Exodus 28
BSB1 “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. 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. 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. 17 And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: 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 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. 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, 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. 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.
Study Notes — Exodus 28
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 28
- Themes from Exodus 28
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 28
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus 28 provides a detailed description of the priestly garments, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. The chapter explains the significance of these garments, which were to be worn by Aaron and his sons as they ministered before God. The garments were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God and to emphasize the importance of holiness and purity in their ministry. The chapter also describes the process of ordination, which involved the anointing and consecration of the priests. Key verses, such as Exodus 28:1 and Exodus 28:3, highlight the importance of the priests' role and the need for skilled craftsmen to create the garments.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus 28 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which describes the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is situated in the context of the construction of the tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of God among the Israelites. The chapter highlights the importance of the priests' role in mediating between God and the people, emphasizing the need for holiness and purity in their ministry. This chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who was set apart by God to serve as our mediator.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of holiness and purity in our own lives. Just as the priests were set apart for God's service, we are called to be set apart for God's purposes. We are to be holy, as God is holy, and to live our lives in a way that reflects our status as children of God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the special clothes that the priests wore when they served God. The clothes were important because they showed that the priests were set apart to serve God. The chapter also talks about how the priests were chosen and prepared for their job. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of being holy and set apart for God's purposes, just like the priests. For example, Exodus 28:1 explains that the priests were anointed and ordained to serve as priests, highlighting the significance of their role as mediators between God and the people.
Voices from the Church
“The garments of the priests were not only for beauty, but for significance, to show forth the glory of God and the dignity of the priestly office.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The anointing of the priests was a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who sets apart and sanctifies those who are called to ministry.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Priestly Garments (Exodus 28:1-5) — The chapter begins by describing the garments that the priests were to wear, including the ephod, breastplate, and robe.
- The Ephod and Breastplate (Exodus 28:6-14) — The ephod and breastplate were two of the most important garments, symbolizing the priests' role as representatives of the people before God.
- The Robe and Tunic (Exodus 28:31-35) — The robe and tunic were also important garments, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry.
- The Turban and Sash (Exodus 28:36-39) — The turban and sash were the final garments described, highlighting the significance of the priests' role as mediators between God and the people.
- The Ordination of the Priests (Exodus 28:40-43) — The chapter concludes by describing the process of ordination, which involved the anointing and consecration of the priests.
Core Doctrines
- The Priesthood of Christ
- This chapter points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who was set apart by God to serve as our mediator. The description of the priestly garments in Exodus 28 symbolizes Christ's role as our representative before God.
- The Importance of Holiness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry, highlighting the need for them to be set apart for God's service.
- The Role of the Church
- The chapter highlights the significance of the priests' role as mediators between God and the people, emphasizing their responsibility to represent the people before God.
- The Symbolism of the Garments
- The garments described in this chapter were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in their ministry.
Lessons from Exodus 28
- The Importance of Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in our own lives, just as the priests were set apart for God's service.
- The Role of the Church — The chapter highlights the significance of the church's role as a mediator between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in its ministry.
- The Symbolism of the Garments — The garments described in this chapter were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in their ministry.
- The Priesthood of Christ — The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who was set apart by God to serve as our mediator.
- The Anointing and Ordination of Believers — The chapter highlights the significance of the anointing and ordination of believers, emphasizing the importance of being set apart for God's purposes.
Themes from Exodus 28
- Holiness and Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry, highlighting the need for them to be set apart for God's service.
- The Role of the Priests — The chapter highlights the significance of the priests' role as mediators between God and the people, emphasizing their responsibility to represent the people before God.
- The Symbolism of the Garments — The garments described in this chapter were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in their ministry.
- The Priesthood of Christ — The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who was set apart by God to serve as our mediator.
- The Anointing and Ordination of Believers — The chapter highlights the significance of the anointing and ordination of believers, emphasizing the importance of being set apart for God's purposes.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the priestly garments described in Exodus 28?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry?
- What is the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people?
- How does the chapter point to Christ as the ultimate High Priest?
- What is the significance of the anointing and ordination of the priests?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Priestly Garments (Exodus 28:1-5)
| 28:1 | The chapter begins by describing the garments that the priests were to wear, including the ephod, breastplate, and robe. |
| 28:2 | The ephod was a garment that was worn over the robe, symbolizing the priests' role as representatives of the people before God. |
2. The Ephod and Breastplate (Exodus 28:6-14)
| 28:6 | The ephod and breastplate were two of the most important garments, symbolizing the priests' role as representatives of the people before God. |
| 28:9 | The breastplate was set with twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the priests' role as representatives of the people before God. |
3. The Robe and Tunic (Exodus 28:31-35)
| 28:31 | The robe was a long, blue garment that was worn under the ephod, symbolizing the priests' role as representatives of the people before God. |
| 28:32 | The tunic was a white garment that was worn under the robe, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry. |
4. The Turban and Sash (Exodus 28:36-39)
| 28:36 | The turban was a headcovering that was worn by the high priest, symbolizing his role as the ultimate representative of the people before God. |
| 28:37 | The sash was a belt that was worn around the waist, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry. |
5. The Ordination of the Priests (Exodus 28:40-43)
| 28:40 | The chapter concludes by describing the process of ordination, which involved the anointing and consecration of the priests. |
| 28:41 | The anointing and ordination of the priests emphasized the importance of their role as mediators between God and the people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the priestly garments described in Exodus 28?
