Exodus 28:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.

NIV: Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen.

NASB: The skillfully woven band of its overlay, which is on it, shall be like its workmanship, of the same material: of gold, of violet and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen.

CSB: The artistically woven waistband that is on the ephod must be of one piece, according to the same workmanship of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.

NLT: The decorative sash will be made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

KJV: And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

NKJV: And the intricately woven band of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same workmanship, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.

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).

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.

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.