Exodus 28: The Garments of the High Priest

Exodus 28 explains the sacred garments of the high priest, symbolizing holiness, intercession, and divine authority in Israel’s worship.

Exodus 28 presents a detailed description of the sacred garments worn by the high priest of Israel. These garments were not just articles of clothing but carried deep spiritual significance, representing holiness, authority, and the responsibility of intercession. The chapter highlights how each element of the attire was crafted with precision, signifying the consecration of Aaron and his sons to minister before the Lord.

Understanding the meaning behind these garments sheds light on the role of the high priest in the Old Testament and foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. The intricate design, precious materials, and divine instructions emphasize that those called to serve God must be set apart in purity and dedication.

By examining the details of this chapter, it becomes clear that God values both spiritual and physical expressions of holiness. Every element, from the ephod to the breastplate, had a divine purpose, illustrating a deeper connection between God and His chosen people. This passage serves as a reminder that worship involves reverence, obedience, and a heart dedicated to service.

The High Priest’s Sacred Calling

God commanded Moses to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, making it clear that their role was not a personal ambition but a divine appointment. Exodus 28:1 (KJV) states, “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.” The priesthood was an office of mediation between God and the people, requiring total devotion and sanctification.

This divine selection signified that those who serve the Lord must be called and equipped by Him. The garments they wore were not merely for identification but carried a weight of responsibility. Just as Aaron and his sons were chosen, believers today are called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), living lives that reflect God’s holiness.

The Ephod - A Garment of Authority

One of the most significant pieces of the high priest’s attire was the ephod. Exodus 28:6 (KJV) describes it as being made of “gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.” The ephod was a vest-like garment symbolizing the priest’s authority and his role as an intermediary between God and Israel.

The ephod also included two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12). These stones were fastened to the shoulders, signifying that the high priest carried the people of God before the Lord. This imagery points to Jesus Christ, who bore the burden of humanity’s sins, carrying them upon His shoulders as He offered Himself as a sacrifice.

The Breastplate of Judgment

Another crucial part of the priestly garments was the breastplate, also known as the “breastplate of judgment.” It was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). This piece was attached to the ephod and worn over the heart, illustrating the priest’s duty to intercede for the people with love and dedication.

The breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim, objects used for seeking God’s will in decision-making (Exodus 28:30). These instruments were a reminder that the high priest did not act on his own wisdom but sought divine guidance. This principle remains relevant, as those who serve in spiritual leadership today must rely on God’s direction rather than human reasoning.

The Robe of the Ephod

Beneath the ephod, the high priest wore a robe of blue, decorated with pomegranates and golden bells along the hem (Exodus 28:31-35). The bells served a practical and symbolic purpose—when the priest entered the Holy of Holies, the sound indicated that he was still alive, fulfilling his sacred duty.

The blue color represented heaven, reminding the priest and the people of God’s divine authority. The pomegranates, often associated with fruitfulness, suggested that the priest’s service should produce spiritual blessings for the nation. This imagery teaches that serving God requires both reverence and fruitfulness, ensuring that worship is not just a ritual but a meaningful connection with Him.

The Mitre and the Golden Plate

The high priest also wore a special headpiece, known as the mitre, with a gold plate engraved with the words “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36-38). This inscription emphasized that the priest’s role was not about personal glory but about representing God’s holiness.

This piece of attire signified that the high priest bore the iniquity of the people’s sacred gifts, making their offerings acceptable before God. The phrase "Holiness to the Lord" serves as a powerful reminder that those who serve God must do so with purity and devotion.

The Linen Garments for Purity

Underneath the ornate garments, the high priest wore fine linen tunics, symbolizing purity and humility (Exodus 28:39-43). These inner garments were just as important as the outer ones, illustrating that righteousness must be inward as well as outward.

This principle is reflected in the teachings of Christ, who often rebuked religious leaders for focusing on external appearances while neglecting inward holiness (Matthew 23:25-28). True service to God must begin in the heart, flowing outward in genuine acts of worship and obedience.

The Foreshadowing of Christ

Every element of the high priest’s attire in Exodus 28 points toward Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. Unlike Aaron, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once and for all, making eternal atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Just as the high priest bore the names of Israel on his shoulders and heart, Christ carries His people in love and intercession (John 10:14-15). His righteousness covers believers, making them acceptable before God, just as the priestly garments symbolized holiness and divine selection.

This connection underscores the importance of Christ’s role in salvation, demonstrating that every Old Testament symbol finds its fulfillment in Him.

The Relevance of Exodus 28 Today

The principles found in Exodus 28 remain significant for those who seek to live a life dedicated to God. The emphasis on holiness, intercession, and divine calling serves as a reminder that serving the Lord requires commitment and purity.

