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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Exodus 28:31 - 28:43
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The Garments Proper
v. 31. And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod, the robe of office, on which the ephod was fastened, all of blue, of the hyacinth-colored material which reminded them of the heavenly origin and character of the high-priestly office. This outer garment reached to the knees, leaving the skirts of the inner garment in plain sight.
v. 32. And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof; it shall have a binding of woven work, a sort of tape or heavy border, round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, of a linen shirt worn by soldiers, that it be not rent.
v. 33. And beneath, upon the hem of it, thou shalt make pomegranates, ornaments of that shape, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about, which gave forth a musical tinkle as the high priest walked and the skirts of this garment swung back and forth.
v. 34. A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about, the two ornaments fastened alternately.
v. 35. And it shall be upon Aaron to minister; and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not. For as the pomegranates symbolized the sweet odor and the refreshing taste of the Word of God, Pro_25:11, so the golden bells symbolized the beautiful sound of the revelation and proclamation of God. The high priest, therefore, as the representative of the congregation and the bearer of the divine testimony, was not to undertake the work of his office without this official vestment, under penalty of death.
v. 36. And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, holiness to the Lord. This was the high priest's badge of office, a very important part of his priestly insignia, the crown of holiness, Exo_39:30.
v. 37. And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the miter; upon the forefront of the miter it shall be, held in place by a hyacinth-colored string.
v. 38. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts. The main function of the high priest's office was to expiate sins, also such transgressions as were connected with the sacrifices of the people. And it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. Even so the expiation made by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, removes from us all transgressions, including even that guilt of weakness which is connected with our Christian profession and worship.
v. 39. And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, the tunic proper, of white byssus, reaching to the ankles; and thou shalt make the miter, the high turban or headdress, of fine linen, of byssus; and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework, woven out of the same precious materials from which the ephod was made.
v. 40. And for Aaron's sons, as members of the order of priests, thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, caps instead of the more elaborate turban of Aaron, for glory and for beauty, to signify both the great dignity and the peculiar excellence of Jehovah's worship. The garments of the ordinary priests were pure white with the exception of the girdle; for the color of purity was exceptionally appropriate in the case of the priests, who were continually engaged in making offerings in behalf of the people.
v. 41. And thou shalt put them upon Aaron, thy brother, and his sons with him, each one was to receive the garments intended for his special office; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, the application of oil signified the setting apart, the transmitting of the rights and duties, the inducting into office, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto Me in the priest's office.
v. 42. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness, Cf Exo_20:26; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach, for these parts must be kept covered on account of both natural or hereditary and acquired guilt. Not only every act of shamelessness, but even everything that called attention to sexual matters was to be avoided in the sanctuary.
v. 43. And they shall be upon Aaron and upon his sons when they come in unto the Tabernacle of the Congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the Holy Place, in their work of offering sacrifices, that they bear not iniquity, and die. It shall be a statute forever unto him and his seed after him. Cf Leviticus 8. All believers of the New Testament have the rank of priests before God, and their garments have been made white by the blood of the Lamb.