And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered—the Hebrew emphasizes the transition from sacred to common space. Priestly garments (bigdei sharet, בִּגְדֵי שָׁרֵת, "garments of service") were holy and could not mix with ordinary life. The repetition into the utter court, even into the utter court stresses the boundary between sacred and profane.
And lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments—special rooms stored consecrated vestments (Ezekiel 42:13-14). Changing clothes ritualized the distinction between sacred service and everyday activity. And they shall not sanctify the people with their garments—direct contact with holy objects could transmit holiness dangerously (Leviticus 6:27, Haggai 2:12-13). The laity required protection from casual contact with sacred things. This principle underlies the entire Levitical system: holiness is powerful and must be mediated carefully.
Historical Context
The temple complex had multiple courts with increasing holiness: outer court for all Israel, inner court for priests, holy place for daily service, and most holy place for annual atonement (Ezekiel 40-42). Priests changed garments when transitioning between zones (Exodus 28:43, Leviticus 6:11, 16:23-24). This spatial hierarchy emphasized that approaching God required progressive sanctification. In the New Covenant, Christ has removed these barriers—all believers now have access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22, Ephesians 2:18). Yet the principle remains: we must recognize the holiness of the God we approach and come through proper mediation (Christ alone).
Questions for Reflection
How does the requirement to change garments when leaving sacred service illustrate the distinctiveness of approaching God versus everyday life?
What does the danger of 'sanctifying the people' with holy garments teach about the proper mediation of holiness?
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Analysis & Commentary
And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered—the Hebrew emphasizes the transition from sacred to common space. Priestly garments (bigdei sharet, בִּגְדֵי שָׁרֵת, "garments of service") were holy and could not mix with ordinary life. The repetition into the utter court, even into the utter court stresses the boundary between sacred and profane.
And lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments—special rooms stored consecrated vestments (Ezekiel 42:13-14). Changing clothes ritualized the distinction between sacred service and everyday activity. And they shall not sanctify the people with their garments—direct contact with holy objects could transmit holiness dangerously (Leviticus 6:27, Haggai 2:12-13). The laity required protection from casual contact with sacred things. This principle underlies the entire Levitical system: holiness is powerful and must be mediated carefully.