Overview:

Exodus 28 focuses on the priestly garments that God commanded to be made for Aaron and his sons as they prepared to serve in the Tabernacle. The chapter details the specific pieces of the high priest’s attire, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. These garments were designed for “glory and beauty,” signifying the holiness, authority, and role of the priests in mediating between God and the people of Israel.

The garments are rich in symbolism, pointing to spiritual truths about holiness, mediation, and intercession. Each item had a specific function, and the high priest, especially, bore the names of the tribes of Israel upon his breastplate, representing them before the Lord. Ultimately, the high priest and his garments point forward to Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity once and for all.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 28 is part of the broader narrative that details the construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of the priesthood. After God gave Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle, He provided the design for the garments to be worn by Aaron and his descendants, who would serve as priests. The priesthood was essential for the worship system of Israel, and the high priest, in particular, was responsible for offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people.

Literarily, the chapter focuses on the beauty and holiness of the priestly garments, reflecting the dignity of the priestly office. The garments signify the sanctity of the priesthood and the importance of mediation between a holy God and His people. The detailed descriptions of the garments serve to emphasize the care and precision required in worship, as well as the significance of the priestly role.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The High Priest as Mediator:

The high priest was appointed to serve as the mediator between God and the people. His garments symbolized the weight of this responsibility and the holiness required to approach God’s presence on behalf of the nation.

“Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor” (Exodus 28:2).

This theme of mediation is central to the chapter, as the high priest, wearing the names of the twelve tribes on his breastpiece, represents the people before God. This role is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest, who mediates the New Covenant (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Holiness and Glory in Worship:

The priestly garments were to be made “for glory and beauty,” reflecting the holiness and splendor of God’s presence. Every detail of the garments, from the ephod to the turban, was designed to honor the holiness of God and the dignity of the priesthood.

“Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest” (Exodus 28:2-3).

This emphasis on beauty and holiness in worship reminds believers that approaching God requires reverence and care. The garments reflect the splendor of worship, pointing to the greater beauty and holiness of Christ, who perfectly reflects the glory of God.

The Ephod and the Breastpiece: Bearing the Names of Israel:

The ephod and breastpiece were central pieces of the high priest’s attire. The ephod, worn over the shoulders, and the breastpiece, worn over the heart, both bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel… Fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord” (Exodus 28:9, 12).

The high priest carried the names of Israel into the presence of God, symbolizing his role as intercessor. This foreshadows Christ, who bears the names of His people before God and intercedes for them continually (Hebrews 7:25).

The Robe and the Turban: Holiness and Purity:

The high priest’s robe and turban emphasized the holiness and purity required for those who would approach God on behalf of the people. The robe was to have bells and pomegranates on the hem, symbolizing fruitfulness and the necessity of following God’s commands carefully.

“Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth… Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe” (Exodus 28:31-34).

The turban, inscribed with the words “HOLY TO THE LORD,” was worn on the high priest’s head, signifying his consecration to God.

“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD” (Exodus 28:36).

This theme of holiness points to the requirement for purity in approaching God, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is holy and blameless before God and who makes His people holy through His sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26-28).

The Urim and Thummim: Divine Guidance:

The breastpiece also contained the Urim and Thummim, which were used to seek God’s guidance in matters of great importance.

“Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord” (Exodus 28:30).

These objects were a means of discerning God’s will, reflecting the importance of seeking divine guidance in all matters. This theme of seeking God’s guidance is fulfilled in Christ, who is the source of wisdom and guidance for His people (Colossians 2:3).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 28:1-2:

“Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.”

God commands Moses to bring Aaron and his sons forward to be consecrated as priests. Their sacred garments are to be made with dignity and honor, reflecting the holiness of their office and their role as mediators between God and the people.

Exodus 28:3-5:

“Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests.”

The skilled workers are given the task of making the garments for Aaron and his sons, ensuring that the priests are properly attired for their sacred duties. These garments symbolize the holiness required to serve before God.

Exodus 28:6-12:

“Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened… Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel… Fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel.”

The ephod is described in detail, emphasizing the use of fine materials and craftsmanship. The names of the tribes of Israel are engraved on two onyx stones, which are placed on the ephod’s shoulders, symbolizing the high priest’s responsibility to bear the people before God.

Exodus 28:13-21:

“Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen… Mount four rows of precious stones on it… There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”

The breastpiece is to be made with great care, adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The high priest carries the names of the tribes over his heart as a sign of his intercession before God.

Exodus 28:22-30:

“Make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, for the breastpiece… Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord.”

The Urim and Thummim, placed in the breastpiece, are used for making decisions, reflecting the importance of seeking God’s guidance in matters of significance. The high priest bears these symbols of divine guidance over his heart as he enters the presence of the Lord.

Exodus 28:31-35:

“Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth… Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.”

The robe of the high priest is to be made entirely of blue cloth, with alternating gold bells and pomegranates around its hem. The bells serve both a practical and symbolic purpose, as they are heard when the high priest enters and leaves the sanctuary, signifying his presence before the Lord.

Exodus 28:36-38:

“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be.”

The gold plate inscribed with “HOLY TO THE LORD” is attached to the turban, symbolizing the high priest’s consecration to God. This inscription serves as a reminder of the holiness required in offering sacrifices and gifts to the Lord.

