# Overview Exodus Chapter 28 details the divine instructions given to #Moses regarding the sacred garments for #Aaron and his sons, who are to serve as priests in the #Tabernacle. The chapter underscores the importance of holiness and sacred service, as God commands Moses to have skilled craftsmen create garments for glory and beauty. The chapter describes in detail the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash that Aaron is to wear, highlighting the breastplate as a central piece, containing the Urim and Thummim, used for making decisions before the Lord. The garments symbolize the sanctity and the set-apart status required of those who minister before God, emphasizing the need for reverence and obedience in worship. Additionally, the chapter outlines the specific consecration ritual needed to ordain Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. The garments are not merely ceremonial but are imbued with spiritual significance, serving as a constant reminder of the priest's role as a mediator between #God and #Israel. The instructions reflect the careful and intentional design of worship that God desires, with each element crafted to reflect His glory and holiness. This chapter serves as a testament to the seriousness with which God regards His chosen servants and the solemn responsibility they bear in leading His people in worship. ## Theological Insights Exodus 28 provides significant theological insights into the nature of #priesthood, #worship, and #holiness in the context of the #OldCovenant. This chapter outlines the specific garments to be worn by #Aaron and his sons as they minister as priests, highlighting the importance of divine instruction and the sanctity of their role. 1. **Priestly Garments and Holiness**: The detailed instructions for the priestly garments underscore the concept of holiness and separation for service to God. The garments, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each serve a sacred purpose, symbolizing the spiritual purity and dignity required in approaching God. This emphasis on holiness foreshadows the need for the ultimate High Priest, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who embodies perfect holiness and mediates between God and humanity (as explored in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7]]). 2. **Mediatorship**: The role of Aaron and his sons as priests signifies the need for a mediator between God and His people. Their garments, particularly the breastpiece with the Urim and Thummim, symbolize their responsibility to carry the names of the #Israelites before the Lord, indicating intercession. This concept is fulfilled in Jesus, who intercedes for believers, bringing them into the presence of God (see [[Romans/Romans Chapter 8]]). 3. **Divine Order and Worship**: The meticulous design of the priestly attire reflects God's desire for order and reverence in worship. This mirrors the order seen in creation and the structure of the Law given to Moses. It reminds believers of the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and majesty (as also seen in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 10]]). 4. **Symbolism of the Ephod and Breastpiece**: The ephod and breastpiece, with the twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, highlight the inclusivity of God's covenant people and the communal aspect of worship. It prefigures the unity of believers in Christ, who are collectively the body of Christ (as described in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12]]). 5. **The Role of Atonement**: The turban with the inscription "Holy to the Lord" emphasizes the necessity of atonement and sanctification. This anticipates the perfect atonement provided by Christ's sacrifice, which cleanses believers and sets them apart for God’s service (explained further in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9]]). Exodus 28, therefore, not only establishes the priestly order and functions under the #MosaicCovenant but also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of these roles in Christ, serving as a shadow of the greater truths revealed in the #NewCovenant. ## Thematic Connections ### Holiness and Sacred Duty #Exodus 28 emphasizes the holiness required of God's chosen people, particularly those who serve in the #priesthood. The garments of #Aaron and his sons are designed for "glory and beauty" (Exodus 28:2), signifying their set-apartness for divine service. This theme of holiness is central throughout Scripture, as seen in God's command to be holy in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19|Leviticus 19:2]] and echoed in the New Testament's call to live holy lives in [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:15-16]]. ### Mediator between God and People The role of the #highpriest as a mediator is a key theme in Exodus 28, with Aaron bearing the names of the tribes of #Israel on the #breastpiece over his heart (Exodus 28:29) as he enters the Holy Place. This anticipates the role of Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, as described in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:14-16]], underscoring the continuity of God's plan for mediation and intercession. ### Symbolism of the Priestly Garments The detailed description of the priestly garments in Exodus 28, including the #ephod, #breastpiece, and #turban, carries rich symbolic meaning. The use of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 28:6) symbolizes royalty and divinity, themes that are echoed in the depiction of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21:18-21]]. The #Urim and #Thummim (Exodus 28:30) signify divine guidance, reminding us of God's constant direction and presence. ### The Importance of Remembrance The engraving of the names of the sons of Israel on the stones of the ephod (Exodus 28:12) and the breastpiece (Exodus 28:21) serves as a continual reminder of God's covenant with Israel. This theme of remembrance is prevalent throughout the Bible, such as the institution of the Passover in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12|Exodus 12:14]] and the Lord’s Supper in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 11|1 Corinthians 11:24-25]], emphasizing the importance of recalling God's faithfulness and promises. ### Preparation for Service The consecration and preparation of Aaron and his sons for service (Exodus 28:41) reflect the broader biblical theme of being equipped for ministry. This preparation is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be equipped for every good work through Scripture in [[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 3|2 Timothy 3:16-17]], highlighting the necessity of readiness and sanctification for those who serve God. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The High Priesthood of Christ Exodus 28 outlines the garments and consecration of #Aaron and his sons as priests, particularly the high priest, which foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on Jesus as our high priest, who surpasses the Aaronic priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-16 and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|Hebrews 7]] affirm that Jesus' priesthood is eternal and not based on genealogical descent but on the power of an indestructible life. This priesthood fulfills the typology established in Exodus 28, pointing towards a greater, heavenly ministry. ### The Breastpiece of Judgement The breastpiece described in Exodus 28, adorned with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of #Israel, symbolizes Jesus as the one who bears the names and the judgment of God's people before God. In Revelation 21:12-14, the names of the tribes of Israel are inscribed on the gates of the New Jerusalem, and the names of the apostles on the foundations, illustrating that Jesus' intercession includes all the people of God. This fulfillment highlights Jesus' role as the mediator who carries the concerns and identity of His people into the presence of God. ### The Holiness to the LORD The inscription "HOLY TO THE LORD" on the gold plate of the high priest's turban in Exodus 28 is a precursor to the holiness that Jesus embodies and imparts to His followers. In [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:15-16]], believers are called to be holy because God is holy, reflecting the high priestly ministry of Jesus, who sanctifies His people. