Exodus 28 Study Notes
General
In Exodus 28:1, whom does God tell Moses to bring near to serve Him as priests?
Answer: Aaron plus Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar, his four sons
God commands Moses to have his brother Aaron and Aaron's four sons, whose names the verse lists, brought near out of all Israel to be His priests (28:1). The priesthood was not a job Aaron picked for himself; God chose and appointed him. The New Testament makes this exact point: no one can take the honor of being high priest on his own, but must receive God's call as Aaron did, and in the same way Jesus did not appoint Himself but was appointed by the Father (Hebrews 5:4-5). Later, the priesthood was guarded as belonging only to Aaron's family (Numbers 3:10). Sadly, two of the sons named here, Nadab and Abihu, would later die for offering fire the LORD had not commanded (Leviticus 10:1-2), showing that a holy calling required holy obedience.
- Exodus 28:1 (BSB)““Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.”God tells Moses to bring Aaron and his four sons near to serve Him as priests.
- Hebrews 5:4-5 (BSB)“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.””Names Aaron as the model of a priest called by God rather than self-appointed, and applies the same pattern to Christ.
- Numbers 3:10 (BSB)“So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.””Confirms that the priesthood belonged to Aaron and his sons by God's appointment, and that no outsider could claim it.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Records the later death of Nadab and Abihu, two of the sons named in 28:1, when they offered fire God had not commanded.
Theological
Whom does God appoint to the priesthood in Exodus 28:1, and what principle does Hebrews draw from Aaron's appointment?
Answer: Aaron and his four sons; a high priest must receive God's call rather than take the office for himself, and Christ too was appointed by the Father
God appoints Aaron and his four sons, each named in the verse, to His priestly service (28:1). The initiative is entirely God's. Hebrews 5:4-5 grounds its Christology on this pattern: no one assumes the honor of high priesthood himself but must receive a divine call as Aaron did, and Christ likewise did not glorify Himself but was appointed by the Father. The Aaronic priesthood was then guarded as the exclusive possession of Aaron's line (Numbers 3:10). The subsequent death of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-2) shows that divine appointment to priestly office carried a demand for exact, reverent obedience.
- Exodus 28:1 (BSB)““Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.”God tells Moses to bring Aaron and his four sons near to serve Him as priests.
- Hebrews 5:4-5 (BSB)“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.””Names Aaron as the model of a priest called by God rather than self-appointed, and applies the same pattern to Christ.
- Numbers 3:10 (BSB)“So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.””Confirms that the priesthood belonged to Aaron and his sons by God's appointment, and that no outsider could claim it.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Records the later death of Nadab and Abihu, two of the sons named in 28:1, when they offered fire God had not commanded.
General
After Moses clothed Aaron and the sons, what was he to do so that they could serve as priests (28:41)?
Answer: Pour oil on them, install them in office, and set them apart as holy
Once Aaron and his sons were dressed in their garments, Moses was to anoint, ordain, and consecrate them for their work as God's priests (28:41). To anoint means to pour oil on someone as a sign that God has chosen him for a task. To ordain means to formally install someone in office, and to consecrate means to set apart as holy for God. Chapter 29 gives the details, and Leviticus 8 records Moses doing it (Leviticus 8:12, 30). A priest was appointed to act on behalf of people in their dealings with God (Hebrews 5:1).
- Exodus 28:41 (BSB)“After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.”After dressing Aaron and his sons, Moses is to anoint, ordain, and consecrate them to serve as priests.
- Leviticus 8:12 (BSB)“He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”Records Moses pouring the anointing oil on Aaron's head to consecrate him, carrying out this command.
- Leviticus 8:30 (BSB)“Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments.”Records Moses sprinkling oil and blood on Aaron, his sons, and their garments to consecrate them.
- Hebrews 5:1 (BSB)“Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.”Explains that every high priest is appointed to act for people in matters relating to God, the purpose of this ordination.
Theological
What three acts does Exodus 28:41 prescribe after the priests are clothed?
Answer: Anointing, ordination, and consecration for priestly service
Following their investiture, Moses is to anoint, ordain, and consecrate Aaron and the sons for the priestly office (28:41). The procedure is detailed in chapter 29 and carried out in Leviticus 8, where the anointing oil is poured on Aaron's head (Leviticus 8:12) and oil and blood are sprinkled on the priests and their garments (Leviticus 8:30). The whole rite installs them in the mediatorial office Hebrews describes: each high priest is taken from among men and set in office to act for them in things pertaining to God (Hebrews 5:1).
