Exodus 28:2

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

And thou shalt make {H6213} holy {H6944} garments {H899} for Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251} for glory {H3519} and for beauty {H8597}.

You are to make for your brother Aharon garments set apart for serving God, expressing dignity and splendor.

Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for glory and for beauty.

Commentary

Exodus 28:2 (KJV): "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty."

This verse introduces the divine command given to Moses regarding the special clothing to be made for his brother Aaron, who was appointed as the first High Priest of Israel. These were not ordinary clothes but "holy garments," specifically designed for his sacred role in ministering before God.

Context

Exodus chapters 25-31 contain detailed instructions from God to Moses concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of the priesthood. Chapter 28 specifically outlines the making of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. These garments were essential for the priests to perform their duties in the presence of a holy God, symbolizing their set-apart status and representing the people before the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Holiness: The term "holy garments" emphasizes that these were set apart for sacred use, distinct from everyday wear. This highlights the requirement of holiness for those who approach God in service.
  • Glory and Beauty: The garments were designed to be magnificent and beautiful. This reflects the glory of God whom the priest served and represented. It also underscored the dignity and importance of the priestly office.
  • Representation: The High Priest, adorned in these garments, represented the entire nation of Israel before God in the Tabernacle rituals. The design and elements of the clothing held symbolic meaning related to the tribes of Israel and their relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" is qodesh (Χ§Χ“Χ©), meaning set apart, sacred, or consecrated. The word for "glory" is kabod (Χ›Χ‘Χ•Χ“), often signifying weight, honor, splendor, or divine presence. "Beauty" is tiph'arah (Χͺ׀ארΧͺ), meaning splendor, ornament, or glory. These terms together emphasize that the garments were consecrated for God's service, radiating the honor and splendor appropriate for mediating in His presence.

Connections and Applications

The elaborate and specific nature of these garments points to the seriousness and holiness required in approaching God. While the Old Testament priesthood and its rituals pointed forward, they find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who entered the true sanctuary in heaven. For believers today, while we don't wear literal holy garments for worship, the principle remains: we are called to live lives of holiness (1 Peter 1:15) as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), representing God to the world and offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him.

Reflection

Exodus 28:2 reminds us that serving God is a high and holy calling. The "glory and beauty" of the priestly garments can prompt us to consider the reverence and intentionality we should bring to our own spiritual lives and service, seeking to reflect God's glory in all that we do.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 31:10 (9 votes)

    And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,

  • Leviticus 8:30 (9 votes)

    And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which [was] upon the altar, and sprinkled [it] upon Aaron, [and] upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, [and] his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

  • Revelation 19:8 (7 votes)

    And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

  • Hebrews 7:26 (7 votes)

    For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

  • Leviticus 8:7 (6 votes)

    And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.

  • Leviticus 8:9 (6 votes)

    And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Job 40:10 (5 votes)

    Deck thyself now [with] majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.