“The sacred vestments were
Gold,
Violet,
And purple.
They were the work of an embroiderer.
Aaron had the oracle of judgment,
The Urim and the Thummim.
They had twisted crimson,
The work of a craftsman.
There were precious stones
Engraved like signet seals.
There was a setting of gold,
The work of a jeweler.
This was a commemoration
In engraved letters,
Of each of the tribes of Israel.
He had a gold crown upon his turban.
This was inscribed
Like a signet seal with
‘Holiness.’
This was a distinction to be prized.
This was the work of an expert.
This was the delight for the eyes,
As this was richly adorned.
Before him,
Such beautiful things did not exist.
No outsider ever put them on.
Only his sons put this on.
Only his descendants perpetually put this on.”
The colorful vestments of Aaron were made of embroidered gold, violet, and purple. The artisans had made these crimson yarns. The Urim and Thummim were sacred oracles, in the pouch of the breastplate of judgment, according to Exodus, chapter 28. Aaron would carry the names of the Israelites and the judgment of the Israelites, when he went into the holy place. This unmentioned breastplate had precious stones engraved seals of the 12 tribes in settings of gold. He had a gold crown on his head that was on the top of his turban with gold flower designs. On the top of it was engraved “holiness” or as in Exodus, “Holy to Yahweh.” These highly artistic works were a delight to the eye since nothing like it existed anywhere before. Nobody, but Aaron and his sons could wear these vestments. Eventually, these became the sacred vestments of the Temple high priest.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 