- Exodus 28:41 (BSB)“After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.”After dressing Aaron and his sons, Moses is to anoint, ordain, and consecrate them to serve as priests.
- Leviticus 8:12 (BSB)“He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”Records Moses pouring the anointing oil on Aaron's head to consecrate him, carrying out this command.
- Leviticus 8:30 (BSB)“Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments.”Records Moses sprinkling oil and blood on Aaron, his sons, and their garments to consecrate them.
- Hebrews 5:1 (BSB)“Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.”Explains that every high priest is appointed to act for people in matters relating to God, the purpose of this ordination.
General
According to Exodus 28:38, what was the purpose of the gold plate Aaron wore on his forehead?
Answer: Aaron would carry the guilt attached to Israel's holy gifts, so that the people would be accepted by the LORD
The plate was to stay on the forehead of Aaron, and by it he would bear the iniquity, meaning the guilt, connected with the holy gifts the Israelites offered, so that they would be accepted by the LORD (28:38). Even the people's best offerings were touched by sin and needed a go-between to carry that guilt. This points to Jesus. Isaiah foretold a righteous Servant who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:11-12). Jesus is the perfectly holy High Priest who, unlike Aaron, never needed a sacrifice to cover sins of His own, and who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27). Because of Him, believers' imperfect worship is acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:5).
- Exodus 28:38 (BSB)“And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.”The plate on Aaron's forehead lets him bear the iniquity of Israel's holy gifts so that they may be accepted.
- Isaiah 53:11-12 (BSB)“After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.”Foretells the righteous Servant who bears the iniquities and sin of many, the reality behind the high priest's bearing of iniquity.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Describes Christ as the holy, undefiled High Priest who offered Himself once for all, unlike Aaron who needed sacrifices for his own sins.
- 1 Peter 2:5 (BSB)“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”Teaches that believers' spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, as Israel's gifts were made acceptable through the high priest.
Theological
What function does Exodus 28:38 assign to the gold plate on Aaron's forehead?
Answer: By it Aaron bore the iniquity attaching to Israel's holy gifts, so that they would be accepted before the LORD
Worn continually on Aaron's forehead, the plate enabled him to carry the guilt attaching to the sacred gifts Israel consecrated, so that they might be accepted before the LORD (28:38). Even Israel's consecrated offerings were defiled by sin and required a mediator who bore that guilt. Scripture shows where this pattern leads: the Servant bears the iniquities of many (Isaiah 53:11-12), and Christ is the holy, undefiled High Priest who needed no sacrifice for Himself but offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27). Through Him the spiritual sacrifices of believers, imperfect in themselves, are acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:5).
- Exodus 28:38 (BSB)“And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.”The plate on Aaron's forehead lets him bear the iniquity of Israel's holy gifts so that they may be accepted.
- Isaiah 53:11-12 (BSB)“After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.”Foretells the righteous Servant who bears the iniquities and sin of many, the reality behind the high priest's bearing of iniquity.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Describes Christ as the holy, undefiled High Priest who offered Himself once for all, unlike Aaron who needed sacrifices for his own sins.
- 1 Peter 2:5 (BSB)“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”Teaches that believers' spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, as Israel's gifts were made acceptable through the high priest.
General
How many stones were set in the breastpiece Aaron wore, and what did they stand for (28:15-21)?
Answer: Twelve stones in four rows, each engraved with one tribe's name
The breastpiece of judgment was a square piece, folded double and made in the same style as the ephod, and on it were mounted twelve precious stones in four rows of three (28:15-20). Each stone was engraved with one tribe's name, so that all twelve tribes were represented (28:21). The chapter does not assign a meaning to the individual gems. The clear point is that each tribe was named individually and carried before God. Israel was God's treasured possession (Exodus 19:5), and Scripture elsewhere pictures God inscribing His people on His palms, never forgetting them (Isaiah 49:16).
- Exodus 28:15-21 (BSB)“You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”The breastpiece of judgment holds twelve stones in four rows, one for each tribe.
- Exodus 19:5 (BSB)“Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.”God calls Israel His treasured possession, the people whose names Aaron carried before Him.
