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Exodus 28

 






Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions for the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons are to wear when ministering in the Tabernacle. These sacred garments are designed to be "for glory and for beauty" and to set the priests apart for their service to the LORD.

The Priestly Garments

The chapter begins with God commanding Moses to bring Aaron and his sons forward to be consecrated as priests.

 1. List of Garments: Six specific garments are mentioned for Aaron: the breastplate, the ephod, the robe, the woven tunic, the turban, and the sash. All are to be made of fine materials and embroidered with gold. The garments for Aaron's sons are simpler woven tunics, sashes, and headbands.

The Ephod

The ephod is the most prominent garment, a complex vest-like garment that a priest would wear.

 1.  Materials and Design: It is to be made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twisted linen. It is to have two shoulder pieces that are joined together.

 2. Onyx Stones: Two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel, are to be set in gold settings on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. This symbolizes Aaron carrying the people of Israel before the LORD.

The Breastplate of Judgment

This piece is a central part of the high priest's attire, attached to the ephod.

 1.  Design: It is a square, double-folded piece of cloth, made of the same materials as the ephod. It is to be set with twelve precious stones, each one engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel. This represents the twelve tribes being brought into God's presence.

 2.  The Urim and Thummim: The breastplate is also to contain the Urim and Thummim, two objects used for discerning God's will. The text does not describe their appearance but states that Aaron will carry "the judgment of the people of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually."

The Robe, Tunic, Turban, and Sash

Other garments are described with specific details.

 1. The Robe: This robe is to be worn under the ephod. It is to be made entirely of blue yarn. Along the hem, it will have pomegranates made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, alternating with golden bells. The sound of the bells would be heard as Aaron entered and exited the Holy Place, so he would not die.

 2. The Tunic: A finely woven linen tunic is to be worn under the robe.

 3.  The Turban: A turban of fine linen is to be worn on Aaron's head.

 4.  The Sash: A sash made of fine twisted linen with embroidered blue, purple, and scarlet yarn is to be worn around his waist.

The Golden Plate

The final, most sacred item is the golden plate for the turban.

 1. The Inscription: A plate of pure gold is to be engraved with the words, "HOLY TO THE LORD."

 2. Purpose: It is to be attached to Aaron's turban. This inscription symbolizes that Aaron, as the high priest, represents the holiness of the people and bears their iniquities so they may be acceptable before God.

These garments were not merely clothing; they were sacred objects that represented the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, and they were designed to set him apart for a holy purpose.


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