In the context of the Old Testament, the girdle, also known as a sash or belt, was an essential part of the priestly garments. It served both a functional and symbolic purpose, signifying readiness for service and dedication to God. The girdle was part of the sacred attire prescribed by God for the priests, as detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus.

Biblical Description and Function

The girdle worn by the priests was made of fine linen, often embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as described in Exodus 28:39: "Weave the tunic of fine linen, and make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash." This garment was not merely decorative but served to bind the tunic and robe, allowing the priest to move freely and perform their duties without hindrance.

Symbolism and Significance

The girdle symbolized strength, readiness, and truth. In a broader biblical context, girding oneself is often associated with preparation and commitment. For the priests, wearing the girdle was a constant reminder of their consecration to God and their role as mediators between God and the people of Israel. The intricate design and colors of the girdle also reflected the beauty and holiness required of those who served in the presence of the Lord.

Priestly Service and the Girdle

The girdle was worn by all priests, not just the high priest, indicating its importance in the daily functions of the priesthood. In Leviticus 8:7, during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, the girdle is mentioned as part of the ceremonial attire: "He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He fastened the ephod with its skillfully woven waistband, tying it around him."

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not specifically mention the priestly girdle, the concept of girding oneself is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. For instance, in Ephesians 6:14, Paul writes, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist," drawing a parallel between the physical girdle of the priests and the spiritual readiness required of believers.

Conclusion

The girdle of the priests, as described in the Old Testament, was a vital component of their sacred attire, symbolizing readiness, strength, and dedication to God's service. Its significance extends beyond its physical function, serving as a spiritual metaphor for truth and preparedness in the life of faith.Exodus 28:40
And for Aaron's sons you shall make coats, and you shall make for them girdles, and bonnets shall you make for them, for glory and for beauty.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 29:9
And you shall gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 8:13
And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats on them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets on them; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... the girdle, and included them entirely. 6. The high priest's mitre was the same
that we described before, and was wrought like that of all the other priests; ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning the garments.htm

A Son is Promised to Zechariah
... His girdle was loosened and his robe was open, and it ... took something from him and
as if the other put into ... It was usual for the priests to leave the Holy Place ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vi a son is promised.htm

The Day of Atonement
... There are other priests, for "he hath made us priests and kings ... have the linen breeches
upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... Their girdle, and a species of scarf, which they wear across the loins ... clothing for
the stole, and made his journeys habited like other priests, thus proving ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

Whether the Vestments of the Ministers are Fittingly Instituted in ...
... Much more therefore should simple priests use them. ... Therefore other bishops should
not have one. ... which signifies a pure life, and the "girdle," which signifies ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the vestments of the.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... Below the girdle it was folded back to show the lining, which had red and ... At the
same time I found myself in the presence of other priests who possessed this ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... And together with him other Priests and Elders, and Judges, to ... they derive it from
other particular churches ... of Authoritie should hang at her girdle rather than ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

High Priest
... corners of the pectoral, and by the other end going ... That the priests in Israel more
than once by their ... The girdle signified the sea, which goes around the world ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

The Meeting Hereafter.
... The Ark and the priests stood in Jordan, so does God's ... round it, and tied them together
with his girdle, and then ... the water and swam across to the other side. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxvi the meeting hereafter.htm

Concerning the Monks of Nitria, and the Monasteries Called Cells ...
... the decree for the ejection of all priests opposed to ... the lights of the church, with
a girdle soiled with ... from the sufferings to which the other bishops who ...
/.../chapter xxxi concerning the monks of.htm

What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org

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Girdle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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