Introduction
Exodus details the creation of holy garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the tabernacle. The colors of the garments have great symbolism and parallel modern Temple Clothing worn by Latter-day Saints. White means purity and cleanliness before God. Blue represents the priesthood; purple represents royalty; and crimson represents the blood of the sacrifice. Gold is woven throughout the fabric as a representation of the glory and beauty of God woven through the fabric of our lives.
Exodus 39:1 the holy garments for Aaron
Throughout the history of Judaism, the high priest was the only one authorized to wear the garments made for Aaron. The high priest was the representative of God for the people.
Exodus 39:6-7 onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold . . . on the shoulders of the ephod
Exodus 39:8-21 he made the breastplate of cunning work
Exodus 39:27 they made coats of fine linen
The Levites wore white temple clothing while offering sacrifices. Priestly cleanliness was a very important part of the message of the tabernacle. It must have been difficult to keep the white clothing clean when working with the blood of the sacrifice, a metaphor for how difficult it is for mortals to stay unspotted from sin. There were washings and ritual purifications to remind the priest that defilement was temporary. Becoming clean again was possible through the atonement.
Exodus 39:30 Holiness to the Lord
Gerrit W. Gong
With nine sacred words, our temples invite and proclaim:
“Holiness to the Lord.
“The House of the Lord.”
Holiness to the Lord makes daily living sacred. It draws us closer and happier to the Lord and each other and prepares us to live with God our Father, Jesus Christ, and our loved ones. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/31gong?lang=eng)
L. Todd Budge
Engraved upon the entrance to each of our temples are the words “Holiness to the Lord; the House of the Lord.” As we observe our covenants by sacrifice, we are made holy through the grace of Jesus Christ; and at the altars of the holy temple, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, we give our holiness to the Lord. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: “The submission of one’s will [or heart] is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. … However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him!”
When our sacrifices on behalf of others are viewed from the perspective of “giving up,” we may see them as a burden and become discouraged when our sacrifices are not recognized or rewarded. However, when viewed from the perspective of “giving to” the Lord, our sacrifices on behalf of others become gifts, and the joy of generously giving becomes its own reward. Freed from the need for love, approval, or appreciation from others, our sacrifices become the purest and deepest expressions of our gratitude and love for the Savior and our fellow men. Any prideful sense of self-sacrifice gives way to feelings of gratitude, generosity, contentment, and joy. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/52budge?lang=eng)