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Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 31–39
Here is, 1. Direction given concerning the robe of the ephod, Exo 28:31-35. This was next under the ephod, and reached down to the knees, was without sleeves, and was put on over their head, having holes on the sides to put the arms through, or, as Maimonides describes it, was not sewed together on the sides at all. The hole on the top, through which the head was put, was carefully bound about, that it might not tear in the putting on. In religious worship, care must be taken to prevent every thing that may distract the minds of the worshippers, or render the service despicable. Round the skirts of the robe were hung golden bells, and the representations of pomegranates made of yarn of divers colours. The pomegranates added to the beauty of the robe, and the sound of the bells gave notice to the people in the outer court when he went into the holy place to burn incense, that they might then apply themselves to their devotions at the same time (Luk 1:10), in token of their concurrence with him in his offering, and their hopes of the ascent of their prayers to God in virtue of the incense he offered. Aaron must come near to minister in the garments that were appointed him, that he die not. It is at his peril if he attend otherwise than according to the institution. This intimates that we must serve the Lord with fear and holy trembling, as those that know we deserve to die, and are in danger of making some fatal mistake. Some make the bells of the holy robe to typify the sound of the gospel of Christ in the world, giving notice of his entrance within the veil for us. Blessed are those that hear this joyful sound, Psa 89:15. The adding of the pomegranates, which are a fragrant fruit, denotes the sweet savour of the gospel, as well as the joyful sound of it, for it is a savour of life unto life. The church is called an orchard of pomegranates. 2. Concerning the golden plate fixed upon Aaron's forehead, on which must be engraven, Holiness to the Lord (Exo 28:36, Exo 28:37), or The holiness of Jehovah. Aaron must hereby be reminded that God is holy, and that his priests must be holy. Holiness becomes his house and household. The high priest must be sequestered from all pollution, and consecrated to God and to his service and honour, and so must all his ministrations be. All that attend in God's house must have Holiness to the Lord engraven upon their foreheads, that is, they must be holy, devoted to the Lord, and designing his glory in all they do. This must appear in their forehead, in an open profession of their relation to God, as those that are not ashamed to own it, and in a conversation in the world answerable to it. It must likewise be engraven like the engravings of a signet, so deep, so durable, not painted to be washed off, but sincere and lasting; such must our holiness to the Lord be. Aaron must have this upon his forehead, that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things (Exo 28:38), and that they may be accepted before the Lord. Herein he was a type of Christ, the great Mediator between God and man, through whom it is that we have to do with God. (1.) Through him what is amiss in our services is pardoned. The divine law is strict; in many things we come short of our duty, so that we cannot but be conscious to ourselves of much iniquity cleaving even to our holy things; when we would do good evil is present; even this would be our ruin if God should enter into judgment with us. But Christ, our high priest, bears this iniquity, bears it for us so as to bear it from us, and through him it is forgiven to us and not laid to our charge. (2.) Through him what is good is accepted; our persons, our performances, are pleasing to God upon the account of Christ's intercession, and not otherwise, Pe1 2:5. His being holiness to the Lord recommends all those to the divine favour that are interested in his righteousness, and clothed with his Spirit; and therefore he has said it was for our sakes that he sanctified himself, Joh 17:19. Having such a high priest, we come boldly to the throne of grace, Heb 4:14-16. 3. The rest of the garments are but named (Exo 28:39), because there was nothing extraordinary in them. The embroidered coat of fine linen was the innermost of the priestly garments; it reached to the feet, and the sleeves to the wrists, and was bound to the body with a girdle or sash of needle-work. The mitre, or diadem, was of linen, such as kings anciently wore in the east, typifying the kingly office of Christ. He is a priest upon a throne (Zac 6:13), a priest with a crown. These two God has joined, and we must not think to separate them.
