Exodus 28:1-43

THE TEXT OF EXODUS
TRANSLATION

28 And bring thou near unto thee Aar-on thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Is-ra-el, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aar-on, Na-dab and A-bi-hu, E-le-a-zar and Ith-a-mar, Aaron's sons. (2) And thou shalt make holy garments for Aar-on thy brother, for glory and for beauty. (3) And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aar-on's garments to sanctify him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. (4) And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an eph-od, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aar-on thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. (5) And they shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.
(6) And they shall make the eph-od of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen, the work of the skilful workman. (7) It shall have two shoulder-pieces joined to the two ends thereof, that it may be joined together. (8) And the skilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. (9) And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Is-ra-el: (10) six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, according to their birth. (11) With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Is-ra-el: thou shalt make them to be inclosed in settings of gold. (12) And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulder-pieces of the eph-od, to be stones of memorial for the children of Is-ra-el: and Aar-on shall bear their names before Je-ho-vah upon his two shoulders for a memorial. (13) And thou shalt make settings of gold, (14) and two chains of pure gold; like cords shalt thou make them, of wreathen work: and thou shalt put the wreathen chains on the settings.

(15) And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the eph-od thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. (16) Foursquare it shall be and double; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof. (17) And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; (18) and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; (19) and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; (20) and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be inclosed in gold in their settings. (21) And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Is-ra-el, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes. (22) And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold. (23) And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. (24) And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. (25) And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the eph-od in the forepart thereof. (26) And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate, upon the edge thereof, which is toward the side of the eph-od inward. (27) And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and shalt put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the eph-od underneath, in the forepart thereof, close by the coupling thereof, above the skilfully woven hand of the eph-od. (28) And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the eph-od with a lace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven band of the eph-od, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the eph-od. (29) And Aar-on shall bear the names of the children of Is-ra-el in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before Je-ho-vah continually. (30) And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the U-rim and the Thum-mim; and they shall be upon Aar-on's heart, when he goeth in before Je-ho-vah: and Aar-on shall bear the judgment of the children of Is-ra-el upon his heart before Je-ho-vah continually.

(31) And thou shalt make the robe of the eph-od all of blue. (32) And it shall have a hole for the head in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it be not rent. (33) And upon the skirts of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the skirts thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: (34) a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about. (35) And it shall be upon Aar-on to minister: and the sound thereof shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before Je-ho-vah, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
(36) And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLY TO JE-HO-VAH. (37) And thou shalt put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. (38) And it shall be upon Aar-on's forehead, and Aar-on shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Is-ra-el shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before Je-ho-vah. (39) And thou shalt weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and thou shalt make a mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make a girdle, the work of the embroiderer.
(40) And for Aar-on's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and head-tires shalt make for them, for glory and for beauty. (41) And thou shalt put them upon Aar-on thy brother, and upon his sons with him, and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. (42) And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover the flesh of their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: (43) and they shall be upon Aar-on, and upon his sons, when they go in unto the tent of meeting, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and unto his seed after him.

EXPLORING EXODUS: CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
QUESTIONS ANSWERABLE FROM THE BIBLE

1.

After reading the chapter carefully, propose a very brief topic-title for it.

2.

Who was to bring Aaron near and clothe him? (Exodus 28:1-2; Exodus 28:41)

3.

What office were Aaron and his sons to have? (Exodus 28:1)

4.

Did Aaron take this office unto himself by volunteering? (Hebrews 5:4)

5.

Who is the Christian's high priest? (Hebrews 4:14)

6.

What other people are priests NOW? {1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10)

7.

Name Aaron's four sons. (Exodus 28:1)

8.

What were two purposes of the priests-' garments? (Exodus 28:2; Exodus 28:40)

9.

Who were to make Aaron's garments? (Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:2-3; Exodus 31:10)

10.

What were Aaron's garments to do for him? (Exodus 28:3)

11.

Name the six garments of Aaron. (Exodus 28:4)

12.

What materials went into the garments? (Exodus 28:5)

13.

Who contributed these materials? (Exodus 35:4-9)

14.

What materials went into the ephod? (Exodus 28:6; Exodus 39:2-3)

15.

What part of the ephod went over the priest's shoulders? (Exodus 28:7)

16.

What was used to gird (or tie) the ephod on? (Exodus 28:8)

17.

What was placed on the shoulders, as part of the ephod? (Exodus 28:12)

18.

What was carved on the onyx stones on the shoulders? (Exodus 28:9-11)

19.

What class of men wore ephods? (1 Samuel 22:18; 1 Samuel 2:18; 1 Samuel 2:28; 1 Samuel 14:3; 1 Samuel 30:7; 2 Samuel 6:14)

20.

