Exodus 28

Exodus 28:1

B. The Priesthood (Chaps. 28, 29)

1. The Garments of the Priests (Chap. 28)28:1, 2 Chapter 28 deals with the garments of the high priest and of his sons. These garments, their colors, the jewels, etc., all speak of the various glories of Christ, our Great High Priest. The family of Aaron was the priestly family. 28:3-29 The high priest had two sets of garments: (1) garments of glory and beauty, richly colored and intricately embroidered; (2) plain white linen garments. The former are described here (vv. 2-4). The ephod (vv. 6, 7) was similar to an apron, with two sections joined at the shoulders and open at the sides. The intricately woven band (v. 8) was a belt which went around the waist just above the hem of the ephod. The settings (v. 13) were of gold filigree to hold precious stones. On each shoulder was placed an onyx stone engraved with the names of . . . six of the tribes of Israel (vv. 9-12).

On the front of the ephod rested the breastplate, containing twelve precious stones, each one bearing the name of a tribe. The breastplate was attached to the ephod by gold chains (vv. 13-28). Thus the high priest carried the tribes of Israel before God on his shoulders (v. 12the place of strength) and over his heart (the place of affection; v. 29). 28:30 The breastplate is called the breastplate of judgment (vv. 15, 29, 30), probably because the Urim and Thummim were in it and were used to determine the judgments of the Lord (Num_27:21). The expression “Urim and Thummim” means lights and perfections. We do not know exactly what these were, but we do know (as explained above) that they were connected with the breastplate and that they were used to obtain guidance from the Lord (1Sa_28:6). 28:31-35 The robe of the ephod was a blue garment worn underneath the ephod. It extended below the knees. On the hem were small bells and pomegranates, speaking of testimony and fruit. The sound of the bells had to be heard when Aaron entered or left the holy place. 28:36-38 On the headcovering, or turban, the high priest wore a golden plate or miter bearing the words “HOLINESS TO THE LORD,” which was always to be on his forehead. It was for the iniquity of the holy things, a reminder that even our most sacred acts are stained with sin. As Archbishop Beveridge once said, “I cannot pray but I sin. . . . My repentance needs to be repented of and my tears need to be washed with the blood of my Redeemer.” 28:39-43 The woven tunic of checkered work was a linen coat which the high priest wore underneath the blue robe. This had a woven . . . sash. Aaron’s sons wore plain white tunics, sashes, and hats . . . for glory and beauty (v. 40). As underclothing, they wore linen trousers. They were clothed from head to ankles, but there was no covering on their feet. This is because they were on holy ground when they ministered to the Lord (Exo_3:5). The word rendered “consecrate” (v. 41) literally means to fill the hand (that is, with offerings).