Divine Dress Codes and Altar Etiquette: A Biblical Paradox?
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 20:26 contradicts Exodus 28:42, Exodus 20:24, Exodus 39:28-29, Leviticus 6:10, Leviticus 19:6, Numbers 4:6-8, Deuteronomy 22:12, 2 Samuel 6:14-16, Isaiah 47:2-3 and Ezekiel 44:17-18. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, revered as a guide for life and spirituality, contains passages that sometimes appear to conflict with one another, especially when it comes to the nuances of worship and conduct. A prime example can be found in the instructions regarding altars and dress codes.
Exodus 20:26 offers a straightforward directive: do not build altars with steps that might expose nakedness. This can be likened to modern advice about dressing appropriately for important occasions, highlighting a concern for dignity and respect in worship. However, this simplicity takes a curious turn elsewhere in scripture.
Exodus 28:42 introduces linen breeches for covering nakedness, suggesting a detailed approach to ensuring decency beyond mere structural considerations of altars. Meanwhile, Exodus 20:24 recommends building altars with earth or unhewn stone, seemingly in line with simplicity, yet Exodus 39:28-29 prescribes elaborate garments for priests, emphasizing "glory and beauty."
Leviticus 6:10 and Numbers 4:6-8 continue this theme by detailing specific garments and coverings for sacred activities, highlighting a structured form of worship that contrasts with the basic altar guidance in Exodus 20:26. Furthermore, Deuteronomy 22:12 and Ezekiel 44:17-18 add another layer by discussing fringe on garments and linen apparel, respectively, to maintain purity and avoid sweating, demonstrating a complex ceremonial framework.
Even narrative accounts such as 2 Samuel 6:14-16, where King David dances and reveals himself, clash with the preventive measures against exposure in Exodus 20:26. Isaiah 47:2-3 foretells exposure as shame, ironically echoing the cautionary stance on steps.
These verses reveal an intriguing tension: while some passages advocate simplicity, focusing on modesty through architectural caution, others dive into elaborate rituals and attire. This juxtaposition raises questions about the coexistence of these divine instructions—are they complementary, addressing different aspects of worship, or do they reflect shifts in emphasis over time?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 20:26 | Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. |
| 2. | Exodus 28:42 | And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: [their...: Heb. flesh of their nakedness] [reach: Heb. be] |
| 3. | Exodus 20:24 | An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. |
| 4. | Exodus 39:28-29 | And a mitre [of] fine linen, and goodly bonnets [of] fine linen, and linen breeches [of] fine twined linen, |
| 5. | Leviticus 6:10 | And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. |
| 6. | Leviticus 19:6 | It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire. |
| 7. | Numbers 4:6-8 | And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over [it] a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof. |
| 8. | Deuteronomy 22:12 | Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest [thyself]. [quarters: Heb. wings] |
| 9. | 2 Samuel 6:14-16 | And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod. |
| 10. | Isaiah 47:2-3 | Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. |
| 11. | Ezekiel 44:17-18 | And it shall come to pass, [that] when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within. |