What was the breastplate said to be for? (Exodus 28:15)

21.

What material was used to make the breastplate? (Exodus 28:15)

22.

What was set upon the breastplate? (Exodus 28:17-20)

23.

What was engraved on the stones of the breastplate? (Exodus 28:21)

24.

To what was the breastplate tied? (Exodus 28:26-28)

25.

What did Aaron bear on his heart? (Exodus 28:29) What may this symbolize if we apply it to Christ?

26.

What was placed in the breastplate? (Exodus 28:30)

27.

What was the purpose of these items? (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:62-63)

28.

What was Aaron to bear upon his heart as he wore the breastplate? (Exodus 28:30)

29.

What was the color of the robe of the ephod? (Exodus 28:31)

30.

What was upon the skirts of the robe of the ephod? (Exodus 28:33-34)

31.

How important were these items? (Exodus 28:35)

32.

What was engraved upon a golden plate? (Exodus 28:36)

33.

Where was the golden plate worn? (Exodus 28:37-38)

34.

Besides Aaron, what other priest is holy? (Hebrews 7:26)

35.

What did Aaron bear? (Exodus 28:38)

36.

What was the coat of Aaron made of? (Exodus 28:39; Exodus 39:27)

37.

What was the mitre? (Exodus 28:39; Exodus 39:28)

38.

What garments were made for Aaron's sons? (Exodus 28:40)

39.

What four things was Moses to do to the priests? (Exodus 28:42)

40.

What covered the naked flesh of the priests? (Exodus 28:42)

41.

When were the priests to wear the linen breeches? (Exodus 28:43). What might happen if they did not wear them? (Compare Exodus 20:26.)

EXODUS TWENTY-EIGHT: HOLY GARMENTS! (Exodus 28:2)

I.

PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLY GARMENTS; Exodus 28:1-5.

1.

Aaron and his sons - To be priests. (Exodus 28:1)

2.

Moses - To make the garments and put them on the priests. (Exodus 28:1-2)

3.

Wise-hearted men - To make the garments. (Exodus 28:3-5)

II.

PURPOSES OF THE HOLY GARMENTS

1.

For glory and beauty (Exodus 28:2; Exodus 28:40)

2.

To sanctify Aaron and his sons (Exodus 28:3)

3.

That he may minister unto me in the PRIEST'S office (Exodus 28:3-4)

III.

PLANS OF THE HOLY GARMENTS; Exodus 28:6-43.

1.

The ephod; Exodus 28:6-14.

2.

The breastplate; Exodus 28:15-30.

(Urim and Thummim; Exodus 28:30)

3.

The robe of the ephod; Exodus 28:31-35.

4.

The plate of gold; Exodus 28:36-38.

5.

The coat, mitre, and girdle; Exodus 28:39.

6.

Garments for Aaron's sons; Exodus 28:40-41.

7.

Linen breeches; Exodus 28:42-43.

PRIESTS APPOINTED BY GOD! (Exodus 28:3-4)

1.

Aaron - A type of Christ, our high priest; (Hebrews 8:1-6)

2.

Aaron's sons - A type of Christians, who are priests unto God; (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6).

THE EPHOD! (Exodus 28:6-14)

1.

A garment distinctively for priests; (Exodus 28:6; 1 Samuel 22:18; 1 Samuel 2:28).

2.

A garment of beauty and glory; (Exodus 28:6; Exodus 28:8; Exodus 28:13).

(Christ, our priest, is glorious; Revelation 1:13-16; Philippians 3:21.)

3.

A garment for bearing the names of God's people; (Exodus 28:9-12)

THE PRIESTLY BREASTPLATE! (Exodus 28:15-30)

I.

Its purposes

1.

For judgment; Exodus 28:15.

2.

To contain the Urim and Thummim; Exodus 28:30.

3.

To bear the names of the children of Israel; Exodus 28:29.

II.

Its pattern

1.

Made as a folded cloth pouch; Exodus 28:15-16.

2.

Made of gold; Exodus 28:15; Exodus 28:20; Exodus 28:24.

3.

Adorned with gems; Exodus 28:17-20.

4.

Supported on golden chains; Exodus 28:22-28.

ROBE OF THE EPHOD! (Exodus 28:31-35)

1.

Its blue color suggests the close connection of the priest to other blue things of the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:4; Exodus 26:31; Exodus 27:16; Numbers 4:6)

2.

Its seamless form suggests the robe of Christ. (John 19:23)

3.

Its bells suggest the public nature of Christ's work. (No secret priestly rituals)

4.

Its pomegranates suggest the beauty and fruitfulness which there is in Christ.

