1 “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.”
2 And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
3 You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood.
4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests.
5 They shall take the gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
6 “And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked.
7 It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together.
8 They shall make the breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod they shall make it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall be worked.
9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel,
10 six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth.
11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree.
12 And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance.
13 You shall make settings of gold filigree,
14 and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; and you shall attach the corded chains to the settings.
15 “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.
16 It shall be square and doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth.
17 You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row;
18 and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;
19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree.
21 There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.
22 You shall make on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold.
23 You shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece.
24 and you shall put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece.
25 And the other two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings of filigree, and so attach it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
26 And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them to the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on the front of it.
27 And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front of the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
28 And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod.
29 So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.
30 And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the Lord. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly.
31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
32 It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear.
33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them,
34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe.
35 It shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.
36 “You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’
37 You shall fasten it on a cord of blue and it shall be on the turban; it shall be at the front of the turban.
38 It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
39 “You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework.
40 “For Aaron’s sons you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty.
41 And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.
42 You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs;
43 They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.
The True Meaning of Exodus 28
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Aaron and his sons wore the intricate details of the priestly garments that we delve into in this chapter, as they were chosen to serve as the high priests of the Israelites. God instructed Moses to set apart Aaron and his sons for the sacred duty of ministering in the tabernacle as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. The garments described in this chapter were not merely decorative, but held deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the holiness and authority of the priesthood. These vestments would set the priests apart, reminding the people of the reverence and obedience due to God’s chosen representatives.
The chapter outlines the specific materials, designs, and purposes of each garment, from the ephod and breastplate to the robe and turban. These details echo the instructions given to Moses earlier in the book, where God provided detailed plans for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25-27). The careful attention to these sacred vestments underscores the importance of proper worship and the reverence due to the Lord.
Exodus 28:1-5
The text in Exodus 28:1-5 appoints Aaron and his sons as priests, detailing the garments that they are to wear as they serve in the tabernacle. The Lord instructs Moses to have Aaron, along with Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Aaron’s sons), come near to Him so they can serve as priests. This act of consecration signifies their set-apartness for the sacred duty of interceding on behalf of the people before God.
The significance of the priestly garments cannot be understated. These elaborate garments were designed to be both dignified and beautiful, reflecting the honor and reverence with which the priests were to approach their ministry. Each element of the priestly attire had symbolic meaning, emphasizing the holiness and purity required for the priests to stand before God. The ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash were intricately crafted with materials such as gold, jewels, fine linen, and purple, blue, and scarlet yarns.
The wearing of these garments served as a continual reminder for the priests of their role as mediators between the people and God. The priests demonstrated their obedience and reverence for the divine authority by following God’s specific instructions for their attire. This attention to detail in their clothing reflected the importance of approaching God with respect and humility, acknowledging His holiness and their own unworthiness.
Furthermore, the concept of priestly garments has broader implications beyond the Old Testament context. Christians in the New Testament are described as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) and are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The priestly garments in Exodus serve as a foreshadowing of the spiritual garments believers are called to put on, described in Ephesians 6:10-18 as the armor of God. Just as the ancient priests were clothed with physical garments for their sacred duty, Christians are urged to be clothed with spiritual armor to stand firm in their faith and resist the spiritual forces of evil. The detailed instructions for the priestly garments in Exodus 28 highlight the significance of the priesthood, the importance of reverence in approaching God, and the symbolism of clothing as a reflection of one’s sacred calling. The timeless message conveyed through these garments continues to resonate in the lives of believers, reminding them of their identity as a chosen people called to a holy purpose.
Exodus 28:6-14
The focus in Exodus 28:6-14 is on making the breastpiece of judgment for Aaron, the high priest, to wear as part of his sacred garments. This breastpiece is to be made with colorful materials, including gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. It is to be set with four rows of gemstones, three in each row, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone is to be engraved with the name of one of the tribes, symbolizing how Aaron, as the high priest, carries the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord continually.
This section highlights the significance of the breastpiece as a symbol of representation and intercession. The high priest, Aaron in this case, was chosen to stand before God on behalf of the people of Israel. The stones on the breastpiece not only symbolize the unity of the twelve tribes but also Aaron’s role as a mediator between the people and God. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, where individuals such as Moses, Aaron, and later Jesus Christ, serve as mediators between humanity and the divine.
The use of gemstones in the breastpiece speaks to the idea of God’s people being precious and valuable in His sight. Each tribe is represented by a unique stone, illustrating the diversity within the community of believers. This diversity does not diminish the unity of purpose in serving and worshiping God. Similarly, in the New Testament, Christians are described as living stones in God’s spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-5), emphasizing the idea of believers as a holy priesthood, reflecting the priesthood of all believers concept.