Spiritual leaders, like the high priests of Israel, are called to stand in the gap for others, bearing their burdens in prayer and guidance. Yet, this calling is not limited to clergy—every believer is invited to live as a representative of God’s holiness in their daily lives.

The garments of the high priest reflect the need for preparation and reverence in worship. Just as the priest could not enter God’s presence without proper attire, believers must clothe themselves in righteousness through Christ. This passage encourages a heart of worship that honors God in both actions and intentions.

Conclusion

Exodus 28 is a chapter rich with meaning, revealing the depth of God’s design for the priesthood and its connection to Christ. Each piece of the high priest’s attire was crafted with intention, pointing to the holiness and responsibility required for those who serve before the Lord.

The garments, from the ephod to the breastplate, symbolized intercession, divine authority, and purity. These elements reflect the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who serves as the eternal High Priest, bridging the gap between God and humanity.

For believers today, this passage serves as an encouragement to pursue a life of holiness, intercession, and devotion. By understanding the deeper meaning behind the high priest’s attire, a greater appreciation emerges for the role of Christ and the calling to reflect His holiness in every aspect of life.

FAQs on Exodus 28: The Garments of the High Priest

1. What was the purpose of the high priest’s garments in Exodus 28?

The high priest’s garments were designed to set him apart for holy service to God and to symbolize his role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. Each piece of clothing had a spiritual significance:

• The ephod represented the priest’s authority and responsibility to carry Israel before God.
• The breastplate with twelve stones symbolized the unity of Israel and the high priest’s duty to intercede for all tribes.
• The robe with bells and pomegranates signified holiness and the presence of God as the high priest ministered.
• The mitre with “Holiness to the Lord” showed the priest’s consecration to God.
• The linen undergarments emphasized purity and humility.

These garments ensured that the high priest could approach God properly, making intercession on behalf of the people and leading them in worship. The detailed instructions in Exodus 28 highlight the importance of worshiping God with reverence and obedience.

2. Why did the high priest wear an ephod with onyx stones on his shoulders?

The ephod, a vest-like garment, had two onyx stones attached to its shoulder straps, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12). These stones symbolized the high priest carrying the people of Israel on his shoulders, representing his role as their intercessor before God.

This imagery pointed to the spiritual burden he bore, standing in the gap for the nation through prayer and sacrifices. The high priest did not serve for his own benefit but carried the weight of the people’s sins and needs before God.

In a deeper sense, this foreshadowed Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who bore the sins of the world on His shoulders at the cross. Just as Aaron carried Israel before God, Christ intercedes for all believers, carrying them in His grace and love.

3. What was the significance of the breastplate of judgment and the Urim and Thummim?

The breastplate of judgment was a sacred piece of the high priest’s attire, set with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of an Israelite tribe (Exodus 28:15-21). This breastplate symbolized the priest’s responsibility to bring the people before God in intercession.

Inside the breastplate were the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30), mysterious objects used to determine God’s will. Though the exact nature of these items remains unknown, they were used for divine guidance in important decisions.

The breastplate serves as a reminder that spiritual leaders should seek God’s direction rather than relying on human wisdom. Today, believers have access to God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit and His Word, making the principle behind the breastplate just as relevant.

4. Why did the high priest wear a blue robe with golden bells and pomegranates?

The high priest’s robe, made entirely of blue fabric, had golden bells and embroidered pomegranates along its hem (Exodus 28:31-35). Each detail had spiritual meaning:

• The blue color represented the heavenly nature of the priest’s calling, reminding Israel that their worship was directed toward God.
• The bells ensured that the high priest’s movements were heard as he ministered, signifying that he was actively serving and interceding for the people. If he failed to follow God’s commands, the absence of sound could indicate judgment.
• The pomegranates symbolized fruitfulness and spiritual abundance, representing the blessings that flow from obedience to God.

This robe pointed forward to Christ, who is our High Priest in heaven, continually interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25). Just as the priest’s robe signified his role in worship, believers today are called to live in holiness and bear spiritual fruit in their walk with God.

5. What does the phrase “Holiness to the Lord” on the high priest’s mitre mean?

The mitre, or turban, worn by the high priest had a gold plate attached to the front, engraved with the words “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36-38). This phrase declared that the high priest and his ministry were set apart exclusively for God’s service.

This inscription carried several key meanings:

1. Consecration – The high priest was not serving for personal gain but was wholly dedicated to God’s purposes.
2. Intercession – The priest bore the iniquity of Israel’s offerings, ensuring their sacrifices were acceptable before God.
3. Foreshadowing Christ – Jesus, the true High Priest, embodies perfect holiness and offers believers complete atonement.

This principle extends to all Christians today. 1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds believers, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Just as the high priest was set apart, every follower of Christ is called to live in holiness, reflecting God’s character in their daily lives.