THE GOLDEN PLATE - THE BADGE OF HOLINESS! (Exodus 28:36-38)

1.

By means of the plate of sinful priests became HOLINESS.

2.

By means of the plate the priest bore the iniquity of the holy gifts presented by the people. (Exodus 28:38)

3.

By means of the plate the people and their gifts were accepted before the Lord!

CLOTHES FOR AARON'S SONS! (Exodus 28:40-43)

1.

Resembled those of the high priest; (Exodus 28:40)

(We also are dressed in the righteousness of Christ, our high priest. Philippians 3:9; Romans 9:30)

2.

Provided the priests with glory and beauty.

(We also are changed from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18)

3.

Covered their nakedness. (Exodus 28:42; Revelation 3:18)

EXPLORING EXODUS: NOTES ON CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

1.

What is in Exodus twenty-eight?

The chapter deals with the garments of the high priest and the other priests. We entitle the chapter Holy Garments (Exodus 28:2). It forms an obvious unit of subject matter. The next chapter continues the instructions about the priesthood, but takes up the topic of their consecration ritual. The material in chapter twenty-eight is very similar to Exodus 39:1-31, where we read of the actual making of the garments.

2.

Who was to go get Aaron and make holy garments for him? (Exodus 28:1-2)

Moses was to do this. The thou (you) in Exodus 28:1 is stressed. Moses is made very prominent here as the mediator of God's covenant. God does His work through chosen, clearly-designated men.

Moses was to bring near unto himself from the midst of the children of Israel Aaron and his sons, so they might serve as priests unto God. The names of Aaron's four sons - Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar - appear here together.

Nadab and Abihu had been mentioned in Exodus 24:1 as among those going up into the mount. They later died by fire during their consecration ritual (Leviticus 10:1-2). Aaron's sons Eleazar succeeded him as high priest (Numbers 3:4; Numbers 20:25-26). Still later the descendants of Ithamar became the high priests, from Eli through Abiathar (1 Samuel 2:27-28; 1 Kings 2:26-27). After that time the descendants of Eleazar resumed the priesthood, from Zadok onward (1 Chronicles 6:8-15).

3.

What service were Aaron and his sons to perform? (Exodus 28:1)

They were to be priests. Note that they were called; they did not volunteer (Hebrews 5:4). The priesthood was serious business, as we can see by the case of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2).

The creation of a special hereditary priesthood was a new development in Israel. Up until this time priestly functions had been conducted by the head of each family or tribe, generally in accordance with the principle of the dedication of the firstborn son (Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:12-13). We read of priests serving at various times and places - men like Melchizedek and Jethro. Job offered sacrifices for his family (Job 1:5). But if there was any continuity in the office of priest - as from father to son we are not informed about it. Now the priesthood is to become an established order in Israel.

The duties of the priests included burning incense daily (Exodus 30:7-8; Exodus 27:21); keeping fire on the altar (Leviticus 6:9-13); offering daily sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-44); blessing the people (Leviticus 9:22; Numbers 6:23-26); blowing the silver trumpets (Numbers 10:8-10); testing for adultery (Numbers 5); and teaching the people (Deuteronomy 17:8; Deuteronomy 19:17; Deuteronomy 21:5).

Many scholars of a skeptical (liberal) persuasion have set forth the idea that the whole priestly system did not originate until the Babylonian captivity or afterwards. This is part of the Wellhausen theory about a P (Priestly) source of some of the O.T. books. But even Martin Noth (himself a rather extreme liberal) admits that P would not have written his account of Aaron and his garments purely from fantasy.[396] But while admitting that the priesthood is older than the time of the Babylonian captivity, they still think that the priesthood originated through the people's common reverence of holy men separated from usual worldly activities. Not so! The priesthood was established by divine choice.

[396] Exodus, p. 220.

Please remember that the whole religious system connected with the tabernacle, including the priesthood, was only a shadow and type of the heavenly realities (Hebrews 10:1). Thus Aaron and his sons were only representations of the true eternal priesthood. God never planned that the priesthood from the tribe of Levi (Aaron's family) would be priests forever. God foretold that there would come a priest after the order and likeness of Melchizedek, who would be a priest forever (Psalms 110:4). This, of course, refers to our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:11-17). In the age of the new covenant under which we live, the preparatory symbolic religious system existing in the time of Moses has been replaced by the genuine heavenly realities themselves! Thus we are no longer under the priesthood of Aaron and his sons, but of Christ Jesus, of whom Aaron was only a foreshadowing.

Similarly Aaron's sons no longer function as lesser priests working with their father. All Christians are now God's priests. See 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:9-10. We may all pray for ourselves and for others!

