Exodus Chapter 28

Garments for the Priests

1And 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. 2And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3And 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. 4And 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. 5And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

The Ephod

(Exodus 39:1-7)

6And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. 7It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together. 8And 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. 9And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: 10Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth. 11With 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. 12And 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. 13And thou shalt make ouches of gold; 14And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

The Breastpiece

(Exodus 39:8-21)

15And 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. 16Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. 17And 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. 18And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. 19And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. 20And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. 21And 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. 22And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold. 23And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate. 25And 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. 26And 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. 27And 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. 28And 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. 29And 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. 30And 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.

Additional Priestly Garments

(Exodus 39:22-31)

31And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32And 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. 33And 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: 34A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. 35And 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.

36And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. 38And 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.

39And 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.

40And 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. 41And 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. 42And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: 43And 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Garments for the Priests

1 “Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 5 They shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.

The Ephod
(Exodus 39:1–7)

6 “They shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. 7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together. 8 The skillfully woven band, which is on it, that is on him, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel: 10 six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain 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, according to the names of the children of Israel: you shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. 12 You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on his two shoulders for a memorial. 13 You shall make settings of gold, 14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work: and you shall put the braided chains on the settings.

The Breastpiece
(Exodus 39:8–21)

15 “You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. 16 It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length of it, and a span its breadth. 17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; 18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be enclosed in gold in their settings. 21 The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes. 22 You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 23 You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 25 The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart. 26 You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward. 27 You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod. 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 Yahweh continually. 30 You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Yahweh: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Yahweh continually.

Additional Priestly Garments
(Exodus 39:22–31)

31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 It shall have a hole for the head in its midst: it shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. 33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, around its hem; and bells of gold between and around 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 to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when he comes out, that he not die.

36 “You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO YAHWEH.’ 37 You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash; on the front of the sash it shall be. 38 It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh.

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, the work of the embroiderer.

40 “You shall make coats for Aaron’s sons, and you shall make sashes for them and you shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. 41 You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. 42 You shall make them linen breeches to cover the flesh of their nakedness; from the waist even to the thighs they shall reach: 43 They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they don’t bear iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him.

Garments for the Priests

1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. 2 Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.

3 You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. 4 These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests. 5 They shall use gold, along with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.

The Ephod
(Exodus 39:1–7)

6 They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. 7 It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

9 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: 10 six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. 12 Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

13 Fashion gold filigree settings 14 and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings.

The Breastpiece
(Exodus 39:8–21)

15 You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. 16 It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. a

17 And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: b

In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;

18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;

19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

20 and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.

Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. 21 The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

22 For the breastpiece, make braided chains like cords of pure gold. 23 You are also to make two gold rings and fasten them to the two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Then fasten the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and fasten the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.

26 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod.

27 Make two additional gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near its seam just above its woven waistband. 28 The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod.

29 Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.

30 And place the Urim and Thummim c in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD.

Additional Priestly Garments
(Exodus 39:22–31)

31 You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening at its top in the center. Around the opening shall be a woven collar with an opening like that of a garment, d so that it will not tear.

33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them, 34 alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe.

35 Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die.

36 You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal:

HOLY TO THE LORD. e

37 Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. 38 And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash. 40 Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor.

41 After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.

42 Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.

Footnotes:

16 a The breastpiece, when folded over, was approximately 9 inches or 22.9 centimeters in both length and width.
17 b The precise identification of some of these gemstones is uncertain.
30 c Literally Lights and Perfections
32 d The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain; possibly a coat of mail .
36 e That is, the LORD

Garments for the Priests

1And thou, bring thou near unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from the midst of the sons of Israel, for his being priest to Me, even Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, sons of Aaron; 2and thou hast made holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for honour and for beauty; 3and thou -- thou dost speak unto all the wise of heart, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, and they have made the garments of Aaron to sanctify him for his being priest to Me. 4And these are the garments which they make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and an upper robe, and an embroidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle; yea, they have made holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and for his sons, for his being priest to Me. 5'And they take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the linen,

The Ephod

(Exodus 39:1-7)

6and have made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen, work of a designer; 7it hath two shoulders joining at its two ends, and it is joined. 8And the girdle of his ephod which is on him, according to its work, is of the same, of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen. 9'And thou hast taken the two shoham stones, and hast opened on them the names of the sons of Israel; 10six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the second stone, according to their births; 11the work of an engraver in stone, openings of a signet, thou dost open the two stones by the names of the sons of Israel; turned round, embroidered with gold, thou dost make them. 12'And thou hast set the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod -- stones of memorial to the sons of Israel -- and Aaron hath borne their names before Jehovah, on his two shoulders, for a memorial. 13'And thou hast made embroidered things of gold, 14and two chains of pure gold, wreathed work thou dost make them, work of thick bands, and thou hast put the thick chains on the embroidered things.

