Leviticus 21:10

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

The high priest was forbidden to uncover his head or to tear his clothes. To violate this prohibition brought the penalty of death. Everything he wore had to remain whole and without blemish, so that the perfection of his appearance would preserve holiness in portraying the sacredness of the heavenly service.

The pattern for the official garments was shown to Moses on the mount with every article specified, and they were consecrated to a most solemn purpose. The beautiful official garments represented the character of Jesus Christ as the great antitype. They covered the priest with glory and beauty, filled the people with awe, displayed the dignity of the office, and fitted him for his holy official work. They also presented him as a representative character of the nation of Israel, showing by his garments the glory that Israel as God's chosen people should reveal to the world.

Contrition was to be shown by a rent heart in humility, since tearing the priestly robes marred their representation. Caiaphas broke this law when he tore his garment while judging Christ. A high priest who appeared in holy office and engaged in sanctuary service with a rent robe was regarded as having severed himself from God and cut himself off from being a representative character. He was no longer accepted by God as an officiating priest, and by that act disqualified himself from the priestly office.

The act showed human passion and human imperfection. Caiaphas tore his robes in anger instead of confessing the truth about Jesus. His display of horror at blasphemy was pretended zeal masking a wicked heart. Because sanctuary work brings close connection with God, ministers must be pure and holy in life and devoted to deep piety, since God remains just as holy, pure, and particular.

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