And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.
And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.
With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial.
And thou shalt make ouches of gold;
And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.
And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.
And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.
And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
And for Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.
Exodus 28 delves into the intricate details of the priestly garments, revealing God's meticulous design for those who would minister in His presence. This chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness, representation, and the beauty of worship. God's instructions highlight the sacred role of the priests and foreshadow the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.
The Calling and Purpose of the Priestly Garments (Exodus 28:1-5)
God chose the descendants of Levi for the care and transport of the tabernacle and its furnishings (see Numbers 1:50). From among the Levites, Aaron and his descendants were specifically chosen to serve as priests (Exodus 28:1). This divine selection underscores the importance of a designated ministry within the community of faith. The priests were to be set apart, and their garments were to reflect this sacred calling (Exodus 28:2). These were not mere clothes, but "holy garments," designed to befit their holy role. Skilled artisans were commissioned to create these garments – a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a specially woven tunic, a turban, and a sash (Exodus 28:2-4) – all according to God's precise instructions (Exodus 28:6-43). The artistry and detail involved demonstrate the reverence God desires in worship and service.
The Ephod: Bearing the Names of Israel (Exodus 28:6-14)
The ephod was an artistically embroidered vest-like garment (Exodus 28:6-8). It included two onyx stones, each engraved with six of the names of Israel's sons (Exodus 28:9-11). This meant the priest carried the names of all twelve tribes. As the priest performed his ministerial duties, he represented the twelve tribes before God (Exodus 28:12). Aaron was to carry their names on his two shoulders before the LORD as a reminder of God’s covenant with his people (Exodus 28:12). This act symbolized the priest's responsibility to bear the people's burdens and represent them before God.
The Breastpiece: A Symbol of Intercession (Exodus 28:15-30)
Attached to the ephod was an embroidered breastpiece (Exodus 28:15-28). It contained four rows of three precious gemstones (Exodus 28:17-20), each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes (Exodus 28:21). Just as the onyx stones on the ephod represented the tribes, the gemstones on the breastpiece symbolized the priest's role in representing and interceding for the nation. He bore the names of Israel's sons over his heart (Exodus 28:29), a powerful image of his love and concern for the people.
The breastpiece was also known as the "breastpiece for decisions" because it held the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:29-30). While the exact nature and use of these items remain somewhat mysterious, they were clearly instruments used to discern God's will in matters of national importance. Though Moses often heard directly from the Lord, the priests were to discover God’s will through use of the Urim and Thummim (see Numbers 27:18-21; 1 Samuel 14:41-42; 28:5-6; Ezra 2:63). This highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making.
The Robe: A Sound of Ministry (Exodus 28:31-35)
The priest's robe was made entirely of blue yarn (Exodus 28:31). Attached to its lower hem were gold bells (Exodus 28:33-34). The purpose of these bells was practical and symbolic: others could hear the bells and know that the priest was ministering before the LORD (Exodus 28:35). The sound of the bells served as a constant reminder of God's presence and the ongoing work of ministry.
The Turban: Holiness Unto the Lord (Exodus 28:36-38)
The priest wore a turban with a pure gold medallion fastened to it. Engraved on the medallion were the words "HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36-37). This inscription declared the priest's dedication to God's service and symbolized his separation from the world. The priest was set apart for God’s service. He was to bear the guilt with regard to Israel’s holy offerings (Exodus 28:38). However, the only high priest who would be perfectly holy and able to perfectly intercede for his people would be Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 7:26-28). This foreshadows the perfect holiness and intercessory work of Jesus.
Tunics, Sashes, and Headbands: Glory and Beauty (Exodus 28:39-43)
The final garments for the priests included tunics, sashes, and headbands. These artistically woven items of beautiful material set apart Aaron’s sons and gave them glory and beauty (Exodus 28:40). Those who ministered in the name of a glorious God were to be dressed gloriously. All of these stipulations and requirements had to be carried out so that the priests did not incur guilt and die (Exodus 28:43). The emphasis on beauty and glory in these garments reflects the beauty and glory of God Himself.
Exodus 28 reveals a God who cares deeply about the details of worship and the representation of His people. The priestly garments were not merely functional; they were symbolic, beautiful, and powerful reminders of God's holiness, His covenant with Israel, and the importance of intercession. Ultimately, these garments point to the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ, who embodies holiness, represents His people before God, and intercedes on their behalf.
