Exodus Chapter 28 — The Holy Garments for the Priests
God provides Moses with detailed instructions for creating sacred garments for Aaron and his sons to wear as they serve as priests in the tabernacle.
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Notable Verses
Exodus 28:2
“You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.”
This verse sets the standard for the priestly attire, indicating that the garments were intended to reflect God's glory.
Exodus 28:29
“Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.”
This describes the high priest's role as a representative who brings the needs and identity of the nation before God.
Exodus 28:36
“You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO THE LORD.’”
This inscription on the high priest's forehead emphasizes the requirement of total sanctification for those who minister to God.
Chapter Summary
Exodus Chapter 28 focuses on the appointment of Aaron and his sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—to the priesthood and the specific attire they must wear. God instructs Moses to commission skilled craftsmen, filled with the spirit of wisdom, to create holy garments 'for glory and for beauty.' These include an ephod, a breastplate of judgment, a blue robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. The ephod features two onyx stones on the shoulders, each engraved with six names of the tribes of Israel. The breastplate is set with twelve different precious stones, representing the twelve tribes, and contains the Urim and Thummim. The robe is decorated with golden bells and pomegranates so that the priest’s movements are heard in the holy place. Finally, a golden plate engraved with 'HOLY TO THE LORD' is attached to the turban, signifying the priest's consecrated role as a representative of the people before God.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Urim and Thummim were objects placed within the high priest's breastplate used to determine the judgment or will of God for the children of Israel.
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed by God to be the high priest, with his sons serving as priests alongside him.
The golden bells on the hem of the robe were designed to ring as the priest moved, so that he would be heard when entering or leaving the holy place, preventing him from dying in the presence of God.
The breastplate contained twelve precious stones arranged in four rows, with each stone engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Study Note
The craftsmen chosen for this task are described as being filled with the 'spirit of wisdom,' suggesting that biblical wisdom includes technical and artistic excellence used for God's service.
Related Chapters
Exodus Chapter 29
Describes the consecration ceremony for the priests wearing the garments outlined in this chapter.
Leviticus Chapter 8
Shows the fulfillment of these instructions when Moses officially vests Aaron and his sons.
Exodus Chapter 39
Provides the account of how these specific priestly garments were actually manufactured.
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