THEOSISJerome of Stridon
When they cross into the gate of the inner court, they must wear linen garments, ensuring that no woolen attire is upon them while performing their duties at the gate of the inner court and within the temple. Linen caps shall rest upon their heads, and linen garments shall be wrapped around their waists, and they should not bind themselves tightly. Upon exiting to the outer court to the people, they must remove the garments worn during service, place them in the treasury of the sanctuary, and don different attire, ensuring that their clothing does not sanctify those who are outside and unprepared for the holiness of the temple, akin to the Nazirites of the Lord.
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This indicates that we should not approach the Holy of Holies clad in common and impure clothing, but instead enter with purity and sincerity.
The directive against shaving their heads or allowing their hair to grow excessively highlights that our appearance should not mimic the practices of pagan priests or exhibit signs of excess, which are traits associated with primitive warriors. The LXX translates these instructions to mean they should not shave or cut their hair too short but maintain a covering of hair instead. This serves to remind us that we should not present our heads as completely bare, and instead allow enough hair to grow to obscure the scalp, suggesting that priests should maintain an appearance of decency at all times.
Furthermore, priests must abstain from wine not just during service but also before entering the Holy of Holies, as intoxication can cloud judgment and impair the senses. The Apostle Paul reiterates this caution regarding alcohol's effects, emphasizing the importance of moderation in all things. In contrast to pagans, who may indulge freely, the priests exhibit behavior that aligns with sacred duty.
The nature of the garments worn during service differs from those used in daily life, signifying the need for propriety — ensuring nothing inappropriate is revealed when ministering at the altar. Shaved heads and drunkenness are regarded as indications of pagan practices. The sacred Scriptures attest to the existence of holy, spiritual garments, as outlined by the Apostle when he instructs believers to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
The future transformation of believers is also reflected in the promise of putting on the incorruptible and immortal. The specifics of priestly attire can be found in Exodus, where the sacred vestments are elaborated. These garments, representing divine truths, are to be handled with reverence, for the mysteries of God should not be disclosed carelessly to the unprepared.
In Sacred Scripture, there are references to garments of falsehood, reminiscent of betrayal and disgrace, which further illustrate the spiritual significance of attire. The Lord, who bore our sins, was adorned in the garments of iniquity, but His purification is symbolized by the removal of these vile vestments and the donning of righteousness. The crown of grace mentioned symbolizes the divine favor upon those who are mindful of their spiritual duties.
The Apostle’s teaching on head coverings serves to differentiate between the roles and responsibilities of men and women within the faith community. Although priests wear coverings when accessing the divine presence, this practice should not contradict the specific roles outlined in the Apostle's letters. When entering into worship, it is paramount to maintain a covering of humility, as humanity can easily be led astray by prideful behavior.
Thus, the directive that priests refrain from wine underscores the need for clear-headedness and spiritual focus. When engaged in rituals and sacred encounters, it is vital to dissociate from the distractions of worldly vices and maintain virtuous conduct. This requirement shows us that even minor sins should be avoided as we draw closer to the divine.
The expectation of purity and serious intent is not merely a reflection of external behavior but a deeper call to align one's heart and mind with the nature of divine service. As we step into the sacred spaces of worship, our thoughts and actions must reflect the holiness demanded by our calling to serve the Lord.