- Isaiah 49:16 (BSB)“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.”Uses the image of names inscribed on God's palms to express that His people are always before Him and never forgotten.
Theological
What does Exodus 28:15-21 specify about the stones of the high priest's breastpiece?
Answer: Twelve stones in four rows, each engraved with one tribe's name
The breastpiece of judgment, made in the same style as the ephod, held twelve gemstones arranged in four rows of three (28:15-20), each bearing one tribe's engraved name (28:21). The text assigns no symbolic value to the individual stones. Its evident emphasis is that every tribe is individually named and borne before God, for Israel is His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). Scripture elsewhere uses the image of inscription on God's palms for His unfailing remembrance of His people (Isaiah 49:16).
- Exodus 28:15-21 (BSB)“You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”The breastpiece of judgment holds twelve stones in four rows, one for each tribe.
- Exodus 19:5 (BSB)“Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.”God calls Israel His treasured possession, the people whose names Aaron carried before Him.
- Isaiah 49:16 (BSB)“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.”Uses the image of names inscribed on God's palms to express that His people are always before Him and never forgotten.
General
Aaron and the sons who served with him were ordinary men who would die and need to be replaced. How does Hebrews 7:23-27 contrast Jesus with these priests?
Answer: Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever, and He offered Himself once for all
Exodus 28 establishes Aaron and his family as Israel's priests (28:1). They were sinful, mortal men. Hebrews explains that there were many of these priests because death kept each one from continuing, but Jesus lives forever, so His priesthood never passes to anyone else (Hebrews 7:23-25). Aaron had to offer sacrifices for sins of his own before offering for the people, but Jesus is holy and sinless, and He offered Himself as the sacrifice once for all time (Hebrews 7:26-27). He is our great High Priest; He understands our weaknesses, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:14-15). Everything in Exodus 28 about the high priest finds its full meaning in Him.
- Exodus 28:1 (BSB)““Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.”Aaron and his sons, mortal men, are appointed as Israel's priests.
- Hebrews 7:23-25 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Contrasts the many priests removed by death with Jesus, who lives forever and holds His priesthood permanently.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Contrasts priests who offered daily for their own sins with Christ, who offered Himself once for all.
- Hebrews 4:14-15 (BSB)“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”Presents Jesus as the great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses yet was without sin.
Theological
How does Hebrews 7:23-27 set Christ's priesthood against the Aaronic priesthood instituted in Exodus 28?
Answer: Christ's priesthood is permanent because He lives forever, and His self-offering was once for all
Exodus 28 institutes the Aaronic priesthood (28:1), a line of sinful, mortal men. Hebrews contrasts them with Christ: the former were many because death cut short each one's service, but Jesus, living forever, holds His priesthood permanently and therefore saves to the uttermost all who approach God by Him (Hebrews 7:23-25). They offered daily, first for their own sins, but He, holy and undefiled, offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27). He is the great High Priest now exalted in heaven, able to feel for our weakness, yet sinless (Hebrews 4:14-15). The Aaronic high priest of Exodus 28 is a true but provisional shadow of Christ's finished and perpetual priesthood.
- Exodus 28:1 (BSB)““Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.”Aaron and his sons, mortal men, are appointed as Israel's priests.
- Hebrews 7:23-25 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Contrasts the many priests removed by death with Jesus, who lives forever and holds His priesthood permanently.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Contrasts priests who offered daily for their own sins with Christ, who offered Himself once for all.
- Hebrews 4:14-15 (BSB)“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”Presents Jesus as the great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses yet was without sin.
General
According to Exodus 28:3, where did the skill of the craftsmen who made Aaron's garments come from?
Answer: God Himself had filled them with wisdom for the work
God tells Moses to instruct the skilled workers whom He Himself had filled with wisdom, so that they could make Aaron's garments (28:3). Their ability was a gift from God, not merely something they achieved on their own. The same truth is repeated when God says He filled Bezalel with His Spirit and gave ability to every craftsman (31:3, 6). Every good ability people have ultimately comes from God (James 1:17), and here God gave that ability so that His house and His priests would be prepared exactly as He commanded.
- Exodus 28:3 (BSB)“You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest.”Moses is to instruct the skilled craftsmen whom God has filled with wisdom to make Aaron's garments.
- Exodus 31:3 (BSB)“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,”God says He filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God and with skill, showing the craftsmen's ability came from Him.
