Exodus 28 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 28 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

God has explained various sacred objects for His sanctuary. He has also designed the building and courtyard itself (Exodus 25—27). Those requirements included the ark (Exodus 25:10–11), sacred table (Exodus 25:23–24), menorah (Exodus 25:31), and a bronze altar (Exodus 27:1). Significant attention was given to the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9; 26) and the border around it (Exodus 27:9–19).

In this chapter, the Lord provides specific instructions about priestly garments. Almost all the details here are for the uniform of the high priest. The first high priest is Aaron; his sons and their descendants will be Israel's priests from this time forward (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). The clothing for the high priest includes linen undergarments (Exodus 28:42–43), plus an ephod, robe, breastpiece, sash, coat, and turban. Most of these are made of specific colors of yarn and linen (Exodus 28:1–5).

The Hebrew word 'ēphōd usually refers to a unique garment used in Israelite worship. This seems to be a broad cape, loose vest, sleeveless jacket, or smock. The word is also used later in connection with idolatry (Judges 8:26–27; 17:5; Hosea 3:4). Likely, people started covering idols in linen garments—in ephods—and the term later became associated with that type of idol.

God's intended version of the ephod is made from fine linen and includes a built-in belt of the same material. On the shoulders are two frames made of gold "filigree:" an intricate design made with wire. Inside each frame there is a piece of onyx. On these two stones are engraved the names of Israel's tribes in order of their founder's birth (Exodus 1:1–5). Also attached to these frames are two braided gold cords. The cords will be used to attach the chest piece described in the next section. By carrying the names of the tribes on his shoulders, the high priest stands in place for all of Israel before the Lord (Exodus 28:6–14).

The high priest also wears a pouch on his chest, made of the same material and style as the ephod. In both width and height, the breastpiece is a "span," or one-half a cubit. This is roughly 9 inches or 23 centimeters. The front of the pouch features more gold filigree. That ornate design of wire holds four rows of three precious stones, for a total of twelve stones. Each stone is engraved with the name of an Israelite tribe. Most likely, these were in the same birth order as those on the shoulder pieces. Ancient terms for gems and minerals can be difficult to translate, so Bible translations widely vary in the names of the stones used in this object (Exodus 28:15–21).

Gold rings and chains will keep the pouch attached to the ephod. The description here seems to suggest that the pouch hangs from rings at the top, connected to the shoulder pieces with gold braids. At the bottom of the pouch, blue lace passes through rings to attach the pouch to the ephod's belt-like band. This object is called a "breastpiece of judgment" which reinforces the representative nature of the high priest's role (Exodus 28:22–29).

Inside the jeweled chest pouch are two objects. These have unique names. The first is called Ūrim, which literally means "lights." The second is Thummim, which literally means "perfection." These two words begin with the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, respectively. The objects are apparently used to obtain decisions from God (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 14:41). Most of these situations seem tied to yes-no answers; the items are probably a kind of die, or lots used for casting (Leviticus 16:8; Joshua 18:10). Neither is given a detailed explanation in recorded Scripture (Exodus 28:30).

The high priest's uniform also includes a blue robe. The collar is reinforced for strength. Extra material would help prevent the collar from tearing as it was taken off and put back on (Exodus 39:23). A Jewish expression of grief was to tear one's clothes—most often at the collar where it would be most visible (Job 1:20; Matthew 26:65). This would not be appropriate for the uniform of a high priest communicating with the Lord (Exodus 28:31–32).

The robe also featured a pattern of alternating pomegranates and bells. The pomegranates were made of yarn. These may have been embroidered into the hem. More likely, these were spheres hanging from the hem and separating the bells from each other. The bells were gold and meant to ring as the high priest walked. The sound may have been meant as a reminder to those who heard it that the high priest was performing his duties. The reference to the high priest not dying might simply mean that he was required to follow these instructions on pain of death (Exodus 28:33–35).

