The Bible says that when Aaron went into the temple God was pleased with his ascent because pomegranates and bells adorned the hem of his robe. From this report onward, the pomegranate is used as a symbol of righteousness in the Old Testament. They had a prominent place on the temple columns and King Solomon is said to have designed his crown based on the crown of the pomegranate. The pomegranate is one of seven species of fruits and grains that are special products of the Land of Israel to this day. It is still customary for Jews to eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and their time of reflection. Some Jewish scholars say the fruit represents fruitfulness, knowledge and wisdom. Today, health gurus tell us of the wonderful life saving antioxidants found in the seed of the pomegranate and they tell us it would be wise to eat them and drink their juice.
So we can imagine the High Priest walking across the earth into the tabernacle with bells tinkling and pomegranates shining. It was a scene of a man dedicated to the praise and glory of the God of the earth and the Jewish people. God would hear him coming even as the people heard him going because of the golden tinkle of the bells. The symbolism was sufficient for Aaron to remain alive in the presence of God and to send a holy message to those of the world.
Jesus, our High Priest, is a Man dedicated to the praise and glory of His Father and He stands alive in the presence of the Holy God. The world may refuse to hear the holy sounds and see the holiness of His wisdom and fruitfulness, but for those whose eyes have been opened it is a blessed event. In spirit, we are there with Him. Our praise and godly wisdom shine out and our Father is pleased. What a wonderful High Priest!
For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens..." Hebrews 7:26
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