- Exodus 31:6 (BSB)“Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:”God says He has given skill to all the craftsmen so they can make everything He commanded.
- James 1:17 (BSB)“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”Teaches that every good gift comes from God, including abilities like the craftsmen's skill.
Theological
What does Exodus 28:3 teach about the source of the craftsmen's skill for making the priestly garments?
Answer: It was wisdom with which God Himself had filled them
God identifies the craftsmen as those He has filled with wisdom for making Aaron's garments (28:3). Their skill is attributed to God's gift, not to human ingenuity alone. The point is expanded in 31:3 and 31:6, where God fills Bezalel with His Spirit and grants ability to every craftsman. Artistic and practical abilities are among the good gifts that descend from the Father (James 1:17), and here God sovereignly equips workers so that His sanctuary and priesthood are furnished according to His command.
- Exodus 28:3 (BSB)“You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest.”Moses is to instruct the skilled craftsmen whom God has filled with wisdom to make Aaron's garments.
- Exodus 31:3 (BSB)“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,”God says He filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God and with skill, showing the craftsmen's ability came from Him.
- Exodus 31:6 (BSB)“Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:”God says He has given skill to all the craftsmen so they can make everything He commanded.
- James 1:17 (BSB)“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”Teaches that every good gift comes from God, including abilities like the craftsmen's skill.
General
Which of these is NOT one of the garments listed for Aaron in Exodus 28:4?
Answer: A pair of sandals
Verse 4 lists six garments in this order: the breastpiece, the ephod, the robe, the woven tunic, the turban, and the sash (28:4). The ephod was an outer garment worn over the robe, and the breastpiece was tied to it on Aaron's chest (28:28). The chapter later adds the gold plate on the turban (28:36) and the linen undergarments (28:42), but no footwear is listed. When the time came, Moses dressed Aaron in these very garments (Leviticus 8:7-9), and the work was done just as God had commanded (Exodus 39:43).
- Exodus 28:4 (BSB)“These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.”Lists the six garments to be made for Aaron and his sons.
- Leviticus 8:7-9 (BSB)“He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.”Describes Moses later dressing Aaron in these same garments, along with the gold plate on the turban.
- Exodus 39:43 (BSB)“And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”Records that the work on the priestly garments and the tabernacle was completed just as the LORD had commanded.
Theological
Which item does NOT appear among the garments God lists for Aaron in Exodus 28:4?
Answer: A pair of sandals
The garments named in 28:4 are, in order, the breastpiece, the ephod, the robe, the woven tunic, the turban, and the sash. The chapter adds the gold plate for the turban (28:36) and linen undergarments (28:42), but prescribes no footwear. The investiture in Leviticus 8:7-9 follows these specifications closely, and the completed work was inspected and found to accord exactly with the LORD's command (Exodus 39:43), underscoring that Israel's worship was to be ordered by divine prescription rather than human invention.
- Exodus 28:4 (BSB)“These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.”Lists the six garments to be made for Aaron and his sons.
- Leviticus 8:7-9 (BSB)“He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.”Describes Moses later dressing Aaron in these same garments, along with the gold plate on the turban.
- Exodus 39:43 (BSB)“And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”Records that the work on the priestly garments and the tabernacle was completed just as the LORD had commanded.
General
According to Exodus 28:2, why were holy garments to be made for Aaron?
Answer: To clothe him with honor and beauty fitting his holy service
God tells Moses to have sacred clothing made for Aaron so that he would be clothed with honor and beauty (28:2). The clothes marked Aaron as set apart, meaning dedicated to God, and gave his office a dignity that matched the holiness of the One he served. Later Scripture uses priestly clothing as a picture of righteousness, which means being right with God (Psalm 132:9). In Zechariah's vision, the high priest's filthy clothes are taken off, the angel declares his sin removed, and he is dressed in fine robes and a clean turban (Zechariah 3:4-5). The lesson is that no one can stand before a holy God in his own condition; God must provide what is fitting for His presence (Isaiah 61:10).
- Exodus 28:2 (BSB)“Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.”God commands holy garments for Aaron to give him glory and splendor.
- Psalm 132:9 (BSB)“May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy.”Links the clothing of God's priests with righteousness, showing that priestly dress expressed the holiness their service required.