We must beware of religions like Roman Catholicism and its descendants, that set up a special class of individuals within the church as priests. To adopt a system of having a special class of men as priests is to lapse back into the covenant of Moses! We live under a new and better covenant, with a better priesthood (Hebrews 7:18-22). To revert to the system of the law of Moses is to revert to condemnation (Galatians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 3:9).

4.

What were the purposes of the priests-' garments? (Exodus 28:2-4)

They were for glory and for beauty. God intended that His priests be prominent and glorious before the people. Also the garments were prepared that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. It surely seems that in Aaron's case the clothes made the man! He was invested with his office, not created in it. Note that Exodus 28:2 refers to the garments as holy garments-'(or garments of holiness).

5.

Who was to make the priestly garments? (Exodus 28:3)

Wise-hearted men. These wise-hearted men were the craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6). Wise-hearted in the Hebrew idiom meant able to enjoy skill and practical wisdom, as in artistic skill. (The R.S.V. rendering endowed with an able mind seems a rather weak rendering.)

6.

What were the garments of the priest? (Exodus 28:4)

Six items are listed: breastplate, ephod, robe, coat, mitre (or turban), and girdle (belt, or sash). Aaron's sons had only coats, girdles, and head covering. In addition, linen breeches (under-pants) were provided (Exodus 28:42).

7.

What materials were used in the priests-' clothing? (Exodus 28:5; Exodus 39:1)

The gold, blue (cloth), purple, scarlet, and fine linen were used. The use of the article the points to specific gold and specific cloth, namely that presented by the people (Exodus 35:20-23).

8.

What was the ephod? (Exodus 28:6-8; Exodus 39:2-5)

The ephod was a cloth garment worn by the priest, and sometimes by others temporarily engaged in religious ceremonies.

The ephod worn by the high priest was very much more magnificent than those worn by others. See 1 Samuel 2:28; 1 Samuel 14:2; 1 Samuel 21:9; 1 Samuel 23:6-9; 1 Samuel 30:7. But we do read of common priests wearing ephods (1 Samuel 22:18). The boy Samuel wore one (although he was of the tribe of Levi [1 Chronicles 6:16; 1 Chronicles 6:28]). King David wore one when he brought up the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14). References to the ephod of Gideon (Judges 8:27) and that of Micah (Judges 17:5) seem to be euphemisms for idols,[397] although that is not definite.

[397] Cole, op. cit., p. 200.

The ephod was made of gold wires (like threads), and of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twisted linen. The gold was beaten into thin plates and then cut into fine wires and worked into the fabric (Exodus 39:3). The ephod had the same material in it as the veil and the screen, except for the added gold threads and the absence of embroidered cherubim. The ephod was a spectacular garment.

The exact form of the ephod is rather uncertain. One view is that it was somewhat of a double apron, with one section over the front of the body and another section on the back. These were coupled at the shoulders by strips of cloth attached to the front section (Exodus 28:25). These shoulder-pieces had upon them two engraved onyx stones resting upon the shoulders. A girdle at the waist held the two sections to the body.[398] Compare Exodus 28:7 and Exodus 39:4. The ancient rabbis seemed to think the ephod had this general form and hung down to about the hips.

[398] Keil and Delitzsch, op. cit., pp. 193-194, favor this view.

Another view of the form of the ephod is that it was sort of a loin-cloth, of one piece, held up by shoulder straps like suspenders, and having its two ends attached together in some way at the back of the body. The band (or girdle) of the ephod was a thicker, belt-like section of the ephod made of one piece with the rest of the garment (Exodus 28:8). The ephod did not extend higher on the body than the waist. The band (girdle) of the ephod was of the same material as the rest of the ephod. The rings on the lower part of the breastplate (Exodus 28:28) were attached to the band of the ephod.

With some hesitancy we adopt this latter view.[399] Ancient Near East in Pictures (Princeton, 1969), p. 66, shows male dancers in Egypt during the Old Kingdom (prior to Moses-' time) wearing garments somewhat similar to ephods of this description.

[399] Cassuto, op. cit., p. 373, holds this view.

The exact meaning of two ends in Exodus 28:7 is uncertain.

Josephus (Ant. III, vii, 5) said that the ephod was made with sleeves also, and did not appear to be made differently from a short coat. To us this idea does not seem to fit the scriptural information.

9.

What was on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod? (Exodus 28:9-14; Exodus 39:6-7)

Two onyx stones were on the shoulders, each engraved with names of the sons of Jacob. Six names were on one stone and six on the other, listed in the order of their births. The names were engraved with the type of engraving used on signets. (A signet was a seal, or stamp. These were made of stone or other hard material. They were often shaped like small cylinders about the size of a little finger, with carvings around them. Others were like pebbles with one flat side, and had a carving of a name or figure on the flat face, which was used to stamp an impression on a soft clay tablet.)