Exodus 28:39-43:

“Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honor… Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place.”

The final verses describe the tunic, sash, and caps to be worn by Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the dignity and honor of the priestly office. The garments are to be worn whenever the priests serve in the Tabernacle, reflecting the holiness required in approaching God’s presence.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 28 reveals important theological truths about the role of the priesthood, holiness, and mediation between God and humanity. The high priest’s garments, rich in symbolism, point forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of mediator (Hebrews 4:14-16). Just as the high priest bore the names of the tribes of Israel on his breastpiece, Christ carries the names of His people before God, interceding on their behalf (Hebrews 7:25).

The holiness required of the priests, as symbolized by their garments, points to the need for purity and consecration in approaching God. This holiness is fulfilled in Christ, who is perfectly holy and who makes His people holy through His sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26-28).

The Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God’s will, reflect the importance of seeking divine guidance. In Christ, believers have access to the wisdom and guidance of God through the Holy Spirit (Colossians 2:3).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Holiness of the Priesthood and Worship
   • Set the context for Exodus 28, focusing on the detailed instructions for the priestly garments and the significance of the high priest’s role.
   • Introduce the themes of mediation, holiness, and the beauty of worship.
2. Point 1: The High Priest as Mediator
   • Discuss the significance of the high priest’s role as mediator between God and the people, bearing the names of Israel before the Lord.
   • Application: How does Christ, as the ultimate High Priest, fulfill the role of mediator, and how can we rely on His intercession for us?
3. Point 2: Holiness and Beauty in Worship
   • Explore the beauty and holiness of the priestly garments, reflecting the glory of God and the reverence required in worship.
   • Application: How can we approach worship with reverence and awe, recognizing the holiness of God and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice?
4. Point 3: The Ephod and Breastpiece—Bearing the Names of Israel
   • Highlight the symbolism of the ephod and breastpiece, where the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes before God.
   • Application: How does Christ bear our names before God, interceding for us continually, and how can we live in gratitude for His intercession?
5. Point 4: The Urim and Thummim—Divine Guidance
   • Discuss the use of the Urim and Thummim for seeking God’s guidance, and how Christ provides divine wisdom and guidance for believers today.
   • Application: How can we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in our lives, trusting in Christ as the source of all wisdom?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of how wearing a specific uniform or clothing carried symbolic meaning and responsibility, drawing parallels to the high priest’s garments and their spiritual significance.
• Use a metaphor of intercession, such as a lawyer representing a client, to illustrate the high priest’s role in bearing the names of Israel before God and how Christ fulfills this role for believers.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 28 challenges believers to reflect on the holiness and beauty required in worship and the role of Christ as the ultimate High Priest. The detailed instructions for the priestly garments remind Christians that worship is not a casual or superficial activity but one that requires reverence, care, and a heart that seeks to honor God. Just as the high priest was consecrated to God and bore the names of Israel before the Lord, Christ, as the perfect High Priest, intercedes for believers, carrying their names before God and providing access to His presence.

The holiness required of the priests reflects the purity needed to approach God, which is fulfilled in Christ, who makes His people holy through His sacrifice. Believers are called to live lives of holiness, reflecting the beauty and glory of God in their worship and in their daily walk with Him.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 28:

God the Father’s holiness, glory, and desire for mediation are central to Exodus 28. The priestly garments reflect the dignity and honor required in approaching God’s presence, and the high priest’s role as mediator emphasizes the need for intercession between a holy God and His people. The chapter reveals God’s desire to provide a means for His people to approach Him through the priesthood, ultimately pointing to Christ as the perfect mediator.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 28:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the high priestly role described in Exodus 28. Just as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes on his breastpiece, Christ carries the names of His people before God, interceding for them continually (Hebrews 7:25). Christ’s holiness and sacrifice fulfill the requirements of the priesthood, making Him the perfect mediator who provides access to God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). The garments of the high priest, with their emphasis on holiness and beauty, point to the glory and majesty of Christ, who perfectly reflects the glory of God.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 28:

The Holy Spirit now dwells in the hearts of believers, making them temples of God’s presence (1 Corinthians 3:16). While the high priest’s garments symbolized the holiness required to approach God, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives and to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Spirit also provides wisdom and guidance, fulfilling the role of the Urim and Thummim, as believers seek God’s will in their lives.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 28:

God’s love is evident in His provision of the priesthood as a means for His people to approach Him. The detailed instructions for the high priest’s garments reflect God’s care for His people and His desire for them to experience His presence in worship. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death tore the veil that separated humanity from God and opened the way for believers to enter into His presence. The beauty and holiness of the priestly garments point to the beauty of God’s love, which is revealed in Christ, the perfect High Priest.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the role of the high priest in Exodus 28 point forward to Christ’s role as the ultimate mediator, and how does this impact your relationship with God?
2. In what ways does the beauty and holiness of the priestly garments challenge you to approach worship with reverence and awe, recognizing the significance of Christ’s sacrifice?
3. How can you seek God’s wisdom and guidance in your life, trusting in Christ as the source of all wisdom and guidance?
4. How does Christ’s intercession for believers, as the perfect High Priest, give you confidence in approaching God’s presence and living in relationship with Him?
5. How can the Holy Spirit guide you in living a life that reflects God’s holiness and beauty, as you worship Him in spirit and truth?