Sirach 45:12 - With a crown of gold upon the mitre, having graven on it, as on a signet, HOLINESS, An ornament of honor, a work of might, The desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
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What does "Sirach 45:12" mean?
This verse from Sirach 45:12 describes the ornate and symbolic adornment of the high priest's mitre (a type of headdress) in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"With a crown of gold upon the mitre...": This refers to a gold crown or band placed on the high priest's mitre, signifying his elevated status and authority. Gold, being a precious metal, symbolized purity, royalty, and divine connection.
"...having graven on it, as on a signet, HOLINESS...": Inscribed on the gold crown, like a signet ring used to make official seals, was the word "HOLINESS" (Hebrew: Qodesh). This inscription was a constant reminder to the high priest and the people that the priest's role was one of sacred service to God and that he was set apart for holy duties.
"An ornament of honor, a work of might...": The entire mitre, with its gold crown and inscription, was not just a decoration. It was a symbol of the high priest's dignity, prestige, and the power associated with his office. "Work of might" likely refers to the skill and craftsmanship required to create such an elaborate piece and also underscores the weight of the responsibility the high priest carried.
"The desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.": The mitre was visually stunning, pleasing to look at, and considered both "goodly" (morally virtuous, appropriate for religious use) and "beautiful" (aesthetically pleasing). Its beauty reflected the glory and holiness of God. The fact that it was a "desire of the eyes" suggests it was meant to inspire awe and reverence.
In summary, the verse highlights that the high priest's mitre was more than just headwear. It was a carefully crafted symbol of:
Authority: The gold crown denoted status and power.
Holiness: The inscription "HOLINESS" was a constant reminder of the priest's sacred role.
Glory: Its beauty reflected the majesty of God.
Awe and Reverence: It was designed to inspire respect and worship.
The passage emphasizes the importance of outward symbols as a means of conveying deeper spiritual truths. The elaborate adornment of the high priest's mitre served to visually reinforce the gravity of his position and his connection to the divine.
Sirach 45:12 - With a crown of gold upon the mitre, having graven on it, as on a signet, HOLINESS, An ornament of honor, a work of might, The desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
What does "Sirach 45:12" mean?
This verse from Sirach 45:12 describes the ornate and symbolic adornment of the high priest's mitre (a type of headdress) in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"With a crown of gold upon the mitre...": This refers to a gold crown or band placed on the high priest's mitre, signifying his elevated status and authority. Gold, being a precious metal, symbolized purity, royalty, and divine connection.
"...having graven on it, as on a signet, HOLINESS...": Inscribed on the gold crown, like a signet ring used to make official seals, was the word "HOLINESS" (Hebrew: Qodesh). This inscription was a constant reminder to the high priest and the people that the priest's role was one of sacred service to God and that he was set apart for holy duties.
"An ornament of honor, a work of might...": The entire mitre, with its gold crown and inscription, was not just a decoration. It was a symbol of the high priest's dignity, prestige, and the power associated with his office. "Work of might" likely refers to the skill and craftsmanship required to create such an elaborate piece and also underscores the weight of the responsibility the high priest carried.
"The desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.": The mitre was visually stunning, pleasing to look at, and considered both "goodly" (morally virtuous, appropriate for religious use) and "beautiful" (aesthetically pleasing). Its beauty reflected the glory and holiness of God. The fact that it was a "desire of the eyes" suggests it was meant to inspire awe and reverence.
In summary, the verse highlights that the high priest's mitre was more than just headwear. It was a carefully crafted symbol of:
Authority: The gold crown denoted status and power.
Holiness: The inscription "HOLINESS" was a constant reminder of the priest's sacred role.
Glory: Its beauty reflected the majesty of God.
Awe and Reverence: It was designed to inspire respect and worship.
The passage emphasizes the importance of outward symbols as a means of conveying deeper spiritual truths. The elaborate adornment of the high priest's mitre served to visually reinforce the gravity of his position and his connection to the divine.