The onyx stones were enclosed in setting (K.J.V., ouches) (or frames) of gold. These settings were of wreathen work, which was gold wire twisted to form sort of a chain (Exodus 28:13-14). The breastplate was fastened from its top side to these settings (Exodus 28:25).

The exact function of two chains attached to the settings of the onyx stones (Exodus 28:14) is not stated. Keil and Delitzsch[400] think they were the same chains as those extending up from the top of the breastplate to the settings. (See notes on Exodus 28:24 below). Others feel that they held the two sections of the ephod together at the shoulders.

[400] Op. cit., p. 197.

We do not know for certain what type of gemstone is referred to as onyx here (Heb. shocham). According to the Greek LXX they were emeralds. Josephus (Ant. III, vii, 5) called them sardonyx, which is the best variety of onyx. Harkavy's Lexicon suggests that they may have been a beryl.

10.

What was the purpose of the onyx stones and the ephod? (Exodus 28:12)

By means of the inscribed shoulder stones Aaron bore the names of the children of Israel before Jehovah for a memorial. They were stones of memorial for the children of Israel.
The term memorial is a sacrificial term referring to that which brings the one remembered into favorable remembrance before God. See Exodus 30:16.

It is a delight to our souls to meditate upon the fact that Christ, though he does not wear an ephod made by hands, bears our names before the Father for a memorial. He causes us to be remembered with favor before the Father, and not as we deserve to be remembered. The Lord Jesus is our ADVOCATE with the father (1 John 2:1).

The ephod was a garment associated with holy men, with priests. The ephod of Aaron was designed so that he carried about the names of God's people. Similarly Christ is plainly set forth before our minds as the holy priest of God, and one who bears our names before God.

11.

What was the form of the breastplate? (Exodus 28:15-16; Exodus 39:8-9)

Basically it was a folded cloth, forming sort of a pouch, decorated with 12 inscribed gemstones, and worn on Aaron's chest.

It was made of the same gold and fabric material as the ephod (Exodus 28:6). It was square and doubled, that is, folded double. It was a span each way, about nine inches square. We suppose that it was two spans long and one wide, but when folded double it was a span square. Four rows of jewels were set upon it.

It appears that the fold was at its bottom, so as to form a kind of pouch to hold the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30).

The translation breastplate is only an interpretation, because we do not know for certain what the Hebrew word chosen (translated breastplate) meant.

12.

What was upon the breastplate? (Exodus 28:17-21; Exodus 39:10-14)

There was a setting (Hebrew, filling) for stones. In the Hebrew the word for setting is singular, suggesting one large setting holding all the gems. However, verse twenty plainly refers to settings (plural), showing that the setting was a collective plural word.[401]

[401] Noth, op. cit., p. 222 refers to a rectangular golden breastplate set with precious stones and found at Byblos. It dates from the Middle Bronze (about 1700 B.C.). It hung from a golden chain. Thus it slightly resembled the ephod of Aaron. Nonetheless, we do not feel that it resembled the breastplate of Aaron closely enough to indicate any real relationship between the two, since Aaron's breastplate had the gems in individual settings.

In the settings were twelve gems, arranged in four rows, and having the names of the twelve sons of Israel engraved upon them, much as the names were engraved upon the onyx stones worn upon the shoulders.

13.

What gemstones were set on the breastplate? (Exodus 28:17-19)

The Hebrew names of the gemstones are hard to link positively with modern names of gemstones. The topaz is probably a correct identification. It is a golden yellow gemstone. The blue sapphire is known. The diamond is named in several English versions, but there is no indication that the ancients were either acquainted with this stone or had acquired the skill to engrave upon it. The amethyst is probably a correct identification. It is purple.

The Greek LXX renderings of the Hebrew words probably carry no great authority in identifying the stones. But it is interesting that eight of the twelve stones named in the Greek LXX as being on the priest's breastplate are mentioned as adornments of the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20).

14.

What held the breastplate in place? (Exodus 28:22-28; Exodus 39:15-21)[402]

[402] The Greek LXX uses the 29th verse from the Hebrew text as Exodus 28:23. To us this seems to break the continuity of subject matter about the construction of the breastplate as given in Exodus 28:22-28.

Also the Greek LXX omits Exodus 28:26-29 of the Hebrew (Masoretic) text. This causes omission of the information as to how the breastplate was attached to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod. Also it modifies the numbering of the following verses. We doubt the accuracy of the LXX here.

