‏ Exodus 28

Exodus 28:1-5: The Priests' Attire

In these verses, God chooses Aaron and his sons to serve as priests for Israel. Before this, each family leader acted as a priest for his household, but now God sets apart Aaron’s family to be the public priests for the whole nation. God also commands that special garments be made for the priests. These clothes are to show glory and beauty, reminding everyone of the importance of serving God. The best materials and most skilled workers are chosen to make them, showing that all gifts and talents should be used to honor God. These garments teach both the priests and the people about God’s holiness, and they point forward to Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest (Exodus 28:1-5 ^a).

v. 1: God tells Moses to bring Aaron and his sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—forward to serve as priests. Up to this time, Moses had acted as a priest, but now he gladly lets Aaron and his sons take this special role. This shows Moses’ humility and desire for God’s glory, not his own family’s honor (Psalm 99:6; Hebrews 5:4 ^b; Exodus 19:6 ^c).

v. 2: God commands that holy garments must be made for Aaron. These clothes are for glory and beauty, so that the priest’s important work is respected by all .

v. 3: God chooses wise and skilled people, filled with His spirit, to make the special garments for Aaron. This shows that all skills and knowledge are gifts from God and should be used for His service .

v. 4: The special garments to be made for Aaron and his sons are listed: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven coat, a turban (mitre), and a sash (girdle). These clothes set the priests apart for God’s service .

v. 5: The materials for the garments include gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. These were the richest and best materials, showing the honor and respect due to God and His priests .

Exodus 28:6-14: The Ephod for the High Priest

These verses give instructions for making the ephod, the special outer garment worn only by the high priest. Unlike the simple linen ephods worn by ordinary priests, the high priest’s ephod was beautiful and expensive, with gold woven into it. It was made to remind everyone of the importance and dignity of the high priest’s work. The ephod also pointed to Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, who represents His people before God (Exodus 28:6-14 ^d).

v. 6: God commands that the ephod be made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, skillfully woven. This garment was the most special of all the priestly clothes because of its materials and design .

v. 7: The ephod had two shoulder pieces joined at the edges, so it would fit neatly on the priest’s shoulders. This helped hold the rest of the garments together .

v. 8: The ephod had a special waistband, called a “curious girdle,” made from the same materials as the ephod itself. This belt kept the ephod secure and close to the body . In the New Testament, it says that Jesus, our High Priest, wore a golden sash too (Revelation 1:13 ^e).

v. 9: Moses was told to take two onyx stones and have the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on them. This showed that the high priest represented all the people .

v. 10: Six names were to go on one stone and the other six on the second stone, in the order of their birth. This made sure every tribe was remembered .

v. 11: The names were to be engraved with skill, like a jeweler engraves a seal. The stones would then be set in gold settings, showing their value .

v. 12: These two onyx stones were to be placed on the shoulders of the ephod. The high priest would carry the names of Israel on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord. This symbolized how Christ, our High Priest, carries and supports His people before God (Exodus 28:12; Isaiah 9:6 ^f).

v. 13: Gold settings, or “ouches,” were to be made for the stones, securing them carefully to the ephod .

v. 14: Two chains of pure gold, made like braided cords, were to be attached to the gold settings. These chains helped fasten everything together and added to the beauty and strength of the ephod .

Exodus 28:15-30: The Breastplate of Judgment

These verses explain how to make the high priest's special breastplate, called the “breastplate of judgment.” It was a beautiful, square piece of cloth decorated with twelve precious stones. Each stone had the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastplate was attached tightly to the ephod so it would not move. This garment showed honor for the priest’s work and symbolized God’s people being close to His heart. The breastplate also included the Urim and Thummim, special means God used to guide Israel in important decisions. All these details pointed forward to Jesus Christ, who always remembers and represents His people before God (Exodus 28:15-30 ^g).

v. 15: God commands that the breastplate be made with skill, out of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. It had to match the beautiful work of the ephod .

v. 16: The breastplate was to be square when folded, measuring a span both in length and width. This made it the right size to hold the stones and fit over the priest’s chest .

v. 17: Four rows of precious stones were set in the breastplate. The first row had a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle .

v. 18: The second row had an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond .

v. 19: The third row held a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst .

v. 20: The fourth row contained a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. All the stones were set in gold settings, making the breastplate very beautiful and valuable .

v. 21: Each stone was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This showed that every tribe was precious to God, no matter how small or weak (Exodus 28:21; Isaiah 43:4 ^h; Malachi 3:17; Lamentations 4:2 ⁱ).

v. 22: The breastplate was fastened with two braided chains of pure gold, making it secure and adding to its beauty .

