ates, and in the noise of the bells resembling
thunder. And for the ephod, it showed that God had made the universe of
four elements; and as for the gold interwoven, I suppose it related to
the splendor by which all things are enlightened. He also appointed the
breastplate to be placed in the middle of the ephod, to resemble the
earth, for that has the very middle place of the world. And the girdle
which encompassed the high priest round, signified the ocean, for that
goes round about and includes the universe. Each of the sardonyxes
declares to us the sun and the moon; those, I mean, that were in the
nature of buttons on the high priest's shoulders. And for the twelve
stones, whether we understand by them the months, or whether we
understand the like number of the signs of that circle which the Greeks
call the Zodiac, we shall not be mistaken in their meaning. And for the
mitre, which was of a blue color, it seems to me to mean heaven; for how
otherwise could the name of God be inscribed upon it? That it was also
illustrated with a crown, and that of gold also, is because of that
splendor with which God is pleased. Let this explication [16] suffice
at present, since the course of my narration will often, and on many
occasions, afford me the opportunity of enlarging upon the virtue of our
legislator.

CHAPTER 8. Of The Priesthood Of Aaron.

1. When what has been described was brought to a conclusion, gifts not
being yet presented, God appeared to Moses, and enjoined him to bestow
the high priesthood upon Aaron his brother, as upon him that best of
them all deserved to obtain that honor, on account of his virtue. And
when he had gathered the multitude together, he gave them an account of
Aaron's virtue, and of his good-will to them, and of the dangers he had
undergone for their sakes. Upon which, when they had given testimony to
him in all respects, and showed their readiness to receive him, Moses
said to them, "O you Israelites, this work is already brought to a
conclusion, in a manner most acceptable to God, and according to
our abilities. And now since you see that he is received into this
tabernacle, we shall first of all stand in need of one that may
officiate for us, and may minister to the sacrifices, and to the prayers
that are to be put up for us. And indeed had the inquiry after such
a person been left to me, I should have thought myself worthy of this
honor, both because all men are naturally fond of