The Priests of Israel and Their Garments — Exodus 28:1–5
After giving Moses instructions for the tabernacle and its furnishings, God now turned His attention to those who would serve Him within it. He specifically chose Aaron and his sons to serve as priests among the Israelites.
Aaron was appointed as the High Priest, while his sons would serve alongside him as priests.
God told Moses to bring Aaron and his sons into this special ministry. Their position was not something they appointed themselves to. It was a role given to them by God.
Because they would minister before the Lord, they were to wear garments that were different from ordinary clothing. God instructed Moses to have skilled craftsmen make special garments for them.
These garments were intended:
- For glory and beauty.
- To distinguish the priests for their sacred service.
- To reflect the holiness and dignity of their calling.
- To help them properly serve in the tabernacle.
God said He had given certain craftsmen a “spirit of skill”, enabling them to create these garments according to His instructions.
This reminds us that God can give people particular abilities for particular purposes. The skills of these craftsmen were not insignificant. Their craftsmanship became part of the worship of God.
Instructions for the Ephod — Exodus 28:6–14
One of the most important garments Aaron was to wear was the ephod. It was made from fine materials, including gold and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, together with finely woven linen.
The ephod consisted of two main shoulder pieces connected together. It was carefully constructed so that it would rest upon Aaron as he served as High Priest.
Two onyx stones were to be placed upon the shoulder pieces.
Each stone was engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel, meaning that all twelve tribes were represented between the two stones.
The names of the tribes were therefore literally carried upon the shoulders of the High Priest as he entered the presence of God.
This was a powerful picture of Aaron’s responsibility. He was not appearing before God merely for himself. He represented the people of Israel.
The stones were mounted in gold settings and attached securely to the ephod.
The High Priest was therefore reminded that the people belonged before God and that he carried a representative responsibility for them.
The Breastpiece of Judgment — Exodus 28:15–30
God next instructed Moses to make a special breastpiece of judgment for Aaron.
It was to be made from materials similar to those used for the ephod—gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
The breastpiece was to be square and approximately one span in length and one span in width.
Its most remarkable feature was the arrangement of twelve precious stones.
Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was engraved with the name of a tribe.
The stones were arranged in four rows of three.
This meant that when Aaron entered the Holy Place, he carried the names of all twelve tribes over his heart.
The symbolism is beautiful. The people were not only carried upon his shoulders but also upon his heart.
The High Priest represented the nation before God with both responsibility and affection.
The breastpiece was securely attached to the ephod using gold rings and cords so that it would remain in place while Aaron ministered.
God also commanded that the Urim and Thummim be placed inside the breastpiece.
These were associated with seeking God’s judgment and direction concerning the people of Israel. The exact nature of the Urim and Thummim is not fully explained in Scripture, but they were connected with the High Priest’s role in discerning God’s will.
Thus, Aaron’s breastpiece represented the people before God and was also associated with seeking God’s judgment.
The Robe of the Ephod — Exodus 28:31–35
Underneath the ephod, Aaron was to wear a special robe of blue.
Its design was also carefully specified. The opening for Aaron’s head was reinforced so that it would not tear.
The hem of the robe was decorated with alternating pomegranates and golden bells.
The pomegranates were made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, while the bells were made of gold.
The bells had a practical and symbolic purpose. As Aaron moved around while ministering in the tabernacle, the sound of the bells would be heard.
God specifically stated that the sound would be heard when Aaron entered the Holy Place before the Lord and when he came out, so that he would not die.
This demonstrates the seriousness of Aaron’s priestly ministry. Even his clothing served as a reminder that he was entering the presence of the Holy God.
The Golden Headpiece — “Holy to the Lord” — Exodus 28:36–38
Aaron was also to wear a pure gold plate on his forehead.
The words engraved on the plate were:
“Holy to the Lord.”
The plate was attached to Aaron’s turban with a blue cord.
These words were constantly visible as Aaron served before God. His ministry was supposed to be characterized by holiness.
The phrase also communicated that Aaron had been set apart for God’s service.
The priest could not treat his position as an ordinary occupation. He belonged to a sacred calling and represented the people before their holy God.
The gold plate also symbolized Aaron bearing the responsibility connected with the holy offerings of Israel.
Other Priestly Garments — Exodus 28:39–43
God then gave instructions for the remaining garments.
Aaron was to wear:
- A finely woven checkered coat.
- A turban of fine linen.
- An embroidered sash.
His sons were also to receive garments appropriate for their priestly ministry. They were to have coats, sashes, and caps, as well as linen undergarments.
The undergarments were specifically intended to provide proper covering and modesty as the priests served in the sanctuary.
The chapter ends by emphasizing that these garments were connected with Aaron and his sons being consecrated and ordained for their priestly service.
They were not simply receiving attractive clothing. They were being set apart for a holy responsibility.
The Seriousness of Entering God’s Presence
Exodus 28 should cause us to recognize how seriously God regarded worship in the tabernacle.
Aaron’s clothing was beautiful, but the beauty was not merely for appearance. Every part of his garments communicated something about his sacred responsibility.
He carried the names of Israel on his shoulders.
He carried their names over his heart.
He wore “Holy to the Lord” upon his forehead.
He served as God’s appointed representative before the nation.
His ministry was therefore never something to approach casually or disrespectfully.
Later Scripture demonstrates the seriousness of priestly service. When Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu treated God’s holiness improperly, they experienced severe judgment (Leviticus 10).
The sound of the bells on Aaron’s robe also reminded the people that entering God’s presence was not an ordinary matter.
Application
1. God’s presence should never be taken lightly.
The elaborate garments of the priests remind us that God is holy. Israel was being taught to approach Him with reverence.
We have the wonderful privilege of approaching God through Christ, but that privilege should produce greater reverence, not carelessness.
2. We carry a responsibility before God.
Aaron carried the names of the twelve tribes upon his shoulders and over his heart.
This gives us a picture of spiritual responsibility. When we pray for others, serve others, or minister to others, we should remember that people matter deeply to God.
3. Christians have a priestly privilege.
The New Testament describes believers as a people who belong to God and serve Him as priests. Revelation 1:6 speaks of Christ making His people “a kingdom, priests to his God and Father.”
Through Jesus, Christians have direct access to God. We can pray to Him, worship Him, and come before Him without needing an earthly High Priest to stand between us and God.
But this incredible privilege should never lead to casualness toward God.
4. Holiness should characterize our lives.
The words “Holy to the Lord” were placed visibly upon Aaron.
For Christians, holiness should not merely be written on something we wear. It should be reflected in how we live.
Our words, decisions, relationships, worship, and service should demonstrate that we belong to God.
5. Worship requires reverence.
When we pray, worship, read Scripture, or minister in sacred things, we should remember whom we are approaching.
God is loving and gracious, but He is also the Holy One who is worthy of our deepest respect.
Exodus 28 therefore teaches us that serving God is a great privilege and a serious responsibility. The priests were set apart, clothed for holiness, and entrusted with representing God’s people. For believers today, the chapter points us toward the greater privilege we have through Christ: we can come directly into God’s presence, yet we should always come with humility, gratitude, reverence, and holy awe.
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