28 August Exodus 28

The Garment of the Priest

When we examine the garments worn by Aaron and his sons, as described in Exodus 28, we see not only detailed ceremonial attire but also a profound symbol of God’s divine plan and relationship with His people. Each piece of the High Priest’s attire was explicitly designed, pointing towards the coming of a Savior and faith's role in God's redemption plan.

Exodus 28:4 (NIV) “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. These garments were to be worn by Aaron and his sons. Through the garments of the High Priest, we will recognise by faith the plan of God that has saved us from sin.

The ephod

Exodus 28:6 (NIV)“Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands”.

In 1 Samuel 23, when David heard Saul was plotting against him, he went to Abiathar, the priest, and asked him to “bring the ephod”. 1 Samuel 23:9 (NIV) “When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod”.” Then David asked God for guidance, and God told him what to do. Later, the same thing happened. David needed guidance from God, so he asked Abiathar again to bring him the ephod. Confirmed by 1 Samuel 30:7 (NIV) “Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, David then inquired of God, and God told him what to do”.

Today, we don’t need the Ephod to hear from God. We can approach His throne with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The breastplate of judgment, the Urim and the Thummim.

This is called the breastplate of judgment because it held the Urim and Thummim, tools for discerning God’s will. Exodus 28:30 (NIV) “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”. In seeking God through the Urim and Thummim, one goes back to God’s Word for guidance because God's Word. Today, if we have the same focus on God’s Word, He will also guide us.

The robe.

Exodus 28:31 (NIV) Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth. Exodus 28:35 (NIV) 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.

There is a row of pomegranates and bells along the bottom of the priest's blue robe. The pomegranate symbolises the promised land, as it was one of the fruits brought back by the spies when they entered Canaan. It is also a symbol of posterity or prosperity, as each fruit contains hundreds of seeds.

The high priest also had to wear bells when he entered and left the holy place of the Lord. If he died, the bells would stop, and others would know to pull him out using a rope attached to him. The priest would have had a healthy fear of the Lord. This was all part of God’s plan. The beginning of all knowledge is to fear the Lord.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The Turban

Exodus 28:36-38 (NIV) “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”.

The turban was a simple wound linen headpiece. The gold plate with the inscription HOLINESS TO THE LORD’ was more critical than the turban itself. The inscription ‘HOLINESS TO THE LORD indicated that, first and foremost, the high priest was the servant of God.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) “Pursue peace with all [people], and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”.

Today, we are reminded that the High Priest's garments were not mere religious attire but rich symbols pointing us to the heart of God's covenant with His people. They remind us of our holiness, guidance, and provision through faith in Jesus Christ. As we embrace the truth of these ancient symbols, may we be inspired to live lives marked by holiness, reverence, and a deep commitment to seeking God's will, knowing that we have direct access to His grace and guidance in every moment of need?