In | Priestly and High Priestly Vestments

Among Israel’s clergy the high priest alone entered the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. His particular role came with unique expectations and limitations regarding purity. As we’ve seen, the distinctiveness of his calling and his representative role was dramatically evident in his clothing. It distinguished him from not only the laity, but also from other priests.

As you’ve noticed, many of the ornate features we might associate with the Israelite priesthood were restricted to the high priest. The clothes of other priests are quite ordinary in comparison. The difference between the two types of apparel reinforces the elevated status and singular role of the high priest in Israel, all of which will be important to keep in mind when we meet our High Priest—Jesus—in the New Testament.