A turban is a headpiece made by wrapping strips of fabric. The high priest's turban included a solid gold plate inscribed with the phrase "Holy to the Lord." This was a reminder that the entire uniform, and all that the high priest did, was a special effort made for God and God alone. The engraved plate is attached to the front of the turban with a blue cord. The placement on the forehead echoes God's commands about always remembering His love for Israel (Exodus 13:16). Wearing the plate signified that Aaron was authorized to carry Israel's sins to the Lord for atonement. Along with the turban, the high priest was to wear a special coat and embroidered sash (Exodus 28:36–39).

While Aaron was the first high priest, his sons were part of the broader priesthood. They were also required to wear designated clothes while performing their duties. Unlike the detailed requirements of the high priest's uniform, the other priests are simply assigned to wear coats, caps, and sashes. Yet these were still to be made with skill and beauty to glorify the Lord. All priests were required to wear a linen undergarment ensuring modesty under their robes (Exodus 28:40–43)

Exodus 28:1–5 summarizes the garments worn by Aaron as the high priest under the law of Moses (Leviticus 16:32; 21:10). Aaron and his sons will establish a priesthood passed down from fathers to sons (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). God expects these clothes to be made with great skill, so their beauty gives Him glory. The uniform includes a robe, coat, turban, and sash. The high priest will also wear a jeweled chest piece and a special sleeveless garment called an "ephod."

Exodus 28:6–14 describes the "ephod:" a sacred garment (Exodus 28:1–5) something like a vest or smock. The ephod includes shoulder pieces rimmed with ornate gold wiring, which hold engraved onyx stones. These stones record the names of the twelve sons of Israel (Genesis 32:28; Exodus 1:1–5) by order of birth. Braided gold chains will connect the shoulder pieces to a jeweled breastpiece (Exodus 28:15). Only a high priest such as Aaron will wear this (Exodus 40:13–15).

Exodus 28:15–30 provides details for an ornate chest piece to be worn over the "ephod" (Exodus 28:6) by Israel's high priest (Exodus 28:1–5). The garment is a square pouch about 9 inches, or 23 centimeters, on each side. The front of the breastpiece features twelve precious stones set in an ornate pattern of gold wire. Each stone is engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel (Exodus 1:1–5). This is connected to the ephod by gold rings and chains. Inside the pouch are two objects called Urim and Thummim; each is some sort of die, lot, or token.

Exodus 28:31–39 depicts additional garments worn by Israel's high priest (Exodus 28:1–5). The robe is blue, with a sturdy collar. The robe's hem features alternating golden bells and pomegranates. The turban, a hat of wrapped cloth, includes a golden plate engraved with the expression "Holy to the Lord." The coat is made of linen. The sash—a wide soft belt—features embroidery.

Exodus 28:40–43 requires specific garments for Israel's priests. These are all male descendants of Aaron (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). Priestly garments are not as ornate as those for the high priest. God commands beautiful attire including caps, sashes, and coats. All priests, including the high priest, are to wear linen undergarments to ensure modesty.

Chapter Summary:

The Lord will assign Aaron and his descendants to be Israel's priests (Numbers 3:10). In this chapter, God describes the priestly garments worn for this office. They are to be beautiful and made with great skill. A high priest's uniform included a breastpiece, a sleeveless smock called an "ephod," as well as a robe, coat, turban, and sash. Other priests wore caps, sashes, coats, and linen underclothes made for their roles. Some items are explained in detail. These garments embody various elements of worship under the Mosaic covenant.

Chapter Context:

Israel arrived at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) where God began to declare His laws (Exodus 19:5–6). These began with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and assorted rules (Exodus 21—23). The Lord also explained designs for His sanctuary and its accessories (Exodus 25—27). This chapter specifies how to make priestly garments, beginning with those of the high priest. The following passage shows how to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) before returning to describe the last items to be constructed (Exodus 30).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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