It was bound to the settings of the onyx stones on the shoulders by chains. Its bottom was tied to the girdle of the ephod.
Chains of wreathen (twisted) gold wire were attached to two gold rings at the upper corners of the breastplate. The ends of the chains were attached to the gold settings holding the onyx stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.
Keil and Delitzsch[403] maintain that the chains mentioned in Exodus 28:14 are the same chains as those of Exodus 28:22. The chains are mentioned only once in the account of the execution of the work in Exodus 39:15. Also the chains in both verses are said to be attached to the gold settings on the shoulders. If the chains in the two verses are not really one and the same, then no function is ascribed to those of Exodus 28:14. To us this seems true.

[403] Op. cit., p. 197.

The lower corners of the breastplate (as folded double) had gold rings on the inner side. Then two more rings were placed on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, evidently near their lower parts over the abdomen (Exodus 28:6-7). Then with a lace (probably a thread, cord, or line) of blue, the rings on the girdle of the ephod were tied to the lower rings on the breastplate. (Note that the shoulder-pieces [or straps] of the ephod extended downward to the bottom of the breastplate, probably near the waist.)

15.

What was the function of the breastplate? (Exodus 28:29)

By means of the breastplate Aaron bore the names of the children of Israel for a memorial before the LORD continually when he went into the Holy place. The priest represented ALL Israel, as indicated by the twelve stones on the breastplate. Regarding memorial, see notes on Exodus 28:12.

We know of no symbol that more vividly pictures how Christ our high priest bears us about upon His heart than the breastplate of Aaron! We are graven upon the palms of thy hands (Isaiah 49:16).

Also the very use of gemstones is suggestive and comforting. God's people are His jewels (or possession, or treasure) (Malachi 3:17).

Also the fact that the breastplate was for judgment (Exodus 28:15) is a pleasing idea. The word for judgment (mishpat) was used in Exodus 21:1 to refer to God's ordinances. Its use in connection with the breastplate therefore suggests that the priest is the communicator of divine truths (judgments, ordinances). Indeed Christ Jesus is the priest who revealed God's judgments to us, and will finally be the judge of all. See John 8:26! Luke 2:35; Acts 10:42.

16.

What was in the breastplate? (Exodus 28:30)

The Urim and Thummim were in it. These objects, whatever they were, were to be upon Aaron's heart when he went in to Jehovah's presence in the Holy place. By the presence of the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim, Aaron bore upon his heart continually the judgment of the children of Israel. This may include both bearing their guilt (compare Deuteronomy 1:37), and interceding for Israel in prayer.

The Urim and Thummim functioned as means for discerning facts about the will of God not otherwise knowable. No one knows exactly what they consisted of.
Urim and Thummim are Hebrew words transliterated. Most Bibles do not attempt to translate the terms because of the uncertainty about their meaning. Urim and Thummim quite literally mean lights and perfections. The Greek LXX rendered them as revelation and truth. Symmachus-' Greek translation gave a better rendering, illumination and completion.

The function of the Urim and Thummim is illustrated by Numbers 27:21, where Joshua was instructed to inquire (seek God for unrevealed information) before the priest Eleazar through the Urim and Thummim. (This does not indicate that the Urim and Thummim had magical power in themselves, but only that God used these items as a vehicle for his truth.)

From the way the Urim and Thummim are spoken of here in Exodus and in Leviticus 8:8, it appears that they were some material things, previously existing, and familiarly known. They were separate from the breastplate itself,[404] as well as from the gems upon the breastplate. Moses was not told to make the Urim and Thummim, but just to put them in the breastplate. The Urim and Thummim were considered to be the crowning glory of the tribe of Levi (Deuteronomy 33:8). Inasmuch as the Urim is called the Urim of judgment in Numbers 27:21, it is appropriate that it was placed in the breastplate of judgment.

[404] Josephus identified the Urim and Thummim with the stones on the breastplate, which he reports as shining with great light and splendor when Israel marched to victory in battle. Ant. III, viii, 9.

King Saul could get no answer from the Lord by Urim and Thummim or by dreams and prophets (1 Samuel 28:6). In the days after the return from Babylonian captivity, the Urim and Thummim were lacking, but men still sought to locate them (Ezra 2:62-63).

Guesses as to the nature of the Urim and Thummim are legion. Since Urim starts (in Hebrew) with the first letter of the alphabet and Thummim with the last, they may contain a reference to the nature of God as the alpha and omega (the A and Z), whose will they revealed.[405]

[405] Cole, op. cit., p. 201.

The most common opinion is that the Urim and Thummim were two sacred lots (something like dice). Compare 1 Samuel 14:21. However, this is not positively asserted anywhere.

