We are in chapter twenty-eight of Exodus with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible in our chapter. מִצְנֶ֫פֶת turban, headband, headdress. It is used 12 times in the Old Testament, 4 times in our chapter. It is used in the sense of an ornamental headdress consisting of a cloth wrapped around the head. Let’s start with our chapter since it is the first time it is also the first time it is used in the Bible. Exodus 28:4, 36-39 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a מִצְנֶ֣פֶת turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests … You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And you shall fasten it on הַמִּצְנָ֑פֶת the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a מִצְנֶ֣פֶת turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework. I find it interesting that God wants the priest to have on his head the phrase holy to the LORD or YWHW the God who is ever existing who is reality. This was to help him remember who he was, who he was serving while he was serving God. The reason is not just because we can forget when we serve God but because we have an enemy. In Ephesians this idea of thinking about godly things and things that are above while serving is symbolized as a helmet. Ephesians 6:13, 17 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm … and take the helmet of salvation. We also see this further developed in these passages. Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. I’ll close with this great passage of keeping our thoughts on God and his holiness while work leads to his peace. Philippians 4:7-9 The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
