminding Jehovah of the love and perfection in which Israel stood accepted before Him. The sevenfold light of the lampstand in the holy place, and the light of God's glory from between the Cherubim over the mercy-seat in the holy of holies caused the precious stones to send forth their brilliancy and various beautiful tints, so as to attract the eyes of the Lord of Hosts. In like manner, we have a constant memorial before Him, in our Great High Priest, who presents us in the fulness of His love and power, bright with His own glory; spotless in His own holiness; righteous, because He is our righteousness; and strong, for He is our strength; emblazoned on the heart of love, and on the shoulders of power; shining forth with His own glory and beauty, as jewels adorning Him, from whom alone all our lustre and perfection spring." (Henry Soltau)

unknown | Oct 1974
General