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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.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 28:35 details a crucial divine command concerning the High Priest Aaron's sacred vestments, specifically the golden bells attached to the hem of his blue robe. These bells were designed to produce an audible sound as he entered and exited the holy precincts of the Tabernacle. This instruction served as a vital safeguard, ensuring that Aaron's presence and movements before the LORD were acknowledged and sanctioned, thereby preserving his life and affirming the profound sanctity and precise order required for ministry in God's holy presence.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Symbolism is paramount, with the bells themselves symbolizing not only the High Priest's authorized presence but also the continuous, acceptable nature of his ministry. Their sound acts as a metonymy for Aaron's life and proper conduct, as the sound represents his being "heard" and acknowledged by God, ensuring he does not die. The constant ringing also creates a sense of auditory imagery, impressing upon the reader the solemnity and continuous nature of the High Priest's duties and the ever-present reality of God's holiness. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the life-preserving sound and the potential for death ("that he die not") serves as a powerful juxtaposition, highlighting the immense holiness of God and the perilous nature of approaching Him without divine sanction. The entire instruction serves as a foreshadowing of the need for a perfect mediator whose "presence" and "work" would always be acceptable before God, securing life for those he represents.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:35 profoundly underscores the unapproachable holiness of God and the absolute necessity of divinely ordained mediation for humanity to draw near to Him. The bells on Aaron's robe were a constant reminder of the chasm between a sinful people and a holy God, signifying that access was only permissible through a consecrated representative, whose every movement within the sacred space had to be acknowledged and sanctioned by the LORD Himself. This intricate ritual highlighted the gravity of sacred service and the mortal danger of presumptuous or unauthorized approach, establishing a foundational principle of reverence and obedience in worship, and setting the stage for a greater High Priest.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of the bells on the High Priest's robe belongs to the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of reverence, divine order, and the need for a perfect mediator remain eternally relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to consider the profound holiness of God, reminding us that He is not to be approached casually or on our own terms, but with a heart of awe and humility, recognizing His transcendent majesty. It teaches us the seriousness of spiritual service and the importance of living in a manner that honors God's commands, understanding that our worship and obedience are not trivial matters. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on our own "approach" to God in prayer, worship, and daily living, asking if we truly grasp the magnitude of His presence and the immense privilege of drawing near through Christ. The bells signified a life preserved through strict obedience and divine provision; for us, true spiritual life and confident access are found in humble submission to God's revealed will and the finished, perfect work of our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the bells on Aaron's robe?
Answer: The primary purpose of the bells on Aaron's robe, as explicitly stated in Exodus 28:35, was to produce an audible sound whenever he entered or exited the holy precincts of the Tabernacle. This sound served as a divine safeguard, announcing his presence to the LORD and ensuring that he was ministering according to divine protocol. It was a life-preserving measure, preventing him from dying due to an unauthorized or improper approach to God's absolute holiness. The bells confirmed that the High Priest was alive, properly robed, and performing his sacred duties in the immediate presence of the LORD, thereby validating his service and protecting him from divine judgment.
Did other priests wear bells on their robes?
Answer: No, the instruction for the bells was specifically for the "robe of the ephod," which was part of the unique vestments of the High Priest, Aaron, as detailed in Exodus 28:31-35. While other priests had their own distinct garments for ministry, the robe with its alternating golden bells and pomegranates was reserved exclusively for the High Priest. This distinction underscored his unique mediatorial role and the heightened sanctity required for his direct access to the inner chambers of the Tabernacle, particularly the Holy Place and, on the Day of Atonement, the Most Holy Place.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:35, with its emphasis on the High Priest's audible presence ensuring his life and acceptable ministry, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Aaron's bells were a constant, albeit imperfect, announcement of a human mediator's presence, a necessary ritual to avert death in the face of God's holiness. Christ, our great High Priest, needs no bells, for His presence before God is eternal, perfect, and always acceptable (Hebrews 4:14). Unlike Aaron, who had to enter the earthly sanctuary repeatedly with the blood of animals, Christ entered the true, heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). His "sound" is not a physical ringing but the eternal efficacy of His completed sacrifice and His continuous, living intercession on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25). The bells on Aaron's robe prevented his death; Christ's death and glorious resurrection conquered death itself, providing eternal life for all who believe (John 11:25-26). Through Him, we, who once faced spiritual death in God's presence due to sin, now have bold and confident access to the throne of grace, not fearing condemnation, but finding grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The Old Covenant bells pointed to the absolute necessity of a living, authorized representative; the New Covenant reveals that Jesus is that representative, perpetually alive and interceding, ensuring our eternal life and unbroken communion with God.