Leviticus 16:4 highlights the necessity of humility, purity, and faithfulness in fulfilling God’s instructions for atonement.
“He shall put on the holy linen tunic, and the linen undergarments shall be next to his body, and he shall be girded with the linen sash, and attired with the linen turban (these are holy garments). Then he shall bathe his body in water and put them on.” (v.4) In this verse, the LORD instructs the high priest to lay aside his usual, ornate vestments and wear simple white linen garments on the Day of Atonement. Historically, this took place in the Israelite camp after their exodus from Egypt (mid-15th century BC) when Aaron, the brother of Moses, served as the first high priest. Even the high priest on the Day of Atonement had to humble himself by stripping off his colorful robe and the ephod to dress like a typical priest in these white linen clothes, underscoring the gravity of approaching the LORD for atonement (Leviticus 16:4).
These holy garments symbolized purity and reminded the people of Israel that their representative before God had to be cleansed in order to minister on their behalf. Linen was also practical in the wilderness climate, and the requirement to bathe exemplified the importance of spiritual and physical preparedness before entering the Holy of Holies. In Christian understanding, this special priestly role foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own righteousness rather than the blood of animals (Hebrews 9:24-28).
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Leviticus 16:4 meaning
“He shall put on the holy linen tunic, and the linen undergarments shall be next to his body, and he shall be girded with the linen sash, and attired with the linen turban (these are holy garments). Then he shall bathe his body in water and put them on.” (v.4) In this verse, the LORD instructs the high priest to lay aside his usual, ornate vestments and wear simple white linen garments on the Day of Atonement. Historically, this took place in the Israelite camp after their exodus from Egypt (mid-15th century BC) when Aaron, the brother of Moses, served as the first high priest. Even the high priest on the Day of Atonement had to humble himself by stripping off his colorful robe and the ephod to dress like a typical priest in these white linen clothes, underscoring the gravity of approaching the LORD for atonement (Leviticus 16:4).
These holy garments symbolized purity and reminded the people of Israel that their representative before God had to be cleansed in order to minister on their behalf. Linen was also practical in the wilderness climate, and the requirement to bathe exemplified the importance of spiritual and physical preparedness before entering the Holy of Holies. In Christian understanding, this special priestly role foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own righteousness rather than the blood of animals (Hebrews 9:24-28).