(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all [of] blue.
"You are to make the robe for the ritual vest entirely of blue.
You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth,
And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
And thou shalt make{H6213} the robe{H4598} of the ephod{H646} all{H3632} of blue{H8504}.
Exodus 28:31 is part of a larger section in the book of Exodus that deals with the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the priestly garments. These garments were to be worn by Aaron, the high priest, and his sons, who served as priests in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.
**Themes:**
1. **Holiness and Distinction:** The specific instructions for the priestly attire underscore the importance of setting apart the priests as holy and distinct from the rest of the community. The blue robe, in particular, symbolizes the heavenly calling of the priesthood.
2. **Divine Presence:** The color blue is often associated with the divine, as it reflects the heavens. This connection emphasizes the priests' role as mediators between God and the people.
3. **Attention to Detail:** The detailed instructions for the garments reflect the meticulous care required in the worship of God. This attention to detail is a theme throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
**Historical Context:**
The verse is set in the context of the Israelites' wanderings in the Sinai Peninsula, after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. God is establishing the religious and social structures that will define the nation of Israel. The Tabernacle and the priesthood are central to these structures, with the priesthood being responsible for the religious rituals and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle, which was the place of God's dwelling among His people.
The instructions for the priestly garments, including the blue robe, are part of the broader narrative of Exodus, which includes the giving of the Law, the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel, and the construction of the Tabernacle. The blue robe, as part of the high priest's attire, would have been a visually striking and symbolic element that reinforced the sacred nature of the priesthood and their unique role in Israelite society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)