What colour was the priest's robe?

Hebrews, and later Christians, have long appreciated the striking symbolism woven into garments of significance, such as the priest's robe in Exodus 28:31. The priest's robe was blue, a color often associated with heaven, divinity, and the law—a vivid connection, making this piece more than mere fabric. It acted like a spiritual link, drawing the earth-bound to the celestial.

In the tradition of the temple, this blue robe not only served as a beautiful adornment but had a profound purpose: it was a constant reminder of the heavy responsibility the priests carried and their status as mediators between God and the people. Similarly, John 19:23 depicts Christ’s robe during His crucifixion, woven without seam—a neat echo of the complete connection between divinity and humanity, all signified through the enduring symbol of color.

Isn't it intriguing? Blue has appeared throughout the Bible, appearing in various contexts from the curtains of the Tabernacle to the Blue-haired, variegated designs engraved into craftsmanship. This recurring character of blue might give us a glimpse into the ancient minds that saw color as vibrant ink in the spiritual narrative.

And here’s an interesting trivia nugget: the blue dye used in garments, called tekhelet, was particularly costly and often derived from the murex snail, showcasing the value placed on everything that approached filled important spiritual undertakings amongst the Israelites. So, each time you think about color in the Bible, consider the deeper narrative it’s unearthing!