Exodus 28:1

¶ 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.

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}.

"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.

“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.

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

Exodus 28:1 marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of Israel's worship system, as God initiates the formal priesthood. This verse introduces the divine selection of Aaron and his four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—to serve in a unique and sacred office.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger block of instructions concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, which began in Exodus 25:8. Having outlined the physical structure and sacred objects for God's dwelling among His people, the narrative now turns to the personnel who would minister within it. The appointment of Aaron and his sons precedes detailed instructions about their priestly garments (Exodus 28:2-43) and their consecration ceremony (Exodus 29). This highlights the divine order: the place of worship is prepared, then the ministers for that worship are chosen and equipped.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Calling: The phrase "take thou unto thee" emphasizes that the priesthood was not a self-appointed role but a direct divine calling by God through Moses. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that no one takes this honor to himself unless called by God, just as Aaron was.
  • Hereditary Priesthood: God establishes a specific lineage for the priestly office, ensuring its continuity through Aaron's male descendants. This hereditary aspect was crucial for the stability and identity of Israel's sacrificial system.
  • Ministering to God: The core purpose of the priesthood is "that he may minister unto me." The Hebrew word for "minister" (שָׁרַת, sharath) denotes serving, attending, or waiting upon, often in a sacred capacity. It signifies their role as intermediaries between God and the Israelites, facilitating worship, offering sacrifices, and teaching God's laws.
  • Separation and Holiness: By being "taken from among the children of Israel," Aaron and his sons are set apart. This separation underscores the holiness required for those who approach God and perform sacred duties.

Linguistic Insights

The term "minister unto me in the priest's office" encapsulates the essence of their role. The Hebrew verb sharath (שָׁרַת) implies active, diligent service, not merely passive presence. It is a service directed specifically "unto Me" (God), emphasizing that their primary duty was to God Himself, on behalf of the people. This highlights the sacred and exclusive nature of their function.

Practical Application

While the Levitical priesthood has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of Exodus 28:1 remain profoundly relevant:

  • Divine Calling in Ministry: This verse reminds us that genuine ministry originates from God's call, not human ambition. Every believer, in a broader sense, is called to serve God in various capacities, using their spiritual gifts.
  • Holiness in Service: Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for holy service, believers are called to live holy lives as a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.
  • Christ, Our High Priest: The Old Testament priesthood, initiated here, ultimately points to Jesus Christ. He is the perfect and eternal High Priest, who holds His priesthood unchangeably, having offered the perfect sacrifice once for all.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The mention of Nadab and Abihu in this verse serves as a subtle foreshadowing. Later in Leviticus 10:1-2, these two sons are struck down for offering "strange fire," illustrating the severe consequences of failing to minister according to God's precise instructions. This underscores the importance of reverent and obedient worship.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 18:7 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 16:9 (3 votes)

    [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 (3 votes)

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