Exodus 28:1

KJV

¶ 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, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And take {H7126} thou unto thee Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251}, and his sons {H1121} with him, from among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office {H3547}, even Aaron {H175}, Nadab {H5070} and Abihu {H30}, Eleazar {H499} and Ithamar {H385}, Aaron's {H175} sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to summon your brother Aharon and his sons to come from among the people of Isra'el to you, so that they can serve me as cohanim -Aharon and his sons Nadav, Avihu, El'azar and Itamar.

Berean Standard Bible

“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.

American Standard Version

And bring thou near 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, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:1 inaugurates a foundational institution in ancient Israel: the divinely appointed priesthood. This pivotal verse details God's specific command to Moses to set apart Aaron, his brother, along with Aaron's four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—from the wider community of Israel. Their exclusive designation was to serve in the sacred and indispensable office of priest, thereby establishing the crucial human component for the Tabernacle worship system and mediating the relationship between a holy God and His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within the book of Exodus. Having meticulously detailed the architectural blueprints and sacred furnishings for the Tabernacle in prior chapters, beginning with the instructions for the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - The Ark of the Covenant") and extending through the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") and the [Tabernacle court](/exodus/27-9 "Exodus 27:9 - The Court of the Tabernacle"), God now turns His attention to the personnel who will minister within this holy space. [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons") initiates a new section focused on the priesthood, immediately followed by elaborate instructions for their [sacred garments](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Holy Garments for Aaron") and the intricate [ceremony of their consecration](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). This logical progression underscores God's meticulous order: first the sacred dwelling, then the sanctified ministers, their attire, and finally their formal induction into service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine directive in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons") is given at Mount Sinai, where God is establishing His covenant with Israel, a nation recently liberated from Egyptian bondage. God's intention was to form Israel into a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Kingdom of Priests")), yet the chasm between humanity's fallen nature and God's absolute holiness necessitated a designated class of intermediaries. Unlike the self-appointed or politically chosen priests of surrounding pagan cultures, the Aaronic priesthood was divinely initiated and meticulously prescribed. This emphasized that access to God was solely on His terms and through His chosen representatives, highlighting the gravity and sanctity of their role and setting them apart from the rest of the congregation.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons") introduces several pivotal themes. **Divine Election** is paramount, as God sovereignly chooses specific individuals for sacred service, demonstrating that ministry originates from His call, not human initiative. The verse also establishes the theme of **Mediation**, highlighting the necessity of a designated class to bridge the gap between a holy God and His sinful people, a concept central to the entire sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Laws"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as those who draw near to God must be set apart and consecrated for His service, reflecting the divine expectation for purity in worship and life, a principle echoed throughout the Pentateuch and beyond, such as in the call for Israel to be [holy as God is holy](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** The Hebrew verb קָרַב (_qârab_), translated "take" in the KJV, carries the primary meaning "to approach" or "to bring near." In this context, it is a divine imperative to Moses, signifying God's command to "bring near" Aaron and his sons. This emphasizes a deliberate, sovereign act of selection and designation, drawing them into a unique proximity and relationship with the divine service. It is not a casual invitation but a purposeful act of setting apart for an exclusive role.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The Hebrew noun בֵּן (_bên_) signifies a "son" in the widest sense, often implying one who "builds" or continues the family name. Here, it specifically refers to Aaron's male offspring, establishing a hereditary line for the priesthood. This highlights the familial and generational nature of the priestly office, ensuring continuity and emphasizing that the sacred calling would be passed down through a designated lineage within Israel, foundational for the Aaronic priesthood.
* **Priest's Office (Hebrew, _kâhan'_):** The Hebrew root כָּהַן (_kâhan_), from which the term for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, _kohen_) derives, means "to officiate as a priest." When the text states "that he may minister unto me in the priest's office," it defines the precise function and sacred status to which Aaron and his sons are called. This office encompasses a multifaceted range of duties, including offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle, teaching God's laws, and interceding on behalf of the people, all directed towards facilitating the covenant relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine command from God to Moses, specifying the individuals chosen for this sacred task: Aaron and his four sons. The phrase "from among the children of Israel" underscores their selection from the general populace, emphasizing their unique separation and designation for a holy purpose. This highlights divine election and the principle of setting apart for sacred service, underscoring that the priesthood is not a self-appointed role but a divinely ordained one.
* **"that he may minister unto me in the priest's office,"**: This clause articulates the explicit purpose of their appointment. Their role is not primarily to serve the people, but to "minister unto me" – directly to God. This emphasizes the God-ward orientation of the priesthood, whose functions (sacrifices, intercession, ritual purity) were all designed to maintain the relationship between a holy God and His covenant people. The "priest's office" defines the precise scope and sacred nature of this service, highlighting its mediatorial and representative character.
* **"[even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."**: This final segment provides a precise enumeration of the individuals chosen, explicitly naming Aaron and his four sons. This detailed listing ensures no ambiguity regarding the lineage and specific members designated for this hereditary office. The repetition of "Aaron's sons" reinforces the familial and hereditary nature of the priesthood that God was establishing for Israel, ensuring the continuity of this sacred institution.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 28:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, evident in the imperative "take thou," which underscores God's absolute sovereignty and initiative in establishing the priesthood. This highlights that the priesthood is not a human invention but a divine institution, emphasizing the authority behind the appointment. The device of **Enumeration** is used to list the specific individuals—Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—underscoring the precise and intentional nature of God's selection. This detailed naming provides clarity, formalizes the establishment of the priestly line, and sets the stage for their subsequent roles. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Separation** or **Designation**, as Aaron and his sons are explicitly "taken... from among the children of Israel." This phrase visually and theologically sets them apart for a unique and holy function, reinforcing the concept of holiness and consecration required for those who draw near to God and serve in His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:1 lays the indispensable groundwork for the entire Old Testament sacrificial and worship system, establishing the necessary human mediation between a holy God and His sinful people. The divine initiative in appointing the priesthood underscores that access to God is always on His terms, not by human merit or ambition. This verse introduces the concept of a divinely chosen, set-apart class dedicated to sacred service, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture concerning the nature of true ministry and the holiness required for those who draw near to God. The hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood points to the ongoing need for continuity in mediation, a need ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Christ.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor to Himself")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire and Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine appointment of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 28:1 serves as a profound reminder that all genuine ministry originates from God's sovereign call, not from human ambition or self-selection. While the specific office of the Levitical priest has been fulfilled and superseded by Christ, the underlying principles remain eternally relevant for believers today. We are called to recognize and affirm God's initiative in raising up leaders and servants within His church, understanding that true authority and effectiveness flow from His divine commissioning. Furthermore, just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for holy service, every believer, as part of Christ's "royal priesthood," is called to live a life of holiness and devotion, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and obedience. Our daily lives become an act of worship, ministering "unto God" through our vocations, relationships, and spiritual disciplines, reflecting the sanctity required for those who bear His name and represent Him in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine calling of Aaron and his sons inform our understanding of ministry and leadership in the church today, emphasizing God's initiative over human ambition?**
* **In what practical ways does our identity as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) call us to a life of separation and holiness in our contemporary context?**
* **What does it mean for us to "minister unto God" in our daily lives, beyond formal church service or religious duties?**