Hence in the vesture of the priest, in accordance with the divine Word, pomegranates are added to the little bells. What else is symbolized by pomegranates but the unity of faith? For as in the pomegranate many seeds within are protected by one outer rind, so unity in faith comprehends numberless people of holy church, who, though varying in merits, are retained within it.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 28:34 provides a meticulous divine instruction for the High Priest's sacred vestments, specifically detailing the alternating pattern of golden bells and pomegranates to be affixed to the hem of his blue ephod robe. This precise design underscores God's demand for order, beauty, and profound symbolic meaning in the garments essential for Aaron's consecrated ministry within the Tabernacle, signifying both his sanctioned presence before the Lord and the divine blessings that would flow through his service to the Israelite community.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 28 is a pivotal chapter within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, following the detailed architectural plans for God's dwelling place. Here, God transitions to providing equally precise instructions for the holy garments of Aaron, the High Priest, and his sons. These garments, described as being "for glory and for beauty" Exodus 28:2, were far more than mere attire; they were integral to the High Priest's mediatorial role, enabling him to represent the people before a holy God. Verse 34 focuses minutely on the "robe of the ephod" Exodus 28:31, the blue garment worn directly beneath the ephod and breastplate. The verses immediately preceding describe the robe's color, material, and construction, while the subsequent verse Exodus 28:35 explicitly states the crucial purpose of the bells—to ensure the High Priest's audible presence and prevent his death when ministering in the Holy Place. Thus, this verse, though a minute detail, is a critical component in a larger, divinely orchestrated blueprint for sacred worship and priestly function.
Historical & Cultural Context: The instructions for the priestly garments, including the specific inclusion of bells and pomegranates, are deeply embedded within the ancient Near Eastern context of sacred spaces, ritual purity, and the symbolism of priestly attire. In many ancient cultures, elaborate and symbolic garments were worn by priests, reflecting the deity they served and their elevated status as mediators. For Israel, the Tabernacle served as the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh, and the High Priest was the sole individual permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and then only once a year on the solemn Day of Atonement Leviticus 16. The meticulous design of these garments, therefore, emphasized the profound holiness and inapproachable nature of God, demanding utmost reverence and adherence to divine protocol. The audible element of the bells would have been particularly significant in a time when the congregation could not physically see the High Priest ministering behind the veil; the sound confirmed his living presence, his successful intercession, and that he had not been struck down by God's holiness. Pomegranates, widely cultivated throughout the ancient Near East, were universally recognized symbols of fertility, abundance, prosperity, and life due to their numerous seeds and juicy pulp. Their inclusion on the High Priest's robe made them fitting emblems for the fruitfulness of God's covenant with Israel and the blessings mediated through the High Priest's consecrated service.
Key Themes: Exodus 28:34 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Holiness and Order. God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments, demonstrate His absolute demand for precision, purity, and adherence to His divine blueprint in all matters related to His worship. Nothing is left to human discretion; every detail is divinely ordained, emphasizing God's transcendent holiness and the reverence required to approach Him. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Mediation and Representation. The High Priest, arrayed in these specific garments, served as the primary mediator between God and Israel. His attire visually and audibly communicated his unique role, representing the entire nation before God and channeling God's blessings to the people. Finally, the symbolism of the bells and pomegranates points to the theme of Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness. The pomegranates, in particular, speak to the abundance and life that flow from God's presence and the High Priest's faithful ministry, while the bells ensure the continuity of that life-giving presence. This aligns with God's covenant promises to bless Israel and make them fruitful, as seen in passages like Exodus 23:25-26 and throughout the Deuteronomic covenant stipulations.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 28:34 is Repetition. The phrase "A golden bell and a pomegranate" is repeated verbatim, creating a rhythmic and emphatic instruction. This Repetition serves to underscore the precise, deliberate, and non-negotiable nature of God's design for the High Priest's robe, highlighting the divine insistence on meticulous order and the continuous, alternating pattern required for sacred worship. Furthermore, the verse employs profound Symbolism, where the golden bells represent the High Priest's audible presence and sanctioned ministry (as clarified in the subsequent verse, Exodus 28:35), and the pomegranates symbolize fruitfulness, abundance, and divine blessing. The alternating pattern itself can be seen as a form of Juxtaposition, bringing together two distinct, yet complementary, symbolic elements—auditory and visual, functional and representative—that together convey the multifaceted nature of the High Priest's sacred office: his active, sanctioned service and the life-giving blessings flowing from it.