Exodus 28:43 - They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they don’t bear iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.
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What does "Exodus 28:43" mean?
This verse from Exodus 28:43 is talking about the priestly garments, specifically the linen undergarments worn by Aaron and his sons (the priests) when they are performing their duties in the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle) and near the altar. Let's break it down:
"They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons...": "They" refers to the linen undergarments previously described in Exodus 28:42, which covered their nakedness from waist to thighs. This emphasizes that wearing these garments is a mandatory requirement for the priests when performing their duties.
"...when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place...": This specifies the times when wearing the undergarments is absolutely necessary: when they are entering the Tent of Meeting (the inner sanctuary) and when they are approaching the altar to perform their priestly duties within the holy area surrounding the altar. These were the most sacred acts of their service to God.
"...that they don’t bear iniquity, and die...": This is the crucial point. The garments aren't just for decoration. They serve a protective function for the priests. Being improperly dressed (specifically being exposed/naked) while performing these holy duties would be considered a grave offense (an "iniquity") in the eyes of God, potentially resulting in death. The garments provided a covering that prevented such offense. Some interpret this as a literal covering of nakedness, while others see it as a symbolic covering against sin and unworthiness.
"...it shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.": This reinforces that this is not a temporary rule. It's a permanent and binding regulation for Aaron, his sons, and all their descendants who would serve as priests in future generations.
In essence, the verse emphasizes the following:
The importance of proper attire for priests when performing sacred duties. The prescribed garments were not optional; they were required.
The holiness of the priestly role and the tabernacle/altar. God demanded reverence and proper protocol when approaching His presence.
The consequences of disobedience. Failure to adhere to these commands could result in severe punishment, even death.
The permanence of the regulation. This was a lasting ordinance for the priesthood.
Theological Implications:
This verse highlights the concept of:
Purity and Holiness: God's demand for purity and holiness from those who minister in His presence.
Order and Structure: The importance of established procedures and roles in worship.
Atonement and Covering: Some see a connection between these garments and the broader concept of atonement, where something (in this case, the garments) provides a covering for sin and prevents judgment. This is especially relevant when considering the sacrifices and priestly duties performed to atone for the sins of the people.
Respect for the Divine: It emphasizes the need for respect and reverence in approaching God.
The verse reminds us of the seriousness and responsibility associated with serving God and the importance of approaching Him with proper reverence and humility.
Exodus 28:43 - They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons, when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they don’t bear iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.
What does "Exodus 28:43" mean?
This verse from Exodus 28:43 is talking about the priestly garments, specifically the linen undergarments worn by Aaron and his sons (the priests) when they are performing their duties in the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle) and near the altar. Let's break it down:
"They shall be on Aaron, and on his sons...": "They" refers to the linen undergarments previously described in Exodus 28:42, which covered their nakedness from waist to thighs. This emphasizes that wearing these garments is a mandatory requirement for the priests when performing their duties.
"...when they go in to the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place...": This specifies the times when wearing the undergarments is absolutely necessary: when they are entering the Tent of Meeting (the inner sanctuary) and when they are approaching the altar to perform their priestly duties within the holy area surrounding the altar. These were the most sacred acts of their service to God.
"...that they don’t bear iniquity, and die...": This is the crucial point. The garments aren't just for decoration. They serve a protective function for the priests. Being improperly dressed (specifically being exposed/naked) while performing these holy duties would be considered a grave offense (an "iniquity") in the eyes of God, potentially resulting in death. The garments provided a covering that prevented such offense. Some interpret this as a literal covering of nakedness, while others see it as a symbolic covering against sin and unworthiness.
"...it shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.": This reinforces that this is not a temporary rule. It's a permanent and binding regulation for Aaron, his sons, and all their descendants who would serve as priests in future generations.
In essence, the verse emphasizes the following:
The importance of proper attire for priests when performing sacred duties. The prescribed garments were not optional; they were required.
The holiness of the priestly role and the tabernacle/altar. God demanded reverence and proper protocol when approaching His presence.
The consequences of disobedience. Failure to adhere to these commands could result in severe punishment, even death.
The permanence of the regulation. This was a lasting ordinance for the priesthood.
Theological Implications:
This verse highlights the concept of:
Purity and Holiness: God's demand for purity and holiness from those who minister in His presence.
Order and Structure: The importance of established procedures and roles in worship.
Atonement and Covering: Some see a connection between these garments and the broader concept of atonement, where something (in this case, the garments) provides a covering for sin and prevents judgment. This is especially relevant when considering the sacrifices and priestly duties performed to atone for the sins of the people.
Respect for the Divine: It emphasizes the need for respect and reverence in approaching God.
The verse reminds us of the seriousness and responsibility associated with serving God and the importance of approaching Him with proper reverence and humility.