### FAQ

**Why were Aaron and his sons specifically chosen for the priesthood?**

Answer: Aaron and his sons were chosen by divine decree to establish a specific, hereditary line of priests for Israel. This was not based on their merit or a democratic vote, but on God's sovereign selection, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons"). Their appointment was essential for establishing a structured system of worship and mediation, allowing sinful people to approach a holy God through designated representatives. This divine choice underscored the sanctity and exclusivity of the priestly office, ensuring that those who served were authorized by God Himself and that the system of atonement and worship was maintained according to His precise instructions.

**What were the primary responsibilities of the "priest's office" established in this verse?**

Answer: The "priest's office" encompassed a wide range of sacred duties vital to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Their primary responsibilities, detailed throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Laws") and [Numbers](/numbers "Numbers - The Book of the Wilderness Journey"), included offering various sacrifices for sin and fellowship, burning incense, maintaining the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, discerning between clean and unclean, teaching God's laws to the people, and blessing the Israelites in God's name. They served as intermediaries, representing the people before God and God to the people, facilitating worship and upholding the terms of the covenant.

**The verse mentions Nadab and Abihu. What is their significance, especially considering later events in the Torah?**

Answer: Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons mentioned here, tragically serve as a stark warning about the importance of reverent obedience in worship. While initially chosen for the priesthood, they later offered "strange fire" before the Lord, which He had not commanded them ([Leviticus 10:1](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")). As a result, fire came out from the Lord and consumed them ([Leviticus 10:2](/leviticus/10-2 "Leviticus 10:2 - Nadab and Abihu Consumed by Fire")). Their inclusion in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons") subtly foreshadows the severe consequences of failing to adhere to God's precise instructions for sacred service, emphasizing the holiness and gravity of approaching Him on His terms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:1, with its establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, powerfully foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical priests, chosen "from among the children of Israel" to "minister unto me in the priest's office," served as temporary and imperfect mediators between God and humanity. Their repeated sacrifices and rituals pointed to a greater, once-for-all sacrifice to come. Jesus, however, is revealed in the New Testament as our perfect and eternal High Priest, not according to the order of Aaron, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - Christ a Priest Like Melchizedek")), signifying a new and superior covenant. Unlike the Levitical priests who were limited by death and sin, Christ "holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever" ([Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23-24 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). He offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice that truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby fulfilling the need for all Old Testament sacrifices and priestly intercession ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus has opened a new and living way for all believers to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")), making every believer part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), able to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 18:7

Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Hebrews 5:1

¶ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Hebrews 5:5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

Deuteronomy 10:6

And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.

1 Chronicles 6:10

And Johanan begat Azariah, (he [it is] that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

Numbers 16:9

[Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

Numbers 16:11

For which cause [both] thou and all thy company [are] gathered together against the LORD: and what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?