Most people picture the high priest in Israel with his colorful garments: the breastplate with twelve gemstones, the ephod, and that long blue robe with bells and pomegranates on the hem. But tucked in Exodus is a detail many believers miss: the high priest wore a crown.
âYou shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLY TO THE LORD. And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on Aaronâs forehead⌠It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.â
â Exodus 28:36â38
1. Why a Crown?
The Hebrew word here (nezer) means âdiademâ or âconsecrated plate.â It wasnât a flashy royal crown like kings wore, but a golden plate engraved with âKadosh LâAdonaiâ (Holy to the Lord). It sat on the priestâs forehead, held with a blue cord.
This crown declared that the priest⌠flaws and all⌠was set apart for Godâs service. His very thoughts, actions, and ministry belonged to the Lord.
2. Jewish Insight
Rabbinic writings call this golden plate the tzitz. They note that it served as a visible reminder that all Israelâs offerings were accepted before God because of the priestâs consecration. The crown wasnât about the man himself⌠it was about his role as mediator.
In fact, the Mishnah says the crown atoned for arrogance, reminding both priest and people that no one stands before God on their own merit.
3. Jesus and the Crown
Fast forward to the New Testament: Yeshua is described in Hebrews as our Great High Priest. On the cross, He too wore something on His head, but it was a crown of thorns, twisted in mockery.
Yet what Rome meant as humiliation became His coronation. He bore shame so that we could be called holy. He wore thorns so that His people could wear righteousness.
Revelation then shows Him returning with âmany crownsâ - no longer mocked, but enthroned.
4. Why This Matters for Us
We are called a âroyal priesthoodâ (1 Peter 2:9). That doesnât mean we get golden headpieces from Amazon Prime (although I do love myself a pretty tiara!). It means our lives should display the same inscription: Holy to the Lord.
Your thoughts, your words, your daily work⌠all of it is meant to be set apart. You donât need a visible crown for people to see who you belong to. Holiness is written across your life when you walk faithfully with Him.
đ Scripture Study:
Exodus 28:36â38 â The high priestâs crown
Hebrews 4:14â16 â Jesus our Great High Priest
Revelation 19:12â16 â Messiah crowned in glory
1 Peter 2:9 â A royal priesthood
đ Reflection:
What would it look like for âHoly to the Lordâ to be written over your daily life?
Where are you tempted to forget that youâre set apart?
How does Jesusâ crown of thorns reshape how you see your own calling?
⨠Did You Know?
Even the high priestâs headgear preached the gospel: holiness, atonement, and consecration⌠all pointing to Messiah, who wore thorns so we could wear His righteousness.
đĽ Want to go deeper?
Step beyond the surface and into the Word with our paid subscriber community. When you upgrade, you unlock The Vault â and if you're ready to go all in, Founders Level brings even more.
đ Inside The Vault:
đ Weekly devotionals with depth and application
đż Monthly teachings on the Jewishness of Jesus
đŹ Private community chats
đ 30% off all digital products
đ¨ Access to our Peppery Bible Study Group in Signal
đ Founders Level includes everything in The Vault, plus:
đ§ Weekly audio teachings
đť Monthly Bible Study Q&A Calls
đ Printable studies and reflection tools
â° Early access to studies and new digital products
đď¸ Exclusive journal
đ¸ 50% off all digital products + 10% off physical merch
đđ˝ Join now to unlock your access and walk deeper in truth, boldness, and biblical beauty.
Powerful image...God marked the high priest âHoly to the Lordâ with a crown of gold (Exodus 28:36â38). Now, through Jesusâ crown of thorns, weâre called holy too (1 Peter 2:9). Grace redefines royalty.