The breastpiece is also referred to as the “breastplate of judgment” in Exodus 28:15. The term “judgment” here does not imply punishment, but rather discernment and decision-making. The high priest carried the breastpiece as a symbol of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in matters concerning the people. This reinforces the importance of seeking God’s will and wisdom in our own lives, trusting Him to guide us and make righteous decisions. James 1:5 in the New Testament encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, highlighting the importance of seeking divine guidance in all aspects of life. Exodus 28:6-14 underscores the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and His people, symbolized by the breastpiece with its precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. The intricate design and symbolism of the breastpiece serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, His guidance, and the unity and diversity within the community of believers. This passage invites us to reflect on our own role as a chosen priesthood, called to intercede and represent others before God, with a reliance on His wisdom and discernment.
Exodus 28:15-30
Exodus 28:15-30 states, “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. A ruby, a topaz, and a beryl shall be in the first row; a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald in the second row; a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst in the third row; and a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper in the fourth row. Mount them in gold filigree settings. There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod.”
This passage gives detailed instructions on the making of the breastpiece for the high priest, which was an essential part of his attire. The breastpiece was to be made with skilled craftsmanship and intricately designed with gold and various precious stones. Each of the twelve precious stones represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastpiece was meant to be a symbol of judgment and decision-making, as it contained the Urim and Thummim which were used for seeking God’s guidance.
The significance of the breastpiece lies in its representation of the unity and importance of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone engraved with a tribal name symbolized the high priest carrying the people of Israel close to his heart when he entered the Holy of Holies. This demonstrates the interconnectedness and interdependence of the tribes, emphasizing the idea of a collective identity and shared destiny.
Furthermore, the breastpiece served as a tool for communication with God, as the Urim and Thummim were used by the high priest to seek divine guidance in matters of national importance. This highlights the importance of seeking God’s direction in decision-making and leadership, showing that even the highest authority figures should rely on God’s wisdom and not their own understanding. The breastpiece reflects the idea of spiritual authority and responsibility in a broader context. The high priest, as the mediator between God and the people, carried the weight of representing the entire nation before the Lord. This points towards Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest who intercedes for believers before God, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:14-16. The making of the breastpiece symbolizes the intricate relationship between God, the high priest, and the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of unity, divine guidance, and spiritual leadership. It serves as a reminder for Christians today to seek God’s wisdom in decision-making and to carry one another’s burdens in love and unity, reflecting the principles of communal responsibility and spiritual discernment.
Exodus 28:31-35
God gives Moses a detailed instruction about the design of the priestly garments in the book of Exodus 28:31-35. Let’s break down this verse into sections to analyze its significance.
Verse 31 begins by instructing the Israelites to make a robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth. The ephod was a garment worn by the high priest, consisting of two pieces that covered the front and back of the high priest and were joined by shoulder pieces. The color blue was significant and symbolic in the Bible, representing the heavenly realm and the divine nature of God. This choice of color was a constant reminder to the priests of their sacred duties and their connection to God.
Moving on to verse 32, we read about a skillfully woven opening for the head in the center of the robe, with a woven edge around the opening to prevent it from tearing. This attention to detail in the construction of the robe emphasized the importance of honoring God in every aspect of worship and service. It also signified the priest’s role as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the need for reverence and care in approaching the divine.
Verse 33 delves into the imagery of pomegranates and bells alternating around the hem of the robe. The pomegranate, with its rich symbolism of fertility, righteousness, and abundance, was a popular motif in the Bible and was often associated with the blessings of God. The sound of the bells was to be heard as the high priest moved, serving as a reminder of the priest’s presence before God and the need for holiness and purity in their actions. This combination of pomegranates and bells conveyed the dual themes of fruitfulness and vigilance in serving God with a pure heart. God instructs in verse 34 to place a golden bell and a pomegranate all around the hem of the robe. The use of gold symbolized the divine nature and purity of God, while the pomegranate emphasized the fruitful and abundant blessings that come from walking in obedience to Him. God was reinforcing the significance of serving Him with reverence, diligence, and a heart devoted to His ways by adorning the hem of the priestly robe with these elements.
Finally, verse 35 concludes by stating that the high priest must wear this robe when he ministers. The attire of the high priest was not merely for ceremonial purposes; it served as a visual representation of his consecrated role and responsibility before God and the people. The Israelites were reminded of the sacredness of their worship and the importance of approaching God with humility, obedience, and faithfulness by following these detailed instructions for the priestly garments. God took meticulous care in outlining the design of the priestly garments in Exodus 28:31-35, highlighting the significance of holiness, obedience, and reverence in the service of God. The use of symbolic elements such as the color blue, pomegranates, and bells served as visual reminders of God’s presence, blessings, and expectations for His chosen people. This passage teaches us the importance of approaching God with respect and sincerity in our worship and service, recognizing that every detail matters in our walk with Him.
