Exodus 39: Dressed To Kill

The sight of the priests in their special garments must have been stunning.  In a world where ordinary items like clothing were very plain, imagine how much the garb of the priests must have stood out!

As you read the description of the priests' clothing in Exodus 39, consider how symbolic much of the attire is:

• There are 12 stones worked into the breastpiece, a reminder to keep the sons of Israel close to the heart.
• There were also two onyx stones, one on each shoulder, each inscribed with the names of six of the tribes, as stones of remembrance.
• The turban, also, contained a meaningful inscription: "Holy to the Lord."  This was to serve as a reminder to the priest and the people that they were engaged in God's business, set apart for the work of the Lord.

The uniform of the priest was meant to be functional (they truly were "dressed to kill" as the slaughtered the animals for the sacrificial offerings) as well as symbolic.

Have you ever had to wear a uniform that was both functional and instructive?  Can you think of modern-day examples of outfits - like the uniform of a police officer - that both allow service and symbolism?