Exodus 28:43: “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 lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 28:43 emphasizes the importance of the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons were commanded to wear whenever they entered the tent of meeting or approached the altar in the Holy Place. These garments, including the undergarments mentioned in the previous verse, were not just for show; they were essential for the priests to fulfill their duties without incurring guilt and risking death. The verse highlights the seriousness of the priests’ role and the need for absolute obedience to God’s instructions.
The requirement to wear these garments was not a one-time command but a lasting ordinance, meaning it was to be followed by Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations. This ongoing requirement underscores the enduring nature of God’s standards for holiness and purity in worship. The verse serves as a reminder that approaching God requires reverence, careful preparation, and adherence to His commands.
Historical Context
The instructions in Exodus 28:43 were given as part of a detailed set of guidelines for the consecration and service of Aaron and his sons as priests. These instructions were delivered to Moses while the Israelites were at Mount Sinai, where God was establishing the tabernacle as the center of worship and the priesthood as the mediators between God and the people. The role of the priests was crucial in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and their attire was a significant part of their consecration and service.
In ancient Israel, the tent of meeting was where God’s presence dwelled, and the altar was where sacrifices were offered for the atonement of sins. The priests’ garments, including the undergarments mentioned, were designed to symbolize their purity and holiness as they entered these sacred spaces. The strict requirement to wear these garments highlighted the seriousness of entering God’s presence and the need for purity and obedience in worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 28:43 underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. The priests were required to wear specific garments as a sign of their consecration and to avoid incurring guilt, which could lead to death. This reflects the broader biblical principle that sin and impurity cannot stand in the presence of a holy God, and those who approach Him must do so in the manner He prescribes.
The verse also emphasizes the concept of lasting ordinances, showing that God’s standards are not temporary or arbitrary but are meant to be upheld across generations. This teaches us that God’s expectations for holiness and reverence in worship are enduring and apply to all who seek to serve Him.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 28:43 is a verse that combines practical instructions with profound spiritual significance. The verse is clear in its command that the priests must wear their garments whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar. The mention of guilt and the potential for death adds a sense of urgency and seriousness to the command, reinforcing the high stakes of the priests’ role.
The phrase “lasting ordinance” is particularly significant, as it emphasizes the continuity of God’s commands across generations. This not only underscores the importance of the specific instructions given to Aaron and his sons but also highlights the broader theme of enduring faithfulness to God’s covenant.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible expand on the themes found in Exodus 28:43:
- Leviticus 16:2-4: Describes the requirements for the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, including the wearing of special garments to ensure he does not die, similar to the command in Exodus 28:43.
- Numbers 18:7: Reinforces the idea that the priests and Levites have specific responsibilities in the service of the tabernacle and that any unauthorized person who approaches the holy things will incur guilt and die.
- Hebrews 9:7: Reflects on the high priest’s role under the old covenant, entering the Holy Place once a year with blood, which he offers for himself and the sins of the people, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 28:43 serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. While we are not under the old covenant and do not wear physical garments as the priests did, the principle remains that God is holy and must be approached with the proper heart and attitude. This verse challenges us to examine how we prepare ourselves to come before God, whether in prayer, worship, or service.
The verse also reminds us that God’s standards are consistent and enduring. Just as the priests were required to adhere to God’s commands across generations, we too are called to live in obedience to God’s Word, recognizing that His expectations for holiness have not changed.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 28:43 reflects God’s love in the way He provides clear instructions for how His people can approach Him safely and acceptably. The strict requirements for the priests were not meant to be burdensome but were given out of God’s desire to protect them and ensure that their service was pleasing to Him. This verse demonstrates God’s deep care for His people, guiding them in how to worship Him in a way that reflects His holiness and their commitment to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest and the perfect fulfillment of the priestly role. Unlike the priests who had to wear specific garments to avoid incurring guilt and death, Jesus entered the presence of God on our behalf, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. In Hebrews 4:14-16, we are encouraged to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence because of Jesus’ work on our behalf, knowing that He has fully met the requirements for our acceptance before God.
Through Christ, the symbolism of the priestly garments and the need for purity in approaching God is fulfilled. Jesus’ righteousness covers us, allowing us to come before God without fear of guilt or condemnation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the requirement for the priests to wear specific garments challenge you to think about how you prepare yourself to approach God in worship and prayer?
- In what ways can you ensure that your heart and attitude reflect the reverence and obedience that God desires?
- How does understanding Jesus as our High Priest, who fully meets the requirements for our acceptance before God, influence your relationship with Him?
- What steps can you take to live in obedience to God’s Word, recognizing that His standards for holiness and reverence are enduring and apply to all who seek to serve Him?