- Zechariah 3:4-5 (BSB)“So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.”Shows the high priest's filthy clothes removed, his iniquity declared taken away, and his being clothed in splendid robes and a clean turban.
- Isaiah 61:10 (BSB)“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”Describes God clothing His people with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, the same imagery of God-given clothing.
Theological
What purpose does Exodus 28:2 give for Aaron's holy garments?
Answer: To invest him with honor and beauty befitting his consecrated office
The holy garments were given to invest Aaron with honor and beauty (28:2), marking him as consecrated to the LORD and giving his mediatorial office a dignity corresponding to the holiness of God. Scripture develops priestly clothing as an image of righteousness (Psalm 132:9). In Zechariah 3:4-5 the high priest Joshua is stripped of his filthy garments, the angel declares his iniquity removed, and he is clothed in splendid robes and a clean turban. Holiness fit for God's presence is not self-supplied but divinely given, the same truth expressed when God dresses His people in salvation and righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).
- Exodus 28:2 (BSB)“Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.”God commands holy garments for Aaron to give him glory and splendor.
- Psalm 132:9 (BSB)“May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy.”Links the clothing of God's priests with righteousness, showing that priestly dress expressed the holiness their service required.
- Zechariah 3:4-5 (BSB)“So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.”Shows the high priest's filthy clothes removed, his iniquity declared taken away, and his being clothed in splendid robes and a clean turban.
- Isaiah 61:10 (BSB)“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”Describes God clothing His people with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, the same imagery of God-given clothing.
General
What words were engraved on the gold plate fastened to the front of Aaron's turban (28:36-37)?
Answer: HOLY TO THE LORD
A plate made of pure gold was engraved like a signet with the inscription HOLY TO THE LORD and tied by a blue cord onto the turban's front (28:36-37). The inscription announced that the high priest belonged wholly to God and was set apart for His service. Later, the prophet Zechariah pictures a day when those same words would be written even on ordinary things like horses' bells (Zechariah 14:20), showing that God's goal is holiness in every part of life. The New Testament calls every believer to be holy, because God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). The plate was later made just as commanded (Exodus 39:30-31).
- Exodus 28:36-37 (BSB)“You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban.”A plate of pure gold engraved HOLY TO THE LORD is fastened to the front of the turban.
- Zechariah 14:20 (BSB)“On that day, HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the house of the LORD will be like the sprinkling bowls before the altar.”Looks ahead to a day when the same words mark ordinary things, showing that holiness to the LORD was meant to extend to all of life.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (BSB)“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””Calls all believers to be holy because God is holy, the consecration the plate proclaimed.
- Exodus 39:30-31 (BSB)“They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Records that the plate was made and engraved exactly as commanded.
Theological
What inscription was engraved on the gold plate at the forefront of the high priest's turban (28:36-37)?
Answer: HOLY TO THE LORD
The gold plate, engraved in the manner of a seal and fastened by a blue cord onto the turban's front, bore the inscription HOLY TO THE LORD (28:36-37; executed in Exodus 39:30-31). It proclaimed the high priest's total consecration to God in his representative office. The prophets anticipate a day when that consecration would extend to the most ordinary objects (Zechariah 14:20), and the apostolic call to all believers to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) shows the same holiness now required of the whole priestly people of God.
- Exodus 28:36-37 (BSB)“You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban.”A plate of pure gold engraved HOLY TO THE LORD is fastened to the front of the turban.
- Zechariah 14:20 (BSB)“On that day, HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the house of the LORD will be like the sprinkling bowls before the altar.”Looks ahead to a day when the same words mark ordinary things, showing that holiness to the LORD was meant to extend to all of life.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (BSB)“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””Calls all believers to be holy because God is holy, the consecration the plate proclaimed.
- Exodus 39:30-31 (BSB)“They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Records that the plate was made and engraved exactly as commanded.
General
Why were the priests required to wear linen undergarments (28:42-43)?
Answer: To cover their nakedness when ministering, so they would not bring guilt on themselves and die
God required linen undergarments reaching from the waist to the thigh to cover the priests' bodies (28:42). They had to put them on whenever they went into the Tent of Meeting, and whenever they came to the altar to serve, so that they would not become guilty and die (28:43). God cared about modesty and reverence in His worship. Earlier He had forbidden steps up to His altar so that nakedness would not be exposed (Exodus 20:26), and the high priest later wore linen undergarments even on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4).