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection consecrate believers, enabling them to live holy lives dedicated to God, fulfilling the symbolism of the high priest's garments in Exodus. ### The Urim and Thummim The Urim and Thummim placed in the breastpiece of judgment for discerning God's will, as stated in Exodus 28, foreshadow the perfect revelation of God's will in Jesus. Hebrews 1:1-2 declares that God has spoken to us by His Son, who is the ultimate revelation and interpreter of God's will. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, provides the guidance and discernment that the Urim and Thummim symbolized, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament means of divination. ### The Perpetual Statute The establishment of the priesthood as a perpetual statute in Exodus 28 points to the eternal priesthood of Christ. While the Levitical priesthood was temporary and imperfect, Jesus' priesthood, as described in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10|Hebrews 10:11-14]], is perfect and eternal, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for sins. This fulfills the perpetual nature of the priestly role, as Jesus continuously intercedes for believers and upholds them in His eternal priesthood. ## Verses - **Exodus 28:1** - "Call for your brother #Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Set them apart from the rest of the people of Israel so they may minister to me and be my priests." - See also [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8]] for the ordination of Aaron and his sons. - **Exodus 28:2** - "Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful." - The sacred garments are discussed further in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8]]. - **Exodus 28:3** - "Instruct all the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom. Have them make garments for Aaron that will distinguish him as a priest set apart for my service." - **Exodus 28:4** - "These are the garments they are to make: a chestpiece, an ephod, a robe, a patterned tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests." - **Exodus 28:5** - "So give them fine linen cloth, gold thread, and blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - **Exodus 28:6** - "The craftsmen must make the ephod of finely woven linen and skillfully embroider it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - **Exodus 28:7** - "It will consist of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces." - **Exodus 28:8** - "The decorative sash will be made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - **Exodus 28:9** - "Take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the tribes of Israel." - **Exodus 28:10** - "Six names will be on each stone, arranged in the order of the births of the original sons of Israel." - **Exodus 28:11** - "Engrave these names on the two stones in the same way a jeweler engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in settings of gold filigree." - **Exodus 28:12** - "Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the LORD." - **Exodus 28:13** - "Make the settings of gold filigree," - **Exodus 28:14** - "then braid two cords of pure gold and attach them to the filigree settings on the shoulders of the ephod." - **Exodus 28:15** - "Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God. Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - **Exodus 28:16** - "Make the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square." - **Exodus 28:17** - "Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald." - **Exodus 28:18** - "The second row will contain a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone." - **Exodus 28:19** - "The third row will contain an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst." - **Exodus 28:20** - "The fourth row will contain a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones will be set in gold filigree." - **Exodus 28:21** - "Each stone will represent one of the twelve sons of Israel, and the name of that tribe will be engraved on it like a seal." - **Exodus 28:22** - "To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, make braided cords of pure gold thread." - **Exodus 28:23** - "Then make two gold rings and attach them to the top corners of the chestpiece." - **Exodus 28:24** - "Tie the two gold cords to the two rings on the chestpiece." - **Exodus 28:25** - "Tie the other ends of the cords to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod." - **Exodus 28:26** - "Then make two more gold rings and attach them to the inside edges of the chestpiece next to the ephod." - **Exodus 28:27** - "And make two more gold rings and attach them to the front of the ephod, below the shoulder-pieces, just above the knot where the decorative sash is fastened to the ephod." - **Exodus 28:28** - "Then attach the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. This will hold the chestpiece securely to the ephod above the decorative sash." - **Exodus 28:29** - "In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the LORD." - **Exodus 28:30** - "Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the LORD’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the LORD’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the LORD." - **Exodus 28:31** - "Make the robe that is worn with the ephod from a single piece of blue cloth," - **Exodus 28:32** - "with an opening for Aaron’s head in the middle of it. Reinforce the opening with a woven collar so it will not tear." - **Exodus 28:33** - "Make pomegranates out of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them." - **Exodus 28:34** - "The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all around the hem." - **Exodus 28:35** - "Aaron will wear this robe whenever he ministers before the LORD, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the LORD’s presence in the Holy Place. If he wears it, he will not die." - **Exodus 28:36** - "Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: HOLY TO THE LORD." - **Exodus 28:37** - "Attach the medallion with a blue cord to the front of Aaron’s turban, where it must remain." - **Exodus 28:38** - "Aaron must wear it on his forehead so he may take on himself any guilt of the people of Israel when they consecrate their sacred offerings. He must always wear it on his forehead so the LORD will accept the people." - **Exodus 28:39** - "Weave Aaron’s patterned tunic from fine linen cloth. Fashion the turban from this linen as well. Also, make a sash, and decorate it with colorful embroidery." - **Exodus 28:40** - "For Aaron’s sons, make tunics, sashes, and special head coverings that are glorious and beautiful." - **Exodus 28:41** - "Clothe your brother Aaron and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priests." - **Exodus 28:42** - "Also make linen undergarments for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from their hips to their thighs." - **Exodus 28:43** - "These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their priestly duties. Then they will not incur guilt and die. This is a permanent law for Aaron and all his descendants after him." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Aaron and his sons** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8]] - **Priestly garments** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 5]] - **Urim and Thummim** - [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]], [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 28]]