Exodus 28:33

And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:

And beneath upon the hem {H7757} of it thou shalt make {H6213} pomegranates {H7416} of blue {H8504}, and of purple {H713}, and of scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, round about {H5439} the hem {H7757} thereof; and bells {H6472} of gold {H2091} between {H8432} them round about {H5439}:

On its bottom hem make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet; and put them all the way around, with gold bells between them all the way around -

Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them,

And upon the skirts of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the skirts thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:

Commentary

Exodus 28:33 provides intricate details for the embellishment of the high priest's robe, a critical component of his sacred attire for ministering before God. This verse specifies the addition of colorful pomegranates and golden bells around the hem of the blue robe, emphasizing God's meticulous design for the Tabernacle and its service.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy passage in Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God gives Moses precise instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the Aaronic priesthood. The high priest's robe, described just prior to this verse (Exodus 28:31-32), was to be entirely blue, symbolizing heavenly origin and divine presence. The additions of pomegranates and bells on its hem were not merely decorative but deeply symbolic, setting apart the high priest for his unique role in mediating between God and Israel. These garments were specifically designed for 'glory and for beauty', reflecting the holiness and majesty of the God they served.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Holiness: The detailed instructions underscore God's demand for perfection and holiness in all aspects of worship. Every element of the priestly garments was divinely ordained, signifying the sacredness of the priest's office and his approach to a holy God.
  • Symbolism of Colors:
    • Blue: Often associated with heaven, the divine, and truth, reflecting the priest's heavenly calling.
    • Purple: Signifies royalty, authority, and majesty, indicating God's kingship and the priest's representation of a royal God.
    • Scarlet: Represents life, vitality, and often sacrifice, foreshadowing the blood of atonement.
    These colors together painted a picture of God's character and His redemptive plan.
  • Symbolism of Pomegranates: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, pomegranates symbolized fruitfulness, abundance, prosperity, and unity. On the priest's robe, they likely pointed to the spiritual fruitfulness and blessings that flowed from the priest's ministry and from God's presence among His people.
  • Symbolism of Golden Bells: The alternating golden bells, as explained in Exodus 28:35, served a vital practical and symbolic purpose: their sound announced the high priest's presence as he moved within the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This ensured that he was alive and ministering acceptably before God, protecting him from death for improper approach. The gold itself signified purity and divinity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "pomegranates" is rimmônim (רִמֹּנִים), emphasizing their round, fruit-like appearance. The term for "bells" is pa'amonim (פַּעֲמוֹנִים), derived from a root meaning "to strike" or "to make a sound." The placement "round about the hem thereof" (סָבִיב עַל-שׁוּלָיו) highlights the continuous and complete nature of these adornments, encompassing the entire lower edge of the garment.

Practical Application

Exodus 28:33 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • God's Attention to Detail: It reminds us that God cares about every detail of our lives and worship. Our approach to Him should be with reverence, purity, and intentionality, just as the high priest's was.
  • The Priesthood of All Believers: While the Old Testament priesthood was specific, the New Testament declares all believers a 'royal priesthood'. This verse encourages us to consider the "garments" we wear in our spiritual walk – our character, actions, and attitudes – as we serve God and represent Him to the world.
  • Christ, Our Perfect High Priest: This meticulous design foreshadows the perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ. Unlike the earthly priests who needed elaborate garments and rituals to approach God, Christ, by His own blood and perfect sacrifice, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing our access to God (Hebrews 9:12). He is the ultimate fulfillment of what these priestly garments symbolized: glory, beauty, holiness, and effective mediation.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:18 (2 votes)

    And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that [were] upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

  • 2 Kings 25:17 (2 votes)

    The height of the one pillar [was] eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it [was] brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.

  • Zechariah 14:20 (2 votes)

    In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

  • Exodus 39:24 (2 votes)

    And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, [and] twined [linen].

  • Exodus 39:26 (2 votes)

    A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister [in]; as the LORD commanded Moses.