In those cases in the O.T. when men inquired of the Lord for needed revelations of information, it was the kings or leaders who sought the Lord. This makes it appear that the use of Urim and Thummim was limited to questions from the leaders of the people. Note Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 14:37-38; 1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 30:7-8; Judges 1:1-2; Judges 20:18; Judges 20:23; Judges 20:27-28.

Also it does seem to be true that questions asked of the Urim and Thummim were so framed that they could be answered by a Yes or a No, or by a choice between two things.
These facts have led numerous scholars to feel that the Urim and Thummim were two lots. Some have speculated that the Urim and Thummim had a yes side and a no side, and that rolling two yes'S meant yes, while two no'S meant no, and a divided answer meant that no answer was given.[406] Certainly lots were in that age directed by the Lord. See Proverbs 16:33. Nonetheless, we still find ourselves unconvinced that Urim and Thummim were lots.

[406] Compare Ramm, op. cit., p. 166.

We never read of the presence of Urim and Thummim after the time of King Saul. But the time of and reason for their disappearance still remain mysteries.

The Urim and Thummim are another illustration of the fact that God is a revealer of secrets to His people. See Daniel 2:19; Daniel 2:22. But this does not indicate that we have a right to demand and expect God to reveal the secrets of His government to us at all times. We must be content with what He has already revealed. The secret things belong unto the LORD our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).

17.

What was the robe of the ephod like? (Exodus 28:31-32; Exodus 39:22-24)

This robe seems to have been like a sleeveless dress. It seems to have been worn under the breastplate and ephod, although this is not actually stated. It was all of blue cloth. The hole for the priest's head to pass through was rimmed with a woven border to strengthen it, so that it would not become ripped at that point. The translation habergeon or coat of mail is not beyond doubt (to quote Cassuto) To us it seems very doubtful, indeed, and much more applicable to a medieval knight's armor than to priestly garments in the time of Moses.

The pullover robe of one piece reminds us of Christ's seamless robe. John's reference to Christ's robe seems almost an indirect reference to Christ's high priestly office. (John 19:23).

18.

What was at the bottom of the robe of the ephod? (Exodus 28:33-35; Exodus 39:25-26)

Placed at the bottom of the skirt of the robe were alternating pomegranates and golden bells. The pomegranates were of blue, purple, and scarlet. Pomegranates are fruit about the size of oranges, bright red in color, with juicy red seeds arranged in rows parallel to the core. They have on their outside, at the end of the core where the flower was, short, pointed, calyx-like projections of tissue (like the skin of the fruit). These give the pomegranate a distinctive form and appearance.
Some have suggested that the pomegranates on the robe of the ephod were only embroidered onto the cloth of the robe. Certainly pomegranates do not naturally come in blue and purple colors. Still the fact that the golden bells were solid (and ringing!) objects and that the bells hung between the pomegranates (Heb., in the midst of them) makes us feel that the pomegranates were solid material dangling like bobbles from the robe. The book of Ecclesiasticus (Sir. 45:9) refers to the glory of Aaron's pomegranates and bells.

The bells provided sound to be heard when Aaron ministered in the Holy place before Jehovah and when he came out. This making of sound was essential to Aaron that we die not. The scripture does not state why the bell-ringing was considered so essential. Some think it was simply a means of announcing Aaron's coming before God. If that is so, the announcement was to alert the people about Aaron's activity, not to alert God that Aaron was about to enter. The ringing made the worshippers conscious that the priest was ministering in their behalf in God's presence. The ringing-forth conveyed the impression that Aaron's work was something that everyone was to know about and feel himself involved in.

The same effect of making all men aware of God's work in their midst is still necessary. See Ephesians 3:9. Whether we ring out the news by bells, publish it on paper, preach it from the housetops, men still need to know that God's priest is at work for them.

19.

What object was placed on the high priest's head covering? (Exodus 28:36-38; Exodus 39:30-31)

A plate of PURE gold inscribed with the words HOLINESS TO YAHWEH was placed on the front of Aaron's turban.

This plate was placed upon a lace (or cord, thread, line) of blue. Then the plate and its backing of lace were placed upon the mitre (or turban.) (See Exodus 28:39). Thus it was kept upon Aaron's forehead.

It appears to us that the K.J.V. translation HOLINESS TO THE LORD is preferable to Holy to the LORD. The Hebrew word QODESH is a noun. Admittedly it is frequently used as an adjective, as in holy ground (literally, ground of holiness; Exodus 3:5) or holy city (city of holiness; Isaiah 48:2). But the use of the word here without a closely preceding noun that it modifies indicates that it should be taken as a noun, holiness. The Greek LXX renders it as hagiasma, Holiness of the Lord.