v. 23: Two gold rings were made for the ends of the breastplate to attach the chains .

v. 24: The two gold chains were put through the rings at the ends of the breastplate .

v. 25: The other ends of these chains were fastened to gold settings on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, so the breastplate hung in front .

v. 26: Two more gold rings were made for the lower inside corners of the breastplate, next to the ephod .

v. 27: Two more rings were made on the lower front part of the ephod, above its special belt, to help tie the breastplate close to the ephod .

v. 28: The breastplate was tied to the ephod with a blue cord, so it stayed in place and was never loose. This showed that the priest’s work and honor must always go together .

v. 29: When Aaron went into the holy place, he would carry the names of the tribes of Israel on his heart as a memorial before the Lord. This was a sign of how Jesus, our High Priest, always remembers and loves His people when He stands before God (Exodus 28:29; Isaiah 40:11 ^j; Ephesians 2:6 ^k).

v. 30: God told Moses to put the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate. These were special objects used to learn God’s will in difficult situations. The high priest would carry them on his heart, showing that he represented the people when seeking God’s guidance. This pointed to Christ, who fully reveals God’s will to us and speaks for us before God (Exodus 28:30; Hebrews 1:2 ^l; John 1:18 ^m).

Exodus 28:31-39: The Robe, Plate, and Other Garments for the High Priest

In these verses, God gives instructions for the robe of the ephod, the golden plate for the forehead, and the other garments for Aaron. The robe was to be blue and decorated with pomegranates and golden bells at the hem. The golden plate, engraved with “Holiness to the Lord,” was worn on the high priest’s forehead. These clothes showed the high priest’s special role and reminded everyone of the need for holiness and care in worship. The details also pointed forward to Jesus Christ, our true High Priest, who brings us close to God and makes our worship acceptable (Exodus 28:31-39 ⁿ).

v. 31: God commands that the robe for the ephod should be made entirely of blue cloth. This robe was worn under the ephod and reached to the knees .

v. 32: The robe had an opening at the top for the head, with strong stitching around the hole so it would not tear. This design helped the priest put it on easily and made sure it lasted a long time .

v. 33: Around the hem of the robe, there were to be pomegranates made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with golden bells placed between them .

v. 34: The pattern was one golden bell, then a pomegranate, all the way around the bottom of the robe. This added beauty and meaning to the garment .

v. 35: Aaron was to wear this robe when he served in the holy place. The sound of the bells would let the people know when he entered and left the holy place, so they could pray at the same time (Luke 1:10 ^o). The bells also reminded everyone that the priest must serve God with respect and according to God’s instructions, or he could face death (Exodus 28:35; Psalm 89:15 ^p).

v. 36: God told Moses to make a gold plate to go on Aaron’s forehead. The plate was to be engraved with the words “Holiness to the LORD.” This showed that the high priest and his work must be holy .

v. 37: The gold plate was to be fastened to the front of the turban (mitre) with a blue cord .

v. 38: The plate was to be worn on Aaron’s forehead so he could “bear the iniquity of the holy things” offered by the Israelites. This meant that even the best offerings needed God’s forgiveness, and Aaron, as high priest, stood between the people and God to make their gifts acceptable. This pointed to Christ, who makes our worship and prayers pleasing to God (Exodus 28:38; 1 Peter 2:5 ^q; John 17:19; Hebrews 4:14-16 ^r).

v. 39: The rest of the garments included an embroidered linen coat, a linen turban, and a sash made with needlework. These garments were beautiful but simpler than the main priestly clothes. The turban also symbolized honor and showed that the high priest was a leader, like a kingly priest (Exodus 28:39; Zechariah 6:13 ^s).

Exodus 28:40-43: The Attire and Consecration of Aaron’s Sons

These verses describe the garments for Aaron’s sons, who served as priests alongside him. They were to wear coats, girdles, and bonnets made for glory and beauty, similar to Aaron’s but different in shape. Linen breeches were also made to cover their nakedness, teaching modesty in worship. The priests were to wear these garments only when ministering in the tabernacle, and they were consecrated by anointing to serve God. If they disobeyed or wore the garments improperly, they would bear guilt and face death. This shows how serious serving God is and points to the need for righteousness and spiritual protection through Christ (Exodus 28:40-43 ^t).

v. 40: God commands that Aaron’s sons have coats, girdles, and bonnets for glory and beauty. Their bonnets were different from Aaron’s mitre, but their garments still showed honor and importance in their worship .

v. 41: Aaron and his sons were to be dressed in these garments, anointed, consecrated, and sanctified to serve as priests. This marked their special calling and set them apart for God’s service .

v. 42: Linen breeches were made to cover their nakedness from the waist to the thighs. This taught modesty and respect, especially when serving in worship (Exodus 28:42; 1 Corinthians 11:5-6,10 ^u).

v. 43: The priests were to wear these garments only when entering the tabernacle or approaching the altar to minister. If they disobeyed, they would bear guilt and die. This was a permanent rule for Aaron and his descendants. It shows how important it is to serve God properly and with reverence. The garments also symbolized the righteousness of Christ and the spiritual armor we need to serve God safely (Exodus 28:43; Matthew 22:12-13 ^v; Ephesians 6:13; Revelation 16:15 ^w).