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:34 powerfully illustrates God's profound attention to detail in matters of worship and holiness. The meticulous design of the High Priest's garments, down to the alternating bells and pomegranates on the hem, signifies that every aspect of approaching a holy God must be done according to His divine prescription. This emphasis on order, beauty, and symbolic meaning underscores the sacredness of the High Priest's mediatorial role, as he represented Israel before God and God to Israel. The bells ensured his living presence was known and sanctioned, while the pomegranates hinted at the spiritual fruitfulness and blessings that flow from proper, consecrated ministry. This verse, therefore, speaks to the divine demand for excellence, intentionality, and reverence in all forms of worship and service, reminding us that God is worthy of our utmost care and obedience in approaching Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of the High Priest's robe, as described in Exodus 28:34, serve as a profound reminder that God is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality. His concern extends to the minutiae of our worship and service, inviting us to consider the depth and purpose behind every act of devotion. The bells and pomegranates, though ancient symbols, prompt us to reflect on the nature of our spiritual "presence" and "fruitfulness" in our contemporary walk with God. Are we living in such a way that our spiritual presence is evident, not through audible bells, but through a life of integrity, faithfulness, and consistent witness to Christ? Is our ministry, whether in formal roles within the church or in our daily interactions in the world, characterized by the spiritual fruit of God's Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement and to embrace a worship and service that is deeply considered, reverent, and reflective of God's own meticulous and holy character, understanding that our lives are meant to be a fragrant offering to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were golden bells specifically required on the High Priest's robe?
Answer: The primary reason for the golden bells is explicitly stated in Exodus 28:35: "And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not." The bells served as an auditory signal, announcing the High Priest's movements within the Holy Place, where he was hidden from the congregation by the veil. This sound confirmed his living presence and that his ministry was accepted by God, preventing him from dying due to an unauthorized or improper approach to God's holy presence. It was a divine safeguard for both the High Priest and the people, assuring them of his successful and sanctioned mediation before the Lord.
What did the pomegranates symbolize in this context?
Answer: Pomegranates, with their many seeds, were ancient and widely recognized symbols of fertility, abundance, life, and prosperity. In the context of the High Priest's robe, they likely symbolized the spiritual fruitfulness of his ministry, the blessings and prosperity that flowed from God to Israel through his intercession, and the life-giving nature of God's covenant. They represented the blessings that God intended to bestow upon His people through the High Priest's consecrated service. Their pairing with the bells suggests a dual emphasis: the High Priest's active, sanctioned presence (bells) and the beneficial, life-giving outcome of that presence (pomegranates), signifying a ministry that was both proper and productive.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:34, with its detailed description of the High Priest's robe adorned with alternating golden bells and pomegranates, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Levitical High Priest, arrayed in garments "for glory and for beauty," represented the people before God, needing the bells to signify his living presence and sanctioned ministry, and the pomegranates to symbolize the fruitfulness of his mediation, all to avoid death in God's holy presence. Jesus, however, is our perfect High Priest, who did not need physical bells to announce His presence, for He is eternally alive and His sacrifice is eternally effective Hebrews 7:24-25. He entered, not an earthly sanctuary made with hands, but "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" Hebrews 9:24, not with the blood of animals, but "by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" Hebrews 9:12. The fruitfulness symbolized by the pomegranates is perfectly realized in Christ's ministry, which yields not temporary blessings, but eternal life and abundant grace for all who believe John 10:10. Through Him, we now have bold access to the throne of grace Hebrews 4:16, no longer needing an earthly mediator with bells, but trusting in the finished, all-sufficient work of our glorious and beautiful High Priest, Jesus, who ever lives to make intercession for us Hebrews 7:25.