Exo 28:31-39 | MHM | STEP | 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 ). 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 .

‏ Exodus 28:31-39

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 ^a).

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 ^b). 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 ^c).

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 ^d; John 17:19; Hebrews 4:14-16 ^e).

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 ^f).