Summary:
Exodus 28 details God’s instructions to Moses for creating sacred garments for Aaron, the high priest, and his sons to wear while ministering in the tabernacle.
These include the ephod (a vest-like garment with onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel’s tribes), the breastpiece of judgment (with twelve precious stones representing the tribes and containing the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance), a blue robe with bells and pomegranates on the hem, a checkered tunic, a turban with a gold plate inscribed “Holy to the Lord,” and linen undergarments. The garments, made from fine linen, gold, and colorful yarns, symbolize holiness, glory, and dignity, consecrating the priests for service.
Pointing to Jesus:
The high priestly garments in Exodus 28 typologically foreshadow Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who perfectly fulfills the role Aaron shadowed.
One key example is the breastplate and shoulder stones, which bear the names of Israel’s tribes, symbolizing the priest’s intercessory burden.
John Calvin comments on this as pointing to Christ: “Christ deigned to ingraft us into this body, in Him we are precious stones… In his one person they were all a kingdom of priests… fulfilled in Christ.” This reflects how Jesus, as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), bears believers before God, interceding perfectly and granting us access to the Father through His righteousness alone, not our merits.
Reflection:
Exodus 28 reminds Christians that, as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), we are called to live holy lives, “clothed” in Christ’s righteousness rather than our own efforts.
Just as the priests’ garments covered them for sacred service, believers rely on Jesus’ atoning work to approach God, encouraging us to intercede for others, pursue purity, and reflect God’s glory in daily worship and community.
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