- Home
- Bible
- Exodus
- Chapter 28
- Verse 28
Exodus 28:2
Verse
Context
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For glory and for beauty - Four articles of dress were prescribed for the priests in ordinary, and four more for the high-priest. Those for the priests in general were a coat, drawers, a girdle, and a bonnet. Besides these the high-priest had a robe, an ephod, a breastplate, and a plate or diadem of gold on his forehead. The garments, says the sacred historian, were for honor and for beauty. They were emblematical of the office in which they ministered. 1. It was honorable. They were the ministers of the Most High, and employed by him in transacting the most important concerns between God and his people, concerns in which all the attributes of the Divine Being were interested, as well as those which referred to the present and eternal happiness of his creatures. 2. They were for beauty. They were emblematical of that holiness and purity which ever characterize the Divine nature and the worship which is worthy of him, and which are essentially necessary to all those who wish to serve him in the beauty of holiness here below, and without which none can ever see his face in the realms of glory. Should not the garments of all those who minister in holy things still be emblematical of the things in which they minister? Should they not be for glory and beauty, expressive of the dignity of the Gospel ministry, and that beauty of holiness without which none can see the Lord? As the high-priest's vestments, under the law, were emblematical of what was to come, should not the vestments of the ministers of the Gospel bear some resemblance of what is come? Is then the dismal black, now worn by almost all kinds of priests and ministers, for glory and for beauty? Is it emblematical of any thing that is good, glorious, or excellent? How unbecoming the glad tidings announced by Christian ministers is a color emblematical of nothing but mourning and wo, sin, desolation, and death! How inconsistent the habit and office of these men! Should it be said, "These are only shadows, and are useless because the substance is come." I ask, Why then is black almost universally worn? why is a particular color preferred, if there be no signification in any? Is there not a danger that in our zeal against shadows, we shall destroy or essentially change the substance itself? Would not the same sort of argumentation exclude water in baptism, and bread and wine in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper? The white surplice in the service of the Church is almost the only thing that remains of those ancient and becoming vestments, which God commanded to be made for glory and beauty. Clothing, emblematical of office, is of more consequence than is generally imagined. Were the great officers of the crown, and the great officers of justice, to clothe themselves like the common people when they appear in their public capacity, both their persons and their decisions would be soon held in little estimation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
holy garments--No inherent holiness belonged either to the material or the workmanship. But they are called "holy" simply because they were not worn on ordinary occasions, but assumed in the discharge of the sacred functions (Eze 44:19). for glory and for beauty--It was a grand and sumptuous attire. In material, elaborate embroidery, and color, it had an imposing splendor. The tabernacle being adapted to the infantine aid of the church, it was right and necessary that the priests' garments should be of such superb and dazzling appearance, that the people might be inspired with a due respect for the ministers as well as the rites of religion. But they had also a further meaning; for being all made of linen, they were symbolical of the truth, purity, and other qualities in Christ that rendered Him such a high priest as became us.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother,.... Called so, because in these he was to minister in the holy place, and perform holy service; and because typical of the holy human nature of Christ our great High Priest, and of his spotless righteousness, and of the garments of sanctification, both outward and inward, that all believers in him, who are made priests unto God, are arrayed with: Aaron and his sons being appointed priests, their garments are first described before their work and even before their consecration to their office; and there were some peculiar to Aaron, or the high priest, and different from those of his sons, or the common priests; and which are first treated of, as the breastplate, the robe of ephod, and the plate of gold; besides these, there were four more, common to all the priests, as the coat, the breeches, the girdle, and bonnet. Now whereas some of the Heathen priests performed their office, and offered their sacrifices, naked, which was very shameful and abominable, as Braunius (o) from various authors has shown, though this was not done by them all: in opposition to such a filthy practice, and to show his detestation of it, the Lord orders his priests to be clothed, and that in a very splendid manner, with garments for glory and beauty; that is, with glorious and beautiful ones, and which would make his priests look so: and this was done, partly to point out the dignity of their office to themselves, that they might take care to behave suitable to it, and keep up the honour and credit of it; and partly to make them respectable unto men, and be honoured by them, none being clothed as they were, as Aben Ezra observes; but chiefly because they were typical of the glory and beauty of Christ's human nature, which was as a garment put on, and put off, and on again, and in which he officiated as a priest, and still does; and which is now very glorious, and in which he is fairer than any of the children of men; and of the garments of salvation, and robe of righteousness, in which all his people, his priests, appear exceeding glorious and beautiful, even in a perfection of beauty. (o) De Vestitu Sacerdot. Heb. l. 1. c. 1. sect. 5. p. 11.