- Exodus 28:42-43 (BSB)“Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”Linen undergarments cover the priests so they do not incur guilt and die when they minister.
- Exodus 20:26 (BSB)“And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’”Earlier forbids steps up to the altar so that nakedness would not be exposed, the same concern for modesty in worship.
- Leviticus 16:4 (BSB)“He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.”Includes linen undergarments among the holy garments the high priest wears on the Day of Atonement.
Theological
What reason does Exodus 28:42-43 give for the priests' linen undergarments?
Answer: To cover their nakedness in ministry, so they would not become guilty and die
The linen undergarments, covering the body from the waist down to the thigh, were to be worn whenever the priests went into the Tent of Meeting, and whenever they approached the altar, lest they become guilty and die (28:42-43). The requirement reflects the same concern for modesty and reverence already expressed in the prohibition of altar steps (Exodus 20:26). Linen undergarments remained part of the high priest's holy garments on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4). The penalty attached shows that God regulates how He is to be approached.
- Exodus 28:42-43 (BSB)“Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”Linen undergarments cover the priests so they do not incur guilt and die when they minister.
- Exodus 20:26 (BSB)“And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’”Earlier forbids steps up to the altar so that nakedness would not be exposed, the same concern for modesty in worship.
- Leviticus 16:4 (BSB)“He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.”Includes linen undergarments among the holy garments the high priest wears on the Day of Atonement.
General
Aaron carried the tribes' names on his shoulders and over his heart whenever he came before the LORD (28:12, 29). According to Hebrews, what does Jesus as High Priest do for His people?
Answer: He appears before God in heaven on behalf of His people and lives forever to pray for them
Every time Aaron went in to minister, he wore the tribes' names on the breastpiece over his heart so that God would always have them in view (28:29), and he bore them on his shoulders to be remembered by the LORD (28:12). He came before God not for himself alone but bearing his people. Hebrews presents Jesus as the great High Priest to whom Israel's high priesthood pointed. He has entered heaven itself to appear before God for us (Hebrews 9:24), and because He lives forever, He can fully save all who come to God by Him, since He is always interceding for them (Hebrews 7:24-25). Like Aaron, who bore the names of God's covenant people, Jesus prays for those the Father has given Him (John 17:9).
- Exodus 28:12 (BSB)“Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Aaron bears the tribes' names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
- Exodus 28:29 (BSB)“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.”Aaron bears the tribes' names over his heart whenever he enters the Holy Place.
- Hebrews 7:24-25 (BSB)“But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Presents Jesus as the permanent High Priest who lives forever to intercede for those who come to God through Him.
- Hebrews 9:24 (BSB)“For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Shows Christ entering heaven itself to appear in God's presence on behalf of His people, the reality behind Aaron's entry.
- John 17:9 (BSB)“I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours.”Shows Jesus praying specifically for those the Father has given Him, as Aaron bore the names of God's own people.
Theological
Aaron came before God bearing Israel's names on his shoulders and heart (28:12, 29). How does Hebrews describe Christ's high-priestly work on behalf of His people?
Answer: Christ appears before God on His people's behalf and lives forever to make intercession for them
Aaron bore Israel's tribal names upon his shoulders for a memorial (28:12) and upon his heart, set in the breastpiece, whenever he entered the Holy Place (28:29): the high priest came before God as the representative of a particular covenant people. Hebrews identifies Christ as the High Priest to whom the Aaronic office pointed. He has entered heaven itself to appear in God's presence on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24), and holding His priesthood permanently, He saves to the uttermost all who approach God by Him, living forever to intercede on their behalf (Hebrews 7:24-25). His intercession, like Aaron's bearing of the tribes, is particular: He prays for those the Father has given Him (John 17:9).
- Exodus 28:12 (BSB)“Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Aaron bears the tribes' names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
- Exodus 28:29 (BSB)“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.”Aaron bears the tribes' names over his heart whenever he enters the Holy Place.
- Hebrews 7:24-25 (BSB)“But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Presents Jesus as the permanent High Priest who lives forever to intercede for those who come to God through Him.
- Hebrews 9:24 (BSB)“For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Shows Christ entering heaven itself to appear in God's presence on behalf of His people, the reality behind Aaron's entry.
- John 17:9 (BSB)“I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours.”Shows Jesus praying specifically for those the Father has given Him, as Aaron bore the names of God's own people.
