Exodus 28:31-43

Other Priestly Garments

31 “Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth,

32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar^[a] around this opening, so that it will not tear.

33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.

34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.

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.

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

37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban.

38 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. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.

39 “Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer.

40 Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honor.

41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

42 “Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh.

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.

Exodus 28:31-43 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 28

This chapter informs us of the servants God would have to minister to him in the house, or tabernacle, he had ordered to be made, even Aaron and his sons, Ex 28:1 of the garments they were to wear in their service, Ex 28:2-5 and first of the garments of the high priest, and particularly of the ephod, with the girdle, on the shoulder pieces of which were to be two onyx stones, with the names of the children of Israel engraved on them, Ex 28:6-14, and that of the breastplate of judgment, with the Urim and Thummum in it, Ex 28:15-30 and of the robe of the ephod, Ex 28:31-35, and of the mitre, Ex 28:36-39 and then of the garments of the common priests, Ex 28:40-43.

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 13:23; 1 Samuel 14:2; 1 Kings 7:18; Song of Songs 4:3; Jeremiah 52:22; Joel 1:12; Haggai 2:19
• 2. ver 37; Exodus 29:6; Leviticus 8:9
• 3. Zechariah 14:20
• 4. Leviticus 5:1; Leviticus 10:17; Leviticus 16:22; Leviticus 22:9,16; Numbers 18:1; Isa 53:5,6,11; Ezekiel 4:4-6; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24
• 5. S Genesis 32:20; Leviticus 22:20,27; Leviticus 23:11; Isaiah 56:7
• 6. ver 4
• 7. Exodus 29:6; Leviticus 16:4; Ezekiel 24:17,23; Ezekiel 44:18
• 8. ver 4; Exodus 29:8-9; Exodus 39:41; Exodus 40:14; Leviticus 8:13
• 9. ver 2
• 10. Exodus 40:13
• 11. Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 6:20; Leviticus 10:7; Leviticus 21:12; Numbers 35:25
• 12. Exodus 29:7-9; Exodus 30:30; Exodus 40:15; Leviticus 4:3; Leviticus 6:22; Leviticus 8:1-36; Numbers 3:3; Hebrews 7:28
• 13. Leviticus 6:10; Leviticus 16:4,23; Ezekiel 44:18
• 14. S Exodus 27:21
• 15. ver 29
• 16. Exodus 30:20,21; Leviticus 16:13; Leviticus 22:9; Numbers 1:51; Numbers 4:15,20; Numbers 18:22; Exodus 20:26
• 17. S Exodus 27:21; Leviticus 17:7

Footnotes

• [a] The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.