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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 28:38 delineates the profound purpose of the golden plate, inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," affixed to the high priest Aaron's turban. This verse reveals its essential function: to enable Aaron to "bear the iniquity of the holy things," thereby ensuring that the consecrated offerings and gifts presented by the Israelites, despite any inherent human imperfections, would be graciously accepted by the LORD. It powerfully underscores the high priest's critical mediatorial role in bridging the chasm between a perfectly holy God and an imperfect people, making their worship and sacrifices efficacious and pleasing in divine sight.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The text of Exodus 28:38 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight and underscore the gravity of Aaron's role. Symbolism is paramount, as the golden plate itself, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," serves as a potent symbol of the perfect holiness required to approach God—a holiness that Aaron, in his representative capacity, embodies and mediates. Its placement on the forehead ensures its constant visibility, acting as a perpetual reminder of God's demand for purity and the high priest's indispensable role in achieving divine acceptance. Repetition is also utilