Table of Contents
Was a Rope Tied to the High Priest in the Holy of Holies?
The Holy of Holies, also known as the Holy Place in Exodus 28:35, was the most sacred room within the Tabernacle or the Temple. The High Priest was only allowed to enter this room once a year on the Day of Atonement. On this occasion, he had to wear the specific clothes described by God in Exodus 28:1-43. The garments worn on the Day of Atonement were much simpler than his usual attire, as mentioned in Leviticus 16:1-4.
The Attire of the High Priest
The clothing of the High Priest was not only intricate in design but also visually striking. Normally, he would wear a breastplate, ephod, robe, tunic, and turban, as outlined in Exodus 28:4-5.
The robe had bells, blue and purple pomegranates, and scarlet material attached to its hem, as described in Exodus 28:33 and Exodus 39:25-26. The bells served as an audible confirmation that the High Priest was alive and accepted by God.
Dressing Down on the Day of Atonement
On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest’s attire was simplified. He would only wear a linen tunic, linen underwear, and a turban, as stated in Exodus 28:39, Leviticus 16:4, and Exodus 28:36-38, respectively. According to Joshua 3:13 and 4:18, the priests were likely barefoot during their holy duties.
On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest’s appearance was humbler, resembling that of a slave. He would wear four simple garments made of white linen, even plainer than the clothing worn by ordinary priests, as mentioned in Exodus 39:27-29. The symbolic meaning of these special garments is not clearly explained.
The Rope Around the Ankle?
Despite being absent from the Old Testament scriptures, the tradition of tying a rope around the ankle or waist of the High Priest is mentioned in Jewish literature. Jewish rabbis suggest that the rope served a practical purpose. As the High Priest ventured alone into the holy of holies, it was believed that any wrongdoing on his part would result in immediate death. The rope would allow his assistants to retrieve his body in case of such an unfortunate event.
While there is no biblical evidence to support this practice, the absence of a reference does not prove that the High Priest was never tied with a rope around his ankle in Jewish tradition.
Violation of God’s Law
After the reign of King Solomon, Israel deviated from following God’s law and began worshipping foreign gods, including Baal. The teachings of the Law were even forgotten until the time of King Josiah. King Josiah restored the temple, removing the worship of foreign gods and killing the Baal priests. It is possible that during this period of disobedience, the priests of Israel may have tied a rope to the High Priest’s ankle when he entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, contrary to the instructions in Leviticus 16:1-4. Although not recorded in scripture, it should be noted that not every event is documented.
Conclusion
The High Priest had the privilege of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer an animal sacrifice for the sins of the Jewish people. However, this had to be repeated annually because the blood of animals could not permanently cleanse sins (Hebrews 10:2-4). Jesus, our great High Priest, made it possible for our sins to be permanently forgiven through His sacrifice on the cross. To learn more about the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and to search for a deeper understanding of God, visit the page on Searching for God.
References:
- Gordon J. Wenham. The Book of Leviticus. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1979. p. 230.
- Temple Beth Shalom of Orange County
- Zohar Vol. 16 Emor, Section 34. Yom Kippur, Par. 251.