The Breastpiece

(Exodus 39:8-21)

15'And thou hast made a breastplate of judgment, work of a designer; according to the work of the ephod thou dost make it; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen thou dost make it; 16it is square, doubled, a span its length, and a span its breadth. 17And thou hast set in it settings of stone, four rows of stone; a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle is the first row; 18and the second row is emerald, sapphire, and diamond; 19and the third row is opal, agate, and amethyst; 20and the fourth row is beryl, and onyx, and jasper; embroidered with gold are they in their settings, 21and the stones are according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names, openings of a signet, each by his name are they for the twelve tribes. 22'And thou hast made on the breastplate wreathed chains, work of thick bands, of pure gold; 23and thou hast made on the breastplate two rings of gold, and hast put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate; 24and thou hast put the two thick bands of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastplate; 25and the two ends of the two thick bands thou dost put on the two embroidered things, and thou hast put them on the shoulders of the ephod over-against its face. 26And thou hast made two rings of gold, and hast set them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its border, which is over-against the ephod within; 27and thou hast made two rings of gold, and hast put them on the two shoulders of the ephod, beneath, over-against its front, over-against its joining, above the girdle of the ephod, 28and they bind the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod with a ribbon of blue, to be above the girdle of the ephod, and the breastplate is not loosed from the ephod. 29'And Aaron hath borne the names of the sons of Israel in the breastplate of judgment, on his heart, in his going in unto the sanctuary, for a memorial before Jehovah continually. 30'And thou hast put unto the breastplate of judgment the Lights and the Perfections, and they have been on the heart of Aaron, in his going in before Jehovah, and Aaron hath borne the judgment of the sons of Israel on his heart before Jehovah continually.

Additional Priestly Garments

(Exodus 39:22-31)

31'And thou hast made the upper robe of the ephod completely of blue, 32and the opening for its head hath been in its midst, a border is to its opening round about, work of a weaver, as the opening of a habergeon there is to it; it is not rent. 33'And thou hast made on its hem pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, on its hem round about, and bells of gold in their midst round about; 34a bell of gold and a pomegranate, a bell of gold and a pomegranate are on the hems of the upper robe round about. 35'And it hath been on Aaron to minister in, and its sound hath been heard in his coming in unto the sanctuary before Jehovah, and in his going out, and he doth not die.

36'And thou hast made a flower of pure gold, and hast opened on it -- openings of a signet -- 'Holy to Jehovah;' 37and thou hast put it on a blue ribbon, and it hath been on the mitre -- over-against the front of the mitre it is; 38and it hath been on the forehead of Aaron, and Aaron hath borne the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel do hallow, even all their holy gifts; and it hath been on his forehead continually for a pleasing thing for them before Jehovah.

39'And thou hast embroidered the coat of linen, and hast made a mitre of linen, and a girdle thou dost make -- work of an embroiderer.

40'And for the sons of Aaron thou dost make coats, and thou hast made for them girdles, yea, bonnets thou dost make for them, for honour and for beauty; 41and thou hast clothed Aaron thy brother with them, and his sons with him, and hast anointed them, and hast consecrated their hand, and hast sanctified them, and they have been priests to Me. 42'And make thou for them linen trousers to cover the naked flesh: they are from the loins even unto the thighs; 43and they have been on Aaron and on his sons, in their going in unto the tent of meeting, or in their drawing nigh unto the altar to minister in the sanctuary, and they do not bear iniquity nor have they died; a statute age-during to him, and to his seed after him.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Exodus 28?

1.1Introduction to Exodus 28

1.2Context of Exodus 28

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Exodus 28 Unique Insights

1.6Exodus 28 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Exodus 28 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Exodus 28 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Exodus 28?

Introduction to Exodus 28

Exodus 28 stands as one of the most visually rich and symbolically significant chapters in the Torah, detailing the sacred garments of the High Priest. This chapter provides an extraordinarily detailed description of the priestly vestments, revealing how God’s holiness requires careful attention to both external appearance and internal spiritual reality. The intricate specifications for Aaron’s garments demonstrate that approaching the Divine presence demands both physical and spiritual preparation, setting a pattern that would influence worship practices for generations to come.