The garments were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in their ministry. As stated in Exodus 28:2, the ephod was a garment that was worn over the robe, symbolizing the priests' role as representatives of the people before God.
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry by describing the garments that they were to wear, which symbolized their role as representatives of the people before God. For example, Exodus 28:5 explains that the ephod was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry.
What is the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people?
The priests were responsible for representing the people before God, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf. As stated in Exodus 28:1, the priests were anointed and ordained to serve as priests, highlighting the significance of their role as mediators between God and the people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 28:1 → Hebrews 7:26-28 | The description of the priestly garments in Exodus 28 points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who was set apart by God to serve as our mediator. |
| 2 | Exodus 28:6 → 1 Peter 2:9 | The ephod and breastplate described in Exodus 28 symbolize Christ's role as our representative before God, just as the priests represented the people before God. |
| 3 | Exodus 28:12 → Revelation 21:12 | The stones on the breastplate described in Exodus 28:12 represent the twelve tribes of Israel, just as the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem represent the twelve apostles of the Lamb. |
| 4 | Exodus 28:30 → Proverbs 3:1-2 | The Urim and Thummim described in Exodus 28:30 symbolize the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our lives, just as the priests sought God's guidance through the Urim and Thummim. |
| 5 | Exodus 28:33 → Deuteronomy 8:7-10 | The pomegranates on the hem of the robe described in Exodus 28:33 symbolize the fruitfulness and abundance of God's kingdom, just as the pomegranates represented the fruitfulness of the Promised Land. |
| 6 | Exodus 28:36 → Isaiah 61:10 | The turban described in Exodus 28:36 symbolizes the importance of humility and servant-leadership in our lives, just as the high priest wore the turban as a symbol of his humility and servant-leadership. |
| 7 | Exodus 28:40 → 1 Timothy 4:14 | The anointing and ordination of the priests described in Exodus 28:40 symbolize the importance of being set apart for God's purposes, just as believers are anointed and ordained for ministry. |
| 8 | Exodus 28:41 → Hebrews 5:1-4 | The consecration of the priests described in Exodus 28:41 symbolizes the importance of being set apart for God's service, just as Christ was set apart by God to serve as our High Priest. |
| 9 | Exodus 28:42 → Ephesians 6:14 | The linen undergarments described in Exodus 28:42 symbolize the importance of purity and righteousness in our lives, just as the priests wore linen undergarments to symbolize their purity and righteousness. |
| 10 | Exodus 28:43 → 1 Peter 1:15-16 | The command to wear the garments described in Exodus 28:43 symbolizes the importance of being holy and set apart for God's purposes, just as believers are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes. |
Sermons on Exodus 28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Purity and Fire - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of revival and the power of prayer. He talks about a meeting where there was no piano, but the presence of God was felt through the music |
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(K-Char-03) Strange Fire by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, T. Austin Sparks discusses the concept of false life and false fire. He emphasizes the difference between spiritual eternal life and soul life, stating t |
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Judgement Seat of Believers by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher describes a dream of a great judgment morning at a camp, where the nations gather before the white throne for judgment. The preacher emphasi |
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A Touch From God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to come up and come out, using Moses as an example of someone who drew near to God and pursued a life of prayer. I |
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(Atlanta 2013) 1. Truth in God's Word and Jesus by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving and seeking the truth, both in God's Word and in our personal lives. It warns against self-deception, hypocrisy, and the danger of n |
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(Exodus) Exodus 28:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing God in everything, including the instructions given in the Bible. The speaker compares the Bible to a picture book, |
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(Exodus) Exodus 28:4-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of providing the best equipment for God's work. He refers to the story in Malachi where God accuses people of robbing Him. The |
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(Exodus) Exodus 28:33-43 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and authentic Christian life. He highlights the need for believers to not only talk about their faith but |
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The Cost of Worship by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility and simplicity of Jesus Christ. He compares Jesus to the apostle Paul, who often said "finally" but continued to write more cha |
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Aaron & His Sons: The Holy Priesthood by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of a man after God's own heart. He emphasizes the importance of being what God wants us to be, a man in Christ, in order for God |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 28
In Exodus 28, we see the careful attention given to the priestly garments, which were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God. The ephod, breastplate, and robe were all important symbols of the priests' ministry, and the chapter highlights the importance of holiness and purity in their lives. As Matthew Henry notes, the priests were to be 'holy unto the Lord' (Exodus 28:36), and their garments were to reflect this holiness. The chapter also points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who was set apart by God to serve as our mediator. As Henry notes, 'the priesthood of Christ is the great foundation of all the blessings we receive from God' (Hebrews 7:26-28). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Holiness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the priests' ministry, highlighting the need for them to be set apart for God's service. This is evident in the description of the garments, which were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God.
The Role of the Priests
The chapter highlights the significance of the priests' role as mediators between God and the people, emphasizing their responsibility to represent the people before God. This is evident in the description of the garments, which symbolized the priests' role as representatives of the people.
The Significance of the Garments
The garments described in this chapter were designed to symbolize the priests' role as representatives of the people before God, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in their ministry.