The High Priest’s robe was worn under the ephod of four colours. It was blue (Exodus 28:31). Elsewhere, blue purple appears only with other colors. Here, the garment is entirely blue.

This reminds us that our High Priest, Jesus Christ, serves for us in heaven. He is not in an earthly sanctuary. He is in the true tabernacle, in heaven.

The High Priest’s Service and Heaven

In Hebrews, the High Priest’s service is linked with heaven four times:

  • We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens (Hebrews 4:14).
  • This High Priest has become higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7:26).
  • The High Priest sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. There He is a minister of the sanctuary (Hebrews 8:1).
  • Christ has entered into heaven itself. He now appears in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24).

The opening for the head was to be made very sturdy. Then the garment would not tear when put on or taken off (Exodus 28:32).

Uninterrupted Service in Perfection

This may speak of the Lord’s service in heaven. It is carried out without interruption, in perfection (Hebrews 7:24.5).

Exodus 28:33–35 shows that pomegranates were on the hem. They were of blue and purple and scarlet. There were also bells of gold, alternating.

We may assume that all three colors were in one pomegranate. We find the combination of the different threads elsewhere too. In addition, bells were attached.

Fruit and Testimony

This speaks of fruit for God and testimony for Him. Both are produced through the High Priest’s service for us. We find fruit and testimony in John 15:2.27.

Fruit is something that recalls the Lord’s glory. It is shown in blue and purple and scarlet. The familiar linen, byssus, is missing. Likely, white does not match the pomegranate.

Pomegranates have an astonishing number of seeds. They are a fitting illustration of fruitfulness. They are also a fruit of the land (Deuteronomy 8).

The Bells and the Outpouring of the Spirit

We can add another thought. When Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary, the Spirit’s bells sounded on earth. They immediately produced fruit – 3,000 souls.

And when He will go out of the sanctuary, then “it will sound again.” Joel shows this (Joel 3:1.2). The Holy Spirit will be poured out on all flesh. This will also be connected with fruit for God.

In Acts 2, Peter connects both outpourings of the Spirit. It is the early rain and the latter rain.