General
What was engraved on the two onyx stones set on the ephod's shoulders (28:9-12)?
Answer: The names of Israel's twelve sons, six per stone, arranged by birth order
Two onyx stones were engraved with the twelve names of Israel's sons, six names on each stone, arranged by order of birth, and fastened on the ephod's shoulders (28:9-11). These twelve sons of Jacob were the fathers of Israel's tribes (Genesis 35:22-26). God calls them memorial stones: whenever Aaron served, he carried the whole people's names on his shoulders so that they were remembered before the LORD (28:12). The high priest did not stand before God only for himself; he represented all Israel. The stones were later made just as God commanded (Exodus 39:6-7).
- Exodus 28:9-12 (BSB)“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Two onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's sons are set on the ephod's shoulder pieces.
- Genesis 35:22-26 (BSB)“While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali. And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram.”Lists Jacob's twelve sons, the names engraved six to a stone on the shoulder pieces.
- Exodus 39:6-7 (BSB)“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Records that the onyx stones were engraved and fastened to the shoulder pieces exactly as the LORD commanded.
Theological
What was engraved on the onyx stones of the ephod's shoulder pieces, and what function did they serve (28:9-12)?
Answer: The twelve names of Jacob's sons, six per stone by birth order, as a remembrance in God's presence
The two onyx stones bore the names of Jacob's twelve sons, six per stone by birth order (28:9-11; compare Genesis 35:22-26). Fastened on the ephod's shoulder pieces, they functioned as memorial stones: Aaron carried the tribes' names on his shoulders so that God would remember them (28:12). The high priest thus stood before God as the representative of the whole covenant people, not as a private worshiper. The execution of these instructions is recorded in Exodus 39:6-7.
- Exodus 28:9-12 (BSB)“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Two onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's sons are set on the ephod's shoulder pieces.
- Genesis 35:22-26 (BSB)“While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali. And the sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram.”Lists Jacob's twelve sons, the names engraved six to a stone on the shoulder pieces.
- Exodus 39:6-7 (BSB)“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Records that the onyx stones were engraved and fastened to the shoulder pieces exactly as the LORD commanded.
General
What reason does Exodus 28:35 give for the gold bells around the hem of Aaron's robe?
Answer: So their sound would be heard as he went in and came out of the sanctuary, lest he die
Aaron's robe was made entirely of blue, with pomegranates of colored yarn and gold bells alternating around the hem (28:31-34). The text itself gives the reason for the bells: their sound would be heard whenever he went into or out of the sanctuary in the LORD's presence, so that he would not die (28:35). Coming near to the holy God was a matter of life and death, and it had to be done exactly as God commanded (Leviticus 16:2). God shows Himself holy among all who approach Him (Leviticus 10:3), and even now believers are to worship Him with deep respect and holy fear, because He is like a fire that burns up (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- Exodus 28:33-35 (BSB)“Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them, alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe. Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die.”Gold bells alternate with pomegranates on the hem so the robe's sound is heard as Aaron ministers.
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”Warns Aaron not to enter the Most Holy Place freely, on pain of death, showing the danger of approaching God other than as He directs.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”Records God's word that He will show His holiness among those who come near Him, the principle behind the warning of 28:35.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””Calls believers to worship God with reverence and awe because He is a consuming fire.
Theological
What rationale does Exodus 28:35 give for the gold bells on the hem of the high priest's robe?
Answer: Their sound was to be heard as he entered and left the sanctuary, so that he would not die
The all-blue robe worn under the ephod bore alternating pomegranates and gold bells on its hem (28:31-34), and the text supplies the rationale: the sound was to be heard as Aaron went in and out of the holy place in God's presence, lest he die (28:35). The text assigns no further symbolism to the bells or the pomegranates. Access to the holy God was lethal unless undertaken on His terms (Leviticus 16:2), for He shows Himself holy among all who approach Him (Leviticus 10:3). New covenant worshipers, though granted bold access through Christ, are still to offer acceptable worship with godly fear, since the God they approach is a devouring fire (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- Exodus 28:33-35 (BSB)“Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them, alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe. Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die.”Gold bells alternate with pomegranates on the hem so the robe's sound is heard as Aaron ministers.
