Exodus 28

I thy brother. This is the first express appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, though the Divine intention had been intimated before. In patriarchal times the head of the family, or of the community, generally offered sacrifices on their behalf; and occasionally individuals, on account of eminence of character, or other circumstances, acted as priests beyond the circle of their own family or tribe. See xx. 24; xxiv. 5; Gen. xiv. 18-20.

2 beauty. The richness and beauty of the high priest’s dress befitted the splendid ceremonial which shadowed forth the spiritual glories of the Redeemer and of the Gospel.

6 ephod. A priestly garment of this kind is represented in ancient Egyptian paintings. It was a close vest, reaching from under the shoulders nearly to the knees, fastened around with a girdle (ver. 8), and above with straps (ver. 7), chained and clasped with two engraved onyx stones set in gold.

11 ouches. Settings or sockets. The word also appeared as “nouche” and “owche.”

12 a memorial. Thus Aaron appeared before Jehovah as the representative of the people whose name he bore.

15 breastplate of judgement. So called because worn when the high priest obtained from God oracular decisions. See ver. 30.

17 stones. It is hardly possible to ascertain what some of these gems were. The “figure” (ver. 19) is probably “jacinth” (R.V.), or perhaps opal.

30 the Urim and the Thummim. “The Lights and the Perfections”; some means (now unknown) of ascertaining the Divine will by lot (Numb. xxvii. 27).

32 a hole. Rather, “and there shall be an opening for the head” (R.V.); probably for the priest’s head.—habergeon. A piece of armour defending the neck and breast.

33 pomegranates. The form of the pomegranate rendered it particularly suitable for imitation in carved work.

36. Holiness to the Lord. This was evidently symbolical of the holiness necessary to him who mediates between man and God; Lev. x. 4; Heb. vii. 26.

37 mltre. Or, “turban”: so “bonnet” in ver. 40.

41 consecrate. The Hebrew word here translated “consecrate,” literally means “fill the hand.” Then “to give a charge or office over to any one.” Cp. the word mandate (Lat. mandare).