Context of Exodus 28

Within the book of Exodus, chapter 28 appears in the midst of God’s detailed instructions for establishing the Tabernacle worship system. Following the dramatic covenant ceremony of chapter 24 and the blueprints for the Tabernacle itself in chapters 25-27, this chapter shifts focus to the mediators who would serve in this sacred space. The placement is significant – only after establishing the place of meeting does God detail the requirements for those who would facilitate that meeting.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter serves as a crucial foundation for understanding priesthood, mediation, and approaching God’s holiness. These regulations would govern Israel’s worship for centuries and ultimately point forward to the perfect High Priest, Jesus the Messiah. The chapter’s emphasis on glory and beauty in worship would influence not only the later Temple service but also Christian understanding of dignity in worship and the spiritual significance of leadership roles.

Ancient Key Word Study

Ephod (אֵפוֹד): The primary priestly garment, this term derives from the root meaning “to bind” or “to gird.” More than just clothing, it represented the priest’s authority to bind and loose, to make judicial decisions, and to bear the people’s burdens before God.
Breastpiece (חֹשֶׁן): Called the “breastpiece of judgment,” this term connects to roots meaning both “beauty” and “decision-making.” It served as a constant reminder that the priest’s role combined both aesthetic glory and practical wisdom in serving God.
Pomegranates (רִמּוֹנִים): These decorative elements carried deep symbolism in ancient Near Eastern culture. The Hebrew word connects to the root “to lift up” or “to be exalted,” while the fruit’s many seeds represented fruitfulness and blessing.
Bells (פַּעֲמֹנִים): From a root meaning “to strike” or “to move,” these golden bells served both practical and symbolic purposes. Their sound announced the priest’s movements, ensuring reverence and safety in approaching God’s presence.
Holy (קֹדֶשׁ): This fundamental concept appears repeatedly in the chapter. The root means “to set apart” or “to be distinct,” emphasizing that the priests’ garments marked them as exclusively dedicated to Divine service.
Glory (כָּבוֹד): Used to describe the purpose of the garments, this term carries the weight of both physical splendor and spiritual honor. Its root connects to concepts of “heaviness” or “weightiness,” suggesting substantial significance.
Memorial (זִכָּרוֹן): Applied to several elements of the priestly garments, this word goes beyond mere remembrance to active representation. It implies bringing something to God’s attention for His action.
Pure (טָהוֹר): Used particularly of the gold elements, this term implies both physical refinement and moral purity, setting a standard for materials used in worship.
Engrave (פָּתַח): The detailed work of engraving names and “Holy to the LORD” reflects the Hebrew root meaning “to open” or “to develop,” suggesting that these inscriptions opened channels of connection between God and His people.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 2 specifies “holy garments… for glory and for beauty.” The Hebrew could have used terms for mere functionality or practicality, but instead emphasizes aesthetic and spiritual qualities, teaching that worship should engage both the senses and the spirit.
The choice of “pure gold” (זָהָב טָהוֹר) in verse 14 rather than simply “gold” emphasizes the requirement for absolute purity in items used for Divine service. The doubled description reinforces that no compromise was acceptable in materials dedicated to God.
Verse 29’s instruction for Aaron to “bear the names… upon his heart” uses the verb נָשָׂא (nasa) rather than simpler terms for carrying or wearing. This verb choice implies both physical and spiritual responsibility, suggesting the High Priest’s role as intercessor.
The placement of the Urim and Thummim “in the breastpiece of judgment” (verse 30) uses the preposition “in” (אֶל) rather than “on,” suggesting these objects were placed inside a pocket, maintaining their mystery while ensuring their availability for Divine guidance.
The specification for the robe to be “all of blue” (verse 31) uses תְכֵלֶת rather than other Hebrew words for blue, connecting it specifically to the color of heaven and Divine authority.
The alternating pattern of “a golden bell and a pomegranate” (verse 34) employs a specific Hebrew construction emphasizing perfect alternation, teaching the importance of balance in worship elements.
The inscription “Holy to the LORD” (verse 36) uses the covenant name יהוה rather than a more generic divine title, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and His priests.

