The High Priest's Breastplate on the Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16:33

33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

The phrase "the holy garments" in Leviticus 16:33 includes the breastplate of judgment, which the high priest wore into the Most Holy Place to make a final atonement for the sanctuary and the people Leviticus 16:33ARSH April 8, 1858, page 164.4+1. While some details of the service emphasize the simplicity of linen vestments, the complete typical service involves the high priest officiating in his gorgeous robes of glory and beauty, including the breastplate bearing the names of the twelve tribes Exodus 28:2CIS 210.1+1.

The Meaning of "The Holy Garments"

• In the instructions for the Day of Atonement, the high priest is directed to put on the "linen clothes, even the holy garments," to make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, the tabernacle, the altar, the priests, and all the people Leviticus 16:32-33S23D 81.2.

• The term "holy garments" is specifically defined in the divine blueprint given to Moses as consisting of the breastplate, the ephod, the robe, the broidered coat, the turban, and the girdle Exodus 28:4ARSH May 21, 1857, page 20.20.

• These garments were designed "for glory and for beauty" and were essential for the high priest to minister in the priest's office Exodus 28:2LOM, page 40.5.

• The high priest alone was authorized to wear the ephod and the breastplate when he went in before the Lord to seek counsel or perform solemn services Numbers 27:21ST July 28, 1881, par. 8+1.

The Breastplate in the Most Holy Place

• The high priest killed the Lord’s goat and then, clad in his gorgeous robes, passed with its blood into the Most Holy PlaceCIS 210.1.

• While in the Most Holy Place, he bore the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, which contained the names of the children of Israel for a memorial before the Lord continually Exodus 28:29PP 351.1+1.

• This act demonstrated that the high priest was making an atonement for all Israel, bearing their judgment upon his heart as he stood before the mercy seat Exodus 28:30LOM, page 40.5.

• The breastplate was an inseparable part of the high priest's attire whenever he entered the holy place, ensuring he represented the people "continually" throughout his service Exodus 28:29ARSH August 15, 1865, page 81.11+1.

Antitypical Application in 1844

• The earthly high priest entering the Most Holy Place with the breastplate of judgment was a shadow of the closing ministration of the heavenly sanctuary Hebrews 8:5ARSH April 8, 1858, page 164.4.

• In the fulfillment of this type, when the 2300 days ended in 1844, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place of the heavenly temple to perform the work of cleansing the sanctuary Revelation 11:19VEGW 121.1+2.

• Jesus then clothed Himself with "precious garments," which included a breastplate of curious work suspended from His shouldersVEGW 121.1.

• As our Great High Priest, He bears the name of every repentant, believing soul upon His heart while pleading His blood before the FatherPP 351.1+1.

Different Sets of Garments

• There were two distinct types of vestments: the "garments of glory and beauty," which included the breastplate, and the "simple sacerdotal vestments" of plain linenBHOTV4 17.1+1.

• Some understand the plain linen garments of Leviticus 16:4 to represent the high priest's state of humiliation when offering sacrifices for his own sins Leviticus 16:4VEGW 121.2.

• However, once the atonement for the sanctuary and the congregation was performed, the high priest was seen in his full pontifical dress, including the breastplate of judgment, to signify the completion of the work and the bearing of Israel's names before God Exodus 28:29CIS 210.1+1. 😇