What does Exodus 28:2 mean?
ESV: And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
NIV: Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.
NASB: And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
CSB: Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, for glory and beauty.
NLT: Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful.
KJV: And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
NKJV: And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 28; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
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."
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).
Book Summary:
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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