Exodus 28 Unique Insights

The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) provides fascinating insights into the spiritual significance of each priestly garment. It teaches that each piece atoned for specific sins: the tunic atoned for bloodshed, the pants for sexual immorality, the turban for arrogance, and the belt for impure thoughts. This understanding adds layers of meaning to the physical descriptions, suggesting that the very act of dressing in these garments was part of the atonement process.

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Early Christian writers, particularly Clement of Alexandria, saw in the High Priest’s garments a prefiguration of the cosmic order. The bells and pomegranates represented the harmony between heaven and earth, while the twelve stones on the breastpiece symbolized not only the tribes of Israel but also the signs of the zodiac, suggesting God’s sovereignty over all creation.

The specific requirement for the ephod’s attachment at both shoulders carries mystical significance in Jewish tradition. The Zohar interprets this as representing the balance between judgment and mercy, suggesting that the High Priest’s role was to maintain cosmic harmony through his service.

The use of specific numbers throughout the chapter – particularly the recurring patterns of twelve, seven, and four – reflects ancient Near Eastern understanding of complete or perfect numbers. The twelve stones, arranged in four rows of three, created a microcosm of both Israel’s tribal structure and the ordered universe.

Exodus 28 Connections to Yeshua

The elaborate details of the High Priest’s garments foreshadow the perfect mediatorial role of Jesus the Messiah. Just as Aaron bore the names of Israel’s tribes on his shoulders (strength) and heart (love), Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for His people. The precious stones and pure gold point to His perfect worth and purity.

The inscription “Holy to the LORD” on Aaron’s forehead finds its fulfillment in Christ, who is inherently holy and makes His people holy. Hebrews 4:14-16 draws explicit connections between the Levitical priesthood and Jesus’ superior priesthood, showing how He perfectly fulfills and transcends the type established in Exodus 28. The constant “memorial” before God that the High Priest’s garments represented is perfectly realized in Christ’s continuing intercession for His people.

Exodus 28 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter’s detailed focus on priestly garments echoes forward to Revelation 1:13, where John sees the glorified Christ dressed in High Priestly attire. The bells ensuring Aaron would “not die” when entering God’s presence find their answer in Hebrews 10:19-22, where believers have confident access to God through Christ’s blood.

The breastpiece of judgment connects to 1 Kings 8:31-32, showing how the priests were involved in making judicial decisions. The Urim and Thummim’s role in seeking Divine guidance prefigures the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding believers (John 16:13).

The concept of bearing names before God connects to Isaiah 49:16, where God declares He has engraved His people on the palms of His hands, showing His eternal mindfulness of them.

Exodus 28 Devotional

In our modern context, this ancient chapter challenges us to consider how we approach God. While we no longer need physical garments to enter God’s presence, the principles of preparation, reverence, and beauty in worship remain relevant. The High Priest’s garments remind us that serving God involves our whole being – physical and spiritual.

The constant bearing of the people’s names before God encourages us to be faithful in intercessory prayer. Just as Aaron carried Israel’s tribes on his shoulders and heart, we too are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Consider: How do you prepare yourself to enter God’s presence? What “garments” of character do you need to develop? The chapter challenges us to combine beauty and holiness, external action and internal reality, in our worship and service.

Did You Know

The High Priest’s crown with “Holy to the LORD” engraved on it was actually a golden plate called the ציץ (tzitz), which some scholars believe was shaped like a flower.
The twelve stones in the breastpiece corresponded to the months of the Jewish calendar and the signs of the zodiac, showing God’s sovereignty over time and nature.
The blue dye (tekhelet) used for the robe was extracted from a specific species of snail, making it extremely valuable in ancient times.
The pomegranates on the hem of the robe were made of dyed wool, while the bells were pure gold, creating a stunning visual and auditory experience.
According to tradition, there were exactly 72 bells and 72 pomegranates on the hem of the High Priest’s robe.
The Urim and Thummim are never physically described in Scripture, remaining one of the most mysterious elements of the priestly garments.
The breastpiece was folded double to create a pocket for the Urim and Thummim, suggesting these were physical objects rather than just concepts.
The term “ephod” appears in Scripture both as a priestly garment and as a more general term for sacred vestments, causing some confusion in translation.
The total weight of gold used in the High Priest’s garments would have made them extremely heavy, symbolizing the weight of responsibility carried by the office.
According to Jewish tradition, the garments had to be sewn together in a specific order, and any deviation would invalidate their sacred status.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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