The gold plate testified that Aaron was wholly holy.

By wearing this plate Aaron was qualified by God to bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel presented to the LORD in all of their holy gifts. These gifts seem to refer to all their sacrifices, free-will offerings, and such. Even upon these gifts to God there was a stain from the iniquity of the donors, and possibly from the very curse of Adam (Haggai 2:12-14; Genesis 3:17). Every thing that they offered was unclean. But the fact that a HOLY priest presented their gifts caused the people to be accepted.

These facts should cause us to thank the LORD that Jesus our priest is the HOLY ONE OF GOD! (John 6:69; Revelation 3:7; Hebrews 7:26; Luke 1:35). Without a holy and undefiled priest like him, we could present nothing as acceptable to God, neither ourselves nor our gifts.

Aaron's holiness was, admittedly, more in label than in fact. But God in His grace accepted Aaron and accepted the people's gifts given through him.
The Hebrew word (tsits) translated plate may also be translated blossom, flower, or crown. The N.E.B. renders it rosette. We do not see clear indication that the golden plate worn by Aaron was flower-shaped.

20.

Which priestly garments are very briefly mentioned? (Exodus 28:39; Exodus 39:27-29)

(1) the coat of Aaron, his mitre (turban), and girdle (sash, or belt).

The coat was made of fine linen, woven in checker work. This term does not necessarily imply that it was sewn in squares like a checker-board, but it does imply that it was in some way sewn and quilted together. It was the priest's inner garment. It seems that the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate were all worn outside of it.
Josephus (Ant. III, 7, 2) says that the inner vestment (the coat) reached down to the feet, and was close to the body, and had sleeves tied fast to the arms. He says further that it was embroidered with flowers of scarlet, purple and blue, and hung loosely down to the ankles, and was tied about the waist. This is interesting information, but is not one hundred percent certain.

The mitre, or turban, was also made of fine linen. It appears to have been a long band of cloth, wrapped in swathes about the head. The Talmud suggests that the turban had sixteen cubits (24 feet!) of material in it. Compare Josephus, Ant. III, 7, 3. The gold plate was attached to the front of it.

The girdle of Exodus 28:39 appears to have been that which held snug the coat referred to in the same verse. If so, it was concealed by the robe of the ephod. The word translated girdle in Exodus 28:39 is a different word from that translated girdle (or band) in Exodus 28:8. We feel they refer to entirely distinct items.

21.

What priestly garments were prepared for Aaron's sons? (Exodus 28:40; Exodus 39:27-29)

Three garments are named: coats, girdles, and head-tires.

These garments were for glory and beauty, as were the garments of their father Aaron, the high priest. (Exodus 28:2).

The priests-' coats were made of fine linen, of woven work. Their mitres (turbans) were also of fine twisted linen. The mitres were goodly. Their girdles were of fine twisted linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer. See Exodus 39:28-29.

While these garments of cloth adorned the flesh of the priests, they were to have a better clothing:
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness;.

Her priests will I clothe with salvation. (Psalms 132:9; Psalms 132:16)

The word translated head-tires (K.J.V. bonnets) is not the word translated mitre in Exodus 28:39. This word rendered head-tires occurs only four times in the O.T., and refers exclusively to the dress of the priests. It is derived from a verb meaning to be high. This hints that these head-coverings were large and prominent.

No shoes for the priests-' feet are mentioned. We suppose that they ministered barefooted. Compare Joshua 5:15 and Exodus 3:5.

22.

Who was to clothe the priests? (Exodus 28:41)

Moses was to clothe them, both Aaron and his sons. Compare Exodus 28:2; Exodus 29:5-7; Leviticus 8:7. Moses was also to anoint them by pouring oil upon their heads, and to consecrate them. To consecrate means, quite literally, to fill the hands. This idiom is very suggestive of the fact that the priests-' hands were to be filled with the Lord's service. However, as an idiom, it seems to mean only to install. (Compare Cassuto, op. cit., p. 386.) To sanctify means to set apart to holy use.

23.

What innermost garments were provided for the priests? (Exodus 28:42-43; Exodus 39:28)

Moses was to make for them linen breeches to cover the flesh of their nakedness. These covered from the loins (abdomen) to the thighs. These were to be worn beneath all other garments whenever they came near to the altar in the Holy place. Failure to wear these could cause them to bear iniquity, (that is, to suffer the punishment of iniquity) and die! This was to be a law for the priests forever.

Modesty was required in God's priests. Compare Exodus 20:26. It is worthy of notice that Moses put upon the priests all of their garments except these linen inner breeches. See Leviticus 8:13; Exodus 29:5.