Exodus 28:4 details the specific items of clothing that are to be created for Aaron, the high priest, and his sons. Let's break it down:
"These are the garments which they shall make:" This introduces a list of very specific and elaborate articles of clothing.
"a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash:" This lists the individual garments:
Breastplate: An elaborate, bejeweled piece worn over the chest. It was especially important because it contained the Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God's will.
Ephod: A more complex vest-like garment, worn over the robe. It was intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads.
Robe: A blue garment worn under the ephod.
Coat of checker work (or embroidered tunic): An inner tunic, woven with a pattern of squares or embroidered.
Turban (or miter/head covering): A special headdress for the priests.
Sash (or belt): A woven belt worn around the waist.
"and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons," The purpose of making these garments is to clothe Aaron and his sons, who would be the first priests of Israel. The term "holy garments" indicates that these were not just ordinary clothes, but were special garments designed to set the priests apart for sacred service.
"that he may minister to me in the priest’s office." The reason for these special garments is to enable Aaron and his sons to perform their priestly duties before God. The garments were symbolic and essential for their role as intermediaries between God and the people.
In summary:
This verse outlines the specific garments that were to be made for Aaron and his sons, who were to be the first priests. These garments were not merely clothing; they were "holy garments," set apart for sacred service. They served to distinguish the priests and were essential for them to perform their duties in God's presence. The elaborate design and materials signified the importance and holiness of their role as ministers before God. The priestly clothes served the purpose to be worn when a priest would be ministering in a temple, representing God in the temple, and representing the people to God in the temple.
Exodus 28:4 details the specific items of clothing that are to be created for Aaron, the high priest, and his sons. Let's break it down:
"These are the garments which they shall make:" This introduces a list of very specific and elaborate articles of clothing.
"a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash:" This lists the individual garments:
Breastplate: An elaborate, bejeweled piece worn over the chest. It was especially important because it contained the Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God's will.
Ephod: A more complex vest-like garment, worn over the robe. It was intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads.
Robe: A blue garment worn under the ephod.
Coat of checker work (or embroidered tunic): An inner tunic, woven with a pattern of squares or embroidered.
Turban (or miter/head covering): A special headdress for the priests.
Sash (or belt): A woven belt worn around the waist.
"and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons," The purpose of making these garments is to clothe Aaron and his sons, who would be the first priests of Israel. The term "holy garments" indicates that these were not just ordinary clothes, but were special garments designed to set the priests apart for sacred service.
"that he may minister to me in the priest’s office." The reason for these special garments is to enable Aaron and his sons to perform their priestly duties before God. The garments were symbolic and essential for their role as intermediaries between God and the people.
In summary:
This verse outlines the specific garments that were to be made for Aaron and his sons, who were to be the first priests. These garments were not merely clothing; they were "holy garments," set apart for sacred service. They served to distinguish the priests and were essential for them to perform their duties in God's presence. The elaborate design and materials signified the importance and holiness of their role as ministers before God. The priestly clothes served the purpose to be worn when a priest would be ministering in a temple, representing God in the temple, and representing the people to God in the temple.