Exodus 28:35: “Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 28:35 provides a crucial instruction regarding the high priest’s robe, specifically the bells attached to its hem. The verse makes it clear that Aaron, the high priest, must wear the robe with its bells whenever he ministers in the Holy Place. The purpose of the bells was to ensure that a sound was heard as he entered and exited the Holy Place, a detail that was vital for his survival. The ringing of the bells signified that Aaron was alive and performing his duties correctly before the Lord. If the sound ceased, it could indicate that something had gone wrong, possibly even leading to Aaron’s death.
This verse highlights the solemnity of the high priest’s role and the seriousness with which God’s presence was to be approached. The bells served as both a practical and symbolic reminder that entering the presence of God required utmost reverence, purity, and adherence to His commands.
Historical Context
The instructions given in Exodus 28:35 were part of the broader guidelines for the high priest’s garments, given during the Israelites’ time at Mount Sinai. This was when God was establishing the priesthood and setting the standards for how the Israelites were to worship Him. The high priest, Aaron, had the unique role of mediating between God and the people, which required him to enter the Holy Place, a space where God’s presence dwelt in a special way.
In the ancient world, approaching a deity was often associated with danger and required strict adherence to ritual purity and protocols. For the Israelites, this was especially true when it came to approaching the one true God. The high priest’s garments, including the robe with its bells, were designed to ensure that he could safely fulfill his duties without incurring God’s wrath. The sound of the bells was a reassuring sign that the high priest was alive and that his service was acceptable to God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 28:35 underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not to be approached casually or without proper preparation. The high priest’s role was one of immense responsibility, and the bells on his robe were a reminder of the life-and-death seriousness of his duties.
This verse also points to the idea that God provides means of protection for those who serve Him. The bells were a safeguard, a way for Aaron to be protected while he carried out his priestly duties. This highlights the balance of God’s holiness with His provision of grace and protection for those who are called to serve in His presence.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 28:35 is a verse that blends both practical and symbolic elements. The instruction about the bells is straightforward, but the implications are profound. The sound of the bells serves as a symbol of life and continuity, representing the ongoing and active service of the high priest before God. The verse’s focus on life and death creates a tension that underscores the gravity of entering God’s presence.
The repetition of the instruction for the bells to be heard when the high priest enters and exits the Holy Place emphasizes the importance of every aspect of the high priest’s ministry. The sound of the bells was not merely a ritualistic requirement; it was a matter of life and death, highlighting the seriousness of the high priest’s role.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible expand on the themes found in Exodus 28:35:
- Leviticus 16:2: God warns that Aaron must not come into the Holy of Holies at just any time, reinforcing the idea that approaching God requires careful adherence to His instructions.
- Hebrews 9:7: Describes how the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year, not without blood, emphasizing the seriousness and danger of entering God’s presence without proper preparation.
- 1 Peter 1:16: Reminds believers that God is holy, and they are called to be holy as well, reflecting the need for reverence and purity in approaching God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 28:35 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence with which we should approach Him. Just as the high priest needed to be fully prepared and follow God’s instructions precisely, believers are called to approach God with respect, humility, and a heart that is prepared to worship Him in spirit and truth. This verse challenges us to consider how we approach our relationship with God, ensuring that we do so with the seriousness and respect that He deserves.
The verse also encourages believers to be mindful of the ongoing nature of their service to God. The sound of the bells was a sign that the high priest was actively ministering before God, reminding us that our faith should be lived out in continuous, active service to the Lord.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 28:35 reflects God’s love in the way He provides clear instructions for how to approach Him safely and reverently. The detail about the bells on the high priest’s robe shows God’s concern for the well-being of those who serve Him, ensuring that they are protected as they carry out their duties. This verse demonstrates God’s deep care for His people, guiding them in how to relate to Him in a way that honors His holiness while also providing them with protection.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest and the perfect mediator between God and humanity. Unlike Aaron, who needed the bells as a safeguard when entering God’s presence, Jesus, being sinless, entered God’s presence with complete authority and purity. In Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus is described as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and provides us with access to God’s throne of grace.
In Christ, the need for the bells as a sign of life is fulfilled in a deeper way. Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate sign of life and victory over death, giving us confidence that we can approach God through Him without fear, knowing that He intercedes for us continually.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the instruction about the bells on the high priest’s robe challenge you to think about the way you approach God in your own life?
- In what ways can you ensure that you are approaching God with the reverence and respect that He deserves?
- How does understanding Jesus as our High Priest, who gives us direct access to God, influence your relationship with Him?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your service to God is continuous and active, reflecting the ongoing sound of the bells in your own spiritual life?