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.
And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.
With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial.
And thou shalt make ouches of gold;
And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.
And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.
And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.
And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
And for Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.
Exodus 28 delves into the intricate details of the priestly garments, revealing God's meticulous design for those who would minister in His presence. This chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness, representation, and the beauty of worship. God's instructions highlight the sacred role of the priests and foreshadow the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.
The Calling and Purpose of the Priestly Garments (Exodus 28:1-5)
God chose the descendants of Levi for the care and transport of the tabernacle and its furnishings (see Numbers 1:50). From among the Levites, Aaron and his descendants were specifically chosen to serve as priests (Exodus 28:1). This divine selection underscores the importance of a designated ministry within the community of faith. The priests were to be set apart, and their garments were to reflect this sacred calling (Exodus 28:2). These were not mere clothes, but "holy garments," designed to befit their holy role. Skilled artisans were commissioned to create these garments – a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a specially woven tunic, a turban, and a sash (Exodus 28:2-4) – all according to God's precise instructions (Exodus 28:6-43). The artistry and detail involved demonstrate the reverence God desires in worship and service.
The Ephod: Bearing the Names of Israel (Exodus 28:6-14)
The ephod was an artistically embroidered vest-like garment (Exodus 28:6-8). It included two onyx stones, each engraved with six of the names of Israel's sons (Exodus 28:9-11). This meant the priest carried the names of all twelve tribes. As the priest performed his ministerial duties, he represented the twelve tribes before God (Exodus 28:12). Aaron was to carry their names on his two shoulders before the LORD as a reminder of God’s covenant with his people (Exodus 28:12). This act symbolized the priest's responsibility to bear the people's burdens and represent them before God.
The Breastpiece: A Symbol of Intercession (Exodus 28:15-30)
Attached to the ephod was an embroidered breastpiece (Exodus 28:15-28). It contained four rows of three precious gemstones (Exodus 28:17-20), each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes (Exodus 28:21). Just as the onyx stones on the ephod represented the tribes, the gemstones on the breastpiece symbolized the priest's role in representing and interceding for the nation. He bore the names of Israel's sons over his heart (Exodus 28:29), a powerful image of his love and concern for the people.
The breastpiece was also known as the "breastpiece for decisions" because it held the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:29-30). While the exact nature and use of these items remain somewhat mysterious, they were clearly instruments used to discern God's will in matters of national importance. Though Moses often heard directly from the Lord, the priests were to discover God’s will through use of the Urim and Thummim (see Numbers 27:18-21; 1 Samuel 14:41-42; 28:5-6; Ezra 2:63). This highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making.
The Robe: A Sound of Ministry (Exodus 28:31-35)
The priest's robe was made entirely of blue yarn (Exodus 28:31). Attached to its lower hem were gold bells (Exodus 28:33-34). The purpose of these bells was practical and symbolic: others could hear the bells and know that the priest was ministering before the LORD (Exodus 28:35). The sound of the bells served as a constant reminder of God's presence and the ongoing work of ministry.
The Turban: Holiness Unto the Lord (Exodus 28:36-38)
The priest wore a turban with a pure gold medallion fastened to it. Engraved on the medallion were the words "HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36-37). This inscription declared the priest's dedication to God's service and symbolized his separation from the world. The priest was set apart for God’s service. He was to bear the guilt with regard to Israel’s holy offerings (Exodus 28:38). However, the only high priest who would be perfectly holy and able to perfectly intercede for his people would be Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 7:26-28). This foreshadows the perfect holiness and intercessory work of Jesus.
Tunics, Sashes, and Headbands: Glory and Beauty (Exodus 28:39-43)
The final garments for the priests included tunics, sashes, and headbands. These artistically woven items of beautiful material set apart Aaron’s sons and gave them glory and beauty (Exodus 28:40). Those who ministered in the name of a glorious God were to be dressed gloriously. All of these stipulations and requirements had to be carried out so that the priests did not incur guilt and die (Exodus 28:43). The emphasis on beauty and glory in these garments reflects the beauty and glory of God Himself.
Exodus 28 reveals a God who cares deeply about the details of worship and the representation of His people. The priestly garments were not merely functional; they were symbolic, beautiful, and powerful reminders of God's holiness, His covenant with Israel, and the importance of intercession. Ultimately, these garments point to the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ, who embodies holiness, represents His people before God, and intercedes on their behalf.