Exodus 28:2
Garments for the Priests
1“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.2Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Purity and Fire - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill9.6K29:23PurityEXO 28:2MAL 4:5MAT 3:11MAT 6:33MAT 11:5LUK 3:16JHN 3:16In 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 and singing. He mentions a young boy who prayed for a long time and quoted Psalm 24, which became key to the revival. The speaker also discusses the importance of prayer and the need for spiritual revival in the church.
Heavenly Crowns: Victory, Honor, and Authority
By Mike Bickle281:14:58Faithfulness in ServiceEternal RewardsEXO 28:21CO 9:241CO 15:41PHP 3:142TI 4:12TI 4:7JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10REV 3:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of eternal rewards in his sermon 'Heavenly Crowns: Victory, Honor, and Authority.' He explains that eternal rewards, including crowns, are expressions of God's grace and reflect how we have loved Him during our lives. Bickle highlights that these rewards are not earned but are gifts from God, and they vary in glory and significance, much like the crowns given in ancient athletic competitions. He warns that while crowns are a blessing, they can also be lost if one does not remain dedicated to their faith. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to pursue a life of faithfulness and service, aiming for the eternal rewards that await them.
An Holy Priesthood
By Andrew Murray2IntercessionHoly PriesthoodEXO 28:2LEV 21:17ISA 61:6HEB 5:11PE 2:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of believers as a holy priesthood, highlighting that every redeemed individual shares in the anointing of Christ as High Priest. He explains that the essence of priesthood involves both a Godward and manward responsibility, where priests draw near to God and intercede for others. Murray stresses the importance of living a life set apart for God, embodying holiness and dedication, and the necessity of consecration to fully exercise this priestly role. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as priests, empowered by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit, to intercede for the lost and bless others in God's name. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the ministry of intercession, urging Christians to live in the fullness of their priestly calling.
August 13. 1678. the True Priestly Habit.
By Jane Lead0EXO 28:21CO 6:11EPH 4:24HEB 4:14HEB 9:24Jane Lead emphasizes the importance of maintaining uninterrupted, pure conversation with God, highlighting the need to observe specific times and seasons for this purpose. Drawing parallels to the Mosaic priests who wore distinct garments for approaching God, she stresses the necessity of putting on a spiritual habit of righteousness, symbolized by the white linen Ephod, to be sanctified and draw near to God as true worshippers. Lead reveals that through Christ, the great High Priest, the everlasting testimony within the heavenly Ark and Tabernacle will be unveiled to those adorned in spiritual purity, reserved for those consecrated for this divine purpose.
From the Exodus Out of Egypt to the Rejection of the Generation
By Flavius Josephus0EXO 25:8EXO 26:1EXO 28:2EXO 39:1HEB 8:5Flavius Josephus describes the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests, highlighting the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind each element. The tabernacle's design reflects the universe, with its divisions representing land, sea, and heaven. The priestly garments symbolize various aspects of creation, from the elements to the celestial bodies, showcasing a deep connection between the sacred and the natural world. Josephus emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and divine inspiration behind these sacred objects, challenging the unjust reproaches against the Jewish faith.
