Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die.” (Exodus 28:42-43, KJV)

Those of us who reside in the temperate and frigid zones can’t help but long for the annual return to more hours of sunlight than darkness, and the reflowering of the earth. Warmth! Ah, the time when we can discard the bulky, constricting clothing of winter and traipse light and airy into the balminess of springtime. Lest you forget the capriciousness of the season, however, best keep those warm wraps handy, as evidenced by this tombstone epitaph:

“Neath this stone, like a lump of clay,
Lies Uncle Peter Daniels,
Who, early in the month of May,
Took off his winter flannels.”

Uncle Peter was likely wearing a type of warm underwear called a “union suit.” It originated as women's wear during the 19th-century United States clothing reform efforts, as an alternative to constricting garments, and soon gained popularity among men as well. The first union suit was patented in 1868 as "emancipation union under flannel." Traditionally made of red flannel with long arms and long legs, it buttoned up the front and had a button-up flap in the rear.
It was not uncommon until the mid-20th century for rural men to wear the same union suit continuously all week, or even all winter. Yes, a different life style, indeed!
Underwear can be used to preserve the wearer's modesty, as was demanded of the Aaronic priests when officiating at the altar of the tabernacle or temple. The breeches or undergarments were made of linen (Exodus 28:39), since the priest must not perspire when officiating (Ezekiel 44:18).
The LORD instructed Moses, “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. “ (Exodus 28:4-5)
While the breeches were part of the daily dress of the priest, they were worn under the Tunic, a long or half-sleeved shirtlike garb reaching to the ankles.
The first "over" piece to be put on was the robe of the Ephod. This garment, probably sleeveless, was essentially a large blue mantle with a hole for the wearer's head. (Exodus 28:31-34) The Ephod, (Exodus 28:6-12) a kind of apron made of materials woven out of gold and linen thread and variously colored yarns, was perhaps the most important item of the priestly clothing. It covered the back and chest, reaching nearly to the knees. It was fastened to the body by two shoulder straps and a belt with which it was lined. The breastpiece, so called because of its position when worn, was a pouch made from the same materials as the ephod. Chains of braided gold and golden rings with loops of blue secured the breastpiece in position. Its primary purpose was to contain the sacred lot, the Urim and Thummim. By wearing them above his heart, Aaron would indicate that justice originates with God and would remind God to maintain the administration of justice in Israel.
The priests’ garments were for glory and beauty (Ex. 28:2,40), with the priest demonstrating modesty through the wearing of linen breeches or undergarments.
Paul describes appropriate garments for followers of Christ in Ephesians 6:10-18 - The whole armour of God - including the breastplate of righteousness; feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; the shield of faith, (wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked); the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. But under it all, have your “loins girt about with truth.” (KJV) Wear it all week, for every season. Truth is central to the Faith. We must always remain loyal to God’s truth and keep His Law.
March 11, 2011