tribesofsinai2024

Here in the Sinai, Sheiks, Muslim Clerics, the monks at the Monastery and the few Coptic priests are instantly recognised by their garments. 

The Coptic clergy wear black garments and head covering outside the church and white and gold for the prayers and liturgy.

While at the foot of Mount Sinai Aaron and his sons were appointed as priests to serve in the Tabernacle. They were given special priestly garments. 

SET APART 

The garments were designed to set the priests apart as holy and consecrated individuals. The high priest’s turban featured a gold plate inscribed with the words Holy to the Lord. The intricate designs were to reflect the sanctity of the priesthood and to remind the priests and the people of their special role as mediators between God and the people.

DIGNITY & HONOUR 

“Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honour.”^[1]  

What is more important than to keep a community walking in the ways of the LORD? 

REPRESENTING THE WHOLE COMMUNITY 

The breastpiece had twelve precious stones each inscribed with the name of one of the tribes. The ephod, a garment worn over the tunic, was adorned with two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

QUALITY 

“Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.”^[2]

UNIFORM

The uniform provided the priests and the community with a sense of unity, cohesion, and solidarity. By wearing the same prescribed garments, the priests demonstrated one faith, one community, one God, and one way of worshipping him. 

In the New Testament heavenly clothing is also provided and needs to be worn at all times by the people of God. 

The king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’^[3]

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.^[4]

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.^[5]

John sees a great multitude standing before the throne of God, dressed in white robes.^[6]

Heavenly clothing In the New Testament serves as rich metaphors for the believer’s identity, cleansing, purity, dignity, calling, character and anointing as members of the body of Christ.

Reflection

Here in the Sinai, one dresses and speaks very differently if you are here as a tourist or working and relating with Bedouin and Egyptians. The Coptic priests on the other hand are always in role dressed ready for ministry. 

How do you show to people that you belong to the Lord Jesus and are ready for ministry? 

Prayer 

Heavenly Father thank you for providing heavenly clothing for all your children.

Please forgive us when we forget who we are and act and talk to make a name for ourselves, blend in with the crowd or simply chill.

Thank you for your patience with us. Please help us to be moved by the compassion and anointing of Christ to 

proclaim good news to the poor.
bind up the brokenhearted,
proclaim freedom for the captives
release from darkness for the prisoners, 
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.^[7]

^[1] Exodus 28:2. 

^[2] Exodus 28:3.

^[3] Matthew 22:11-13. 

^[4] Galatians 3:27. 

^[5] Colossians 3:12. 

^[6] Revelation 7:8.

^[7] Isaiah 61:1-3.