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”Warns Aaron not to enter the Most Holy Place freely, on pain of death, showing the danger of approaching God other than as He directs.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”Records God's word that He will show His holiness among those who come near Him, the principle behind the warning of 28:35.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””Calls believers to worship God with reverence and awe because He is a consuming fire.
General
True or False: Only Aaron received garments made for honor and beauty; his sons served in ordinary clothes.
Answer: False
This is false. God commanded that a tunic, sash, and headband be made for each of Aaron's sons as well, so that they too would have honor and beauty (28:40). Their garments were simpler than the high priest's, but they too were clothed in a way that marked them as set apart for God's service. Moses later dressed Aaron's sons in exactly these garments (Leviticus 8:13), and the psalmist prays that God's priests would be dressed in righteousness (Psalm 132:9).
- Exodus 28:40 (BSB)“Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor.”Tunics, sashes, and headbands are made for Aaron's sons to give them glory and splendor.
- Leviticus 8:13 (BSB)“Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them, wrapped sashes around them, and tied headbands on them, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Records Moses later clothing Aaron's sons with these tunics, sashes, and headbands.
- Psalm 132:9 (BSB)“May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy.”Speaks of God's priests being clothed with righteousness, the holiness their garments signified.
Theological
True or False: Exodus 28 provides garments of glory and splendor for Aaron alone, not for his sons.
Answer: False
This is false. Exodus 28:40 prescribes a tunic, sash, and headband for each of Aaron's sons, likewise for honor and beauty. Their vestments were less elaborate than the high priest's, but they too were visibly consecrated for priestly service. The investiture of the sons follows in Leviticus 8:13, and the psalmist's prayer that God's priests be dressed in righteousness (Psalm 132:9) reflects the holiness these garments signified.
- Exodus 28:40 (BSB)“Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor.”Tunics, sashes, and headbands are made for Aaron's sons to give them glory and splendor.
- Leviticus 8:13 (BSB)“Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them, wrapped sashes around them, and tied headbands on them, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Records Moses later clothing Aaron's sons with these tunics, sashes, and headbands.
- Psalm 132:9 (BSB)“May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy.”Speaks of God's priests being clothed with righteousness, the holiness their garments signified.
General
What does Exodus 28:30 say about the Urim and Thummim?
Answer: They were kept inside the breastpiece, resting on Aaron's heart as he stood before God
God tells Moses to put the Urim and Thummim inside the breastpiece Aaron wore, where they would rest on his heart each time he stood before God (28:30). Other passages show that they were used to seek the LORD's decision on matters His people needed to know (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:63). But Scripture never describes what they looked like or how exactly they gave an answer, so how they worked is not known. What is clear is that Aaron carried them as part of bearing the judgment of Israel before the LORD.
- Exodus 28:30 (BSB)“And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD.”The Urim and Thummim are placed in the breastpiece of judgment over Aaron's heart.
- Numbers 27:21 (BSB)“He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.””Shows the priest seeking the LORD's counsel by the judgment of the Urim, confirming they were used to receive God's decision.
- 1 Samuel 28:6 (BSB)“He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.”Lists the Urim among the means by which the LORD could answer those who inquired of Him.
- Ezra 2:63 (BSB)“The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.”Shows that a priest who could consult the Urim and Thummim was needed to settle a question God's people could not decide themselves.
Theological
What does Exodus 28:30 direct concerning the Urim and Thummim?
Answer: That they be put inside the breastpiece, over Aaron's heart in God's presence
The Urim and Thummim are put inside the breastpiece, resting on Aaron's heart each time he enters God's presence, so that he continually bears Israel's judgment before Him (28:30). Elsewhere they appear as a divinely appointed means of seeking the LORD's decision (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:63). Scripture nowhere describes their form or the mechanism by which they conveyed an answer, so both remain unknown. The textual emphasis is that guidance for God's people came from God Himself through the priestly office He instituted.
- Exodus 28:30 (BSB)“And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD.”The Urim and Thummim are placed in the breastpiece of judgment over Aaron's heart.
- Numbers 27:21 (BSB)“He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.””Shows the priest seeking the LORD's counsel by the judgment of the Urim, confirming they were used to receive God's decision.
- 1 Samuel 28:6 (BSB)“He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.”Lists the Urim among the means by which the LORD could answer those who inquired of Him.
- Ezra 2:63 (BSB)“The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.”Shows that a priest who could consult the Urim and Thummim was needed to settle a question God's people could not decide themselves.