Thirtieth Lesson. ‘An Holy Priesthood;’ Or, the Ministry of Intercession
By Andrew Murray0Ministry of IntercessionHoly PriesthoodEXO 28:2LEV 21:17ISA 61:6HEB 5:11PE 2:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of every believer to be a priest, highlighting that through Jesus Christ, all redeemed individuals are granted the privilege of intercession. He explains that the priesthood involves both a Godward and manward responsibility, where believers are to draw near to God and represent the needs of others before Him. Murray stresses the importance of holiness and separation from the world, as well as the necessity of consecration through the blood and spirit of Christ to fulfill this calling. He encourages Christians to embrace their role as intercessors, living wholly for God and actively praying for the salvation of others. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the ministry of intercession, assuring that through Christ, believers can approach God with confidence and power in prayer.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For glory and for beauty - Four articles of dress were prescribed for the priests in ordinary, and four more for the high-priest. Those for the priests in general were a coat, drawers, a girdle, and a bonnet. Besides these the high-priest had a robe, an ephod, a breastplate, and a plate or diadem of gold on his forehead. The garments, says the sacred historian, were for honor and for beauty. They were emblematical of the office in which they ministered. 1. It was honorable. They were the ministers of the Most High, and employed by him in transacting the most important concerns between God and his people, concerns in which all the attributes of the Divine Being were interested, as well as those which referred to the present and eternal happiness of his creatures. 2. They were for beauty. They were emblematical of that holiness and purity which ever characterize the Divine nature and the worship which is worthy of him, and which are essentially necessary to all those who wish to serve him in the beauty of holiness here below, and without which none can ever see his face in the realms of glory. Should not the garments of all those who minister in holy things still be emblematical of the things in which they minister? Should they not be for glory and beauty, expressive of the dignity of the Gospel ministry, and that beauty of holiness without which none can see the Lord? As the high-priest's vestments, under the law, were emblematical of what was to come, should not the vestments of the ministers of the Gospel bear some resemblance of what is come? Is then the dismal black, now worn by almost all kinds of priests and ministers, for glory and for beauty? Is it emblematical of any thing that is good, glorious, or excellent? How unbecoming the glad tidings announced by Christian ministers is a color emblematical of nothing but mourning and wo, sin, desolation, and death! How inconsistent the habit and office of these men! Should it be said, "These are only shadows, and are useless because the substance is come." I ask, Why then is black almost universally worn? why is a particular color preferred, if there be no signification in any? Is there not a danger that in our zeal against shadows, we shall destroy or essentially change the substance itself? Would not the same sort of argumentation exclude water in baptism, and bread and wine in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper? The white surplice in the service of the Church is almost the only thing that remains of those ancient and becoming vestments, which God commanded to be made for glory and beauty. Clothing, emblematical of office, is of more consequence than is generally imagined. Were the great officers of the crown, and the great officers of justice, to clothe themselves like the common people when they appear in their public capacity, both their persons and their decisions would be soon held in little estimation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
holy garments--No inherent holiness belonged either to the material or the workmanship. But they are called "holy" simply because they were not worn on ordinary occasions, but assumed in the discharge of the sacred functions (Eze 44:19). for glory and for beauty--It was a grand and sumptuous attire. In material, elaborate embroidery, and color, it had an imposing splendor. The tabernacle being adapted to the infantine aid of the church, it was right and necessary that the priests' garments should be of such superb and dazzling appearance, that the people might be inspired with a due respect for the ministers as well as the rites of religion. But they had also a further meaning; for being all made of linen, they were symbolical of the truth, purity, and other qualities in Christ that rendered Him such a high priest as became us.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother,.... Called so, because in these he was to minister in the holy place, and perform holy service; and because typical of the holy human nature of Christ our great High Priest, and of his spotless righteousness, and of the garments of sanctification, both outward and inward, that all believers in him, who are made priests unto God, are arrayed with: Aaron and his sons being appointed priests, their garments are first described before their work and even before their consecration to their office; and there were some peculiar to Aaron, or the high priest, and different from those of his sons, or the common priests; and which are first treated of, as the breastplate, the robe of ephod, and the plate of gold; besides these, there were four more, common to all the priests, as the coat, the breeches, the girdle, and bonnet. Now whereas some of the Heathen priests performed their office, and offered their sacrifices, naked, which was very shameful and abominable, as Braunius (o) from various authors has shown, though this was not done by them all: in opposition to such a filthy practice, and to show his detestation of it, the Lord orders his priests to be clothed, and that in a very splendid manner, with garments for glory and beauty; that is, with glorious and beautiful ones, and which would make his priests look so: and this was done, partly to point out the dignity of their office to themselves, that they might take care to behave suitable to it, and keep up the honour and credit of it; and partly to make them respectable unto men, and be honoured by them, none being clothed as they were, as Aben Ezra observes; but chiefly because they were typical of the glory and beauty of Christ's human nature, which was as a garment put on, and put off, and on again, and in which he officiated as a priest, and still does; and which is now very glorious, and in which he is fairer than any of the children of men; and of the garments of salvation, and robe of righteousness, in which all his people, his priests, appear exceeding glorious and beautiful, even in a perfection of beauty. (o) De Vestitu Sacerdot. Heb. l. 1. c. 1. sect. 5. p. 11.