Return to the Dick Reuben Home Page

What my understanding is at this point is that the blue robe of the ephod, which represents the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, was only worn by the High Priest. It is a robe of separation, one which represents that special intimacy enjoyed (the Holy of Holies) by those which have submitted themselves to the necessity of this Baptism. I also understand that the blue robe was to be worn while going into the Holy Place to offer incense on the Golden Altar, dress the lamps, and attend to the showbread.

Question: did the entire priesthood wear the blue robe while going into the Holy place twice a day? Also, after the establishment of the 24 orders of the priesthood, e.g. when Zechariah offered incense on the Altar in Luke 1, were they wearing the blue robe?

I am trying to see the patterns, and I just can't quite see it - I am curious as to the continuous nature of the entering into the Holy Place to offer incense, and the connection to the Baptism (specifically the baptisms plural) of the Holy Spirit.

Rich F - Stockton, CA

Question: Part #1

Did the entire priesthood wear the blue robe while going into the Holy place twice a day? Also, after the establishment of the 24 orders of the priesthood, e.g. when Zechariah offered incense on the Altar in Luke 1, were they wearing the blue robe?

Dear Rich F.;

Only Aaron the brother of Moses wore the blue robe of the ephod to begin with. As the progression of the linage of High Priests Aarons decedents continued after Aaron. The successor of Aarons office of High Priest received the blue robe of Aaron which was passed on to the new High Priest. e.g.the following;

1  And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. 2  And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
Ex 28:1-2 KJV

31 And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.  33  And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: 34  A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.  35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
Ex 28:31-35 KJV

Only Aaron had the authority to wear the blue robe of the ephod which was passed on to his son Eleazar at the death of Aaron his father e.g. following;

24 Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.  25  Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:  26  And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.  27  And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.  28  And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount
Num 20:24-28 KJV

Question Part #2

After the establishment of the 24 orders of the priesthood, e.g. when Zechariah offered incense on the Altar in Luke 1, were they wearing the blue robe? This part of the question has just been answered. No the 24 courses were still only governed by one High Priest in the office was one who officiated whose name was Caiaphas.

 57  And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled
Matt 26:57 KJV

We have no idea whether he, Caiaphas was of the linage of Aaron's household. When time permits do a study on the 2nd Temple corruption in which Caiaphus was only a puppet of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Read the writings of the historian Flavius Josephus and you will discover that there was vast corruption throughout the Priesthood in the time of Jesus. Caiaphas was a figurehead without Aaronic linage authority. Appointed of man's system not God authority.As to whether the blue robe was still being worn in the latter part of 2nd temple period Josephus described it associated with the breastplate so it must have been worn in 2nd temple time also.

I trust that this brief answer in sufficient for your needs.

Thank you for your time in the submitting of this question.

Dick Reuben