‏ Exodus 29

Exodus 29:1 - The Consecration of the Priests

This passage describes the detailed ceremonies and instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It shows how they were set apart by God for the special office of serving Him in the tabernacle. The process was very solemn and full of symbolism, emphasizing their holiness, dedication, and the significance of their priestly role for both themselves and the people.

v. 1: God commanded that Aaron and his sons be consecrated to serve as priests. This meant they were to be set apart from ordinary life for God’s special service. The process was to be solemn and detailed, so that everyone would see how high and holy the priest’s office was. The priests could not choose this office for themselves; only those called by God, like Aaron, could serve in this way (Hebrews 5:4 ^x). First, the person had to be accepted by God, and then their work would be accepted. The ceremony was called "filling the hand," which meant giving the priests the things they needed for their service (Exodus 29:9, 22, 26 ^y). It shows that ministers must be busy and always have something to offer God. They must rely on God to give them what they need to serve others. They had to take a young bullock and two unblemished rams as part of the offering that would dedicate them to the priestly office.

Moses was chosen by God to carry out the consecration. Even though Moses was not a priest, he was God’s servant and acted on God’s instructions. For this special ceremony, Moses did some of the priest’s work, so the part of the sacrifice that usually went to the priest was given to Moses instead (Exodus 29:26 ^z).

The consecration took place at the door of the tabernacle. This was the meeting point between God and the people. The priests were set apart in this place because they were to stand between God and the people, acting as mediators.

v. 2: Along with the animals, unleavened bread made of wheat flour was prepared in different forms—cakes, wafers, and bread mixed with oil—symbolizing purity and dedication without corruption.

v. 3: These offerings were to be placed in one basket and brought together with the bullock and the two rams, showing the unity of the consecration ceremony.

v. 4: Aaron and his sons were to be brought to the door of the tabernacle and washed with water. This washing symbolized the cleansing needed to serve God, as those who minister must be pure in body and spirit (cf. Isa 52:11; 2 Cor 7:1). This washing was a sign that their whole life needed to be pure. Later, they only washed their hands and feet when they entered the tabernacle (Exodus 30:19 ^aa), but for their first consecration, they were washed all over.

vv. 5-6, 8-9: Moses dressed Aaron with the sacred priestly garments—the coat, robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, the breastplate, and the girdle—as well as the mitre (turban) and the holy crown. Aaron’s sons were also clothed with coats, girded with belts, and given bonnets. These clothes and accessories showed that they were chosen for a holy purpose, symbolizing righteousness, honor, authority, and readiness for service. The priesthood was made a perpetual statute for Aaron and his sons, signifying the permanence and seriousness of their calling.

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v. 7: Moses anointed Aaron’s head with holy anointing oil. This anointing represented the outpouring of the Spirit empowering the priest for his duties, like the sweet fragrance of perfume rejoicing the heart (Ps 133:2). The other priests were also anointed, but not in the same way as the high priest (Leviticus 21:10 ^ab).

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vv. 10-14: A bullock was brought before the tabernacle, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head, symbolizing the transferring of their sins onto the sacrifice and acknowledging their need for atonement. The bullock was killed before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle, showing that sin must be dealt with openly and in God’s presence. Moses took the bullock’s blood and applied it with his finger to the horns of the altar and poured the rest at the altar’s base. The fat covering the internal organs and kidneys was burned on the altar, a pleasing offering to God. The flesh, skin, and dung of the bullock were burned outside the camp as a sin offering, signifying that the priests’ sins could not be fully removed by these sacrifices but pointed to a better high priest to come (Hebrews 7:27,28 ^ac).

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vv. 15-18: One ram was brought, and Aaron and his sons laid hands on its head, symbolizing dedication to God. The ram was killed, and its blood sprinkled around the altar, representing their complete dedication as a burnt offering. The ram was cut into pieces and washed, then the whole ram was burned on the altar as a sweet aroma pleasing to the Lord.