Exodus 28:36-38
God gave Moses a specific command regarding the high priest Aaron’s turban in Exodus 28:36-38. Let’s break this down into key sections for a deeper understanding. The first part of the passage states, “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord.”” This plate of pure gold was to be worn on the front of Aaron’s turban. The inscription “Holy to the Lord” served as a reminder of Aaron’s consecration and set-apartness as the high priest. This symbolized Aaron’s role as a mediator between the Israelites and God. The concept of holiness and separation unto the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It highlights the importance of living a life set apart for God’s service and reflecting His holiness in all aspects of life. This concept extends to believers today, as Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”
The second part of the passage goes on to say, “It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the iniquity involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be.” Aaron, as the high priest, carried the responsibility for the sins of the people and made atonement for them through the sacrifices and offerings prescribed by God. This act of bearing the iniquity of the Israelites prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the High Priest that intercedes for us with God, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:14-16. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, providing eternal atonement for all who believe in Him.
Lastly, the verse concludes with, “This will be a regularly recurring reminder to the Israelites before the Lord.” The presence of the gold plate with the inscription served as a continual reminder to the Israelites of their need for atonement and the holy status of the priesthood. It emphasized the importance of reverence for God and obedience to His commands. Similarly, as Christians, we are reminded to continually seek forgiveness for our sins and live in a manner that honors God, as Paul urges in Romans 12:1-2, to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Exodus 28:36-38 serves as a significant reminder of the holiness of God, the sacrificial system, and the need for atonement. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our High Priest and provided a way for us to be reconciled to God. The passage underscores the timeless message of redemption, forgiveness, and living a life dedicated to God’s service.
Exodus 28:39-43
A detailed description of the garments that Aaron and his sons, the priests, were instructed to wear as they served in the tabernacle is seen in Exodus 28:39-43.
The first part of the passage refers to the outer tunic, which was to be made of fine linen. The use of fine linen was significant as it symbolized purity and righteousness. This emphasis on purity is essential as it reflects the standard of holiness required for the priests to enter into the presence of the Lord and perform their duties. It also serves as a reminder that those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership are called to live holy and set-apart lives.
Another important garment described in this passage is the turban that Aaron was to wear on his head. The turban was to have a plate of pure gold attached to it with the inscription “Holy to the Lord.” This inscription signifies the consecration and dedication of the priests to the service of the Lord. It also serves as a reminder to the priests and the people that they are set apart for God’s work and should conduct themselves accordingly. This concept of being consecrated and set apart for God’s purposes is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the need for believers to live lives that are distinct from the world around them.
Additionally, the passage mentions the undergarments that the priests were to wear to cover their nakedness. This detail highlights the importance of modesty and decency in the service of God. It serves as a reminder that even in the performance of sacred duties, the priests were called to maintain propriety and dignity. This passage emphasizes the importance of holiness, consecration, and modesty in the service of God. It teaches us that those who are called to serve in positions of spiritual leadership should do so with reverence, purity, and dedication. The detailed instructions regarding the priestly garments also point to the meticulous care and attention to detail that God values in matters related to worship and service. It underscores the idea that our outward appearance and conduct should reflect the inward reality of our commitment to God and His work. These instructions regarding the priestly garments in the book of Exodus are part of a larger pattern of rituals and regulations intended to establish the Israelites as a holy nation set apart for the worship and service of God. These regulations helped to create a sense of order, reverence, and distinction among the people, reinforcing their identity as God’s chosen people. The emphasis on holiness and consecration in these rituals pointed to the ultimate standard of purity and righteousness that would be fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect High Priest and Mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Thus, the detailed instructions regarding the priestly garments not only served a practical and symbolic purpose in the Old Testament context but also point forward to the greater spiritual realities that would be revealed in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ and the establishment of a new covenant based on grace, faith, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
After Exodus 28
The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “Bring your brother Aaron and his sons to me, that they may serve as priests in my sanctuary. Instruct them to make sacred garments for Aaron, so that he may be set apart for me and minister before me.” Moses followed the Lord’s command and presented Aaron and his sons to the people. The people saw the holy garments that had been made, and they knew that the Lord had chosen these men to be his priests. The people watched with a sense of reverence and awe. They understood that the priesthood was a sacred calling, and that those who served in it were set apart for a special purpose. The Lord had chosen these men to be the intermediaries between the people and the divine, and the people knew that they must honor and obey them. The people would come to the priests with their offerings and prayers in the days that followed, seeking the Lord’s guidance and blessing. And the priests, clothed in their sacred garments, would stand before the Lord, interceding on behalf of the people. This was the beginning of a new era, one in which the people of Israel would be led by a dedicated and consecrated priesthood, and the Lord’s presence would be made known among them.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.