Exodus 28:1 - “Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.

Generated Verse: Exodus 28:1

What does "Exodus 28:1" mean?


This verse from Exodus 28:1 is a foundational directive from God to Moses, establishing the priestly lineage and office within the Israelite community. Let's break it down:

"Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel...": This is a specific instruction to Moses to separate Aaron and his sons from the rest of the Israelites. The phrase "bring near" suggests a special closeness and dedication to God's service.
"...that he may minister to me in the priest’s office...": This is the core purpose of their separation. They are to serve God as priests. Their role involves offering sacrifices, performing rituals, and representing the people before God. "Minister to me" emphasizes that their priestly service is directly for God.
"...even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.": This names the specific individuals who are being called to the priesthood. Aaron is the high priest, and his sons (Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar) are to assist him. The inclusion of their names emphasizes the personal and specific nature of God's calling.

In essence, this verse marks the formal beginning of the Aaronic priesthood, a hereditary lineage that would play a central role in Israelite worship and religious life. It highlights the importance of designated individuals to mediate between God and the people and to perform the sacred duties required by God's covenant.