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vv. 19-28: Another ram was brought, and Aaron and his sons laid hands on its head, preparing for the final part of the consecration. This ram was killed, and its blood applied to the right ear, right thumb, and right great toe of Aaron and his sons, and sprinkled on the altar. This signified that their hearing, work, and walk were fully dedicated to God’s service. Blood and anointing oil were sprinkled on Aaron, his sons, and their garments, sanctifying them completely for holy service. Fat and the right shoulder of the ram of consecration were set apart, showing the offering’s special significance. One loaf, one oiled cake, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread before the Lord were also set apart for the offering. All these offerings were placed in Aaron’s and his sons’ hands and waved before the Lord, symbolizing their offering to God. Moses received these from their hands and burned them on the altar as a pleasing burnt offering to God. The breast of the ram was waved before the Lord and given as Moses’ portion, indicating the priestly portion in the peace offering. The breast and shoulder of the ram were sanctified and divided between Moses and the altar, showing partnership between God and the priests. These parts were given to Aaron and his sons by statute forever as their portion from the peace offerings of Israel.

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v. 29: The holy garments of Aaron were to be passed on to his sons, to be anointed and consecrated with them, showing the continuity of the priesthood.

v. 30: The priest who succeeded Aaron must wear these garments for seven days when ministering in the tabernacle, symbolizing gradual and solemn consecration.

v. 31: The ram of consecration was to be cooked in the holy place.

v. 32: Aaron and his sons ate the flesh of the ram and the bread in the basket at the tabernacle door, signifying fellowship with God and acceptance of atonement.

v. 33: Only they could eat these holy offerings; strangers were forbidden because these things were holy.

v. 34: Any leftover flesh or bread by morning was to be burned, to prevent defilement and show the offering’s special holiness.

v. 35: The consecration was to be done according to all God’s commands over seven days, emphasizing the seriousness of the process.

v. 36: Every day a bullock was offered for sin, and the altar was cleansed and anointed, showing ongoing atonement and sanctification of the altar.

v. 37: After seven days of atonement, the altar was made most holy; whatever touched it became holy.

The consecration of Aaron and his sons was a solemn ceremony appointed by God to set them apart as priests. They were purified, clothed with holy garments, anointed with oil, and offered sacrifices for their own sins and dedication. The laying on of hands, application of blood, and sharing in the offerings symbolized their complete commitment to God's service. The seven-day consecration showed the weight of their calling and foreshadowed the perfect priesthood of Christ, who was consecrated once for all with His own blood (Hebrews 7:28 ^ad). All believers are now spiritual priests, washed and anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve God faithfully (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:5-6; 1 John 2:27). The altar was also sanctified, pointing to Christ as our holy altar who sanctifies us and our offerings (John 17:19 ^ae).

Exodus 29:38-46: The Daily Offerings and God’s Promises

This passage explains the daily sacrifices God commanded the Israelites to offer and the blessings He promised if they obeyed. Every day, a lamb was to be offered in the morning and another in the evening. These sacrifices reminded the people of their need for forgiveness and God’s constant care. God gave special promises of His presence if the people were faithful in worship. These instructions show the importance of regular worship and prayer, and trusting that God is with those who seek Him.

v. 38-41: God ordered the Israelites to offer a lamb every morning and every evening as a continual burnt offering (v. 38-41 ^af). This was to happen every day for all generations. Even if no other sacrifices were made, these daily ones had to be given for the whole nation. They were for the forgiveness of daily sins and to thank God for daily blessings. When Antiochus stopped these sacrifices for a time, it was seen as a terrible disaster for God’s people (Dan. viii. 11 ^ag). These daily offerings point to Jesus Christ, who prays for us continually because of His one perfect sacrifice (Heb. 7:25; 9:28 ^ah). This also teaches us to pray and praise God every morning and evening. Daily worship should be as regular as eating meals. The sacrifices were given with bread and wine, showing that worship is as important as food for the soul. Neglecting prayer harms us spiritually.

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v. 42-43: God promised to meet with the Israelites at the tabernacle when they kept these daily sacrifices (v. 42-43 ^ai). He would accept their offerings and meet all the people, not just Moses. God said He would make the tabernacle, altar, and priests holy by His presence (v. 43, 44 ^aj). When we dedicate something to God sincerely, He accepts and blesses it.

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v. 44-46: God said He would live among the Israelites and be their God (v. 45, 46 ^ak). This shows His special love and favor. He said, I will dwell among the children of Israel. When God’s people worship Him, He is present. Jesus promised, Lo, I am with you always (Matt. xxviii. 20 ^al). If we stay close to God in worship, He stays close to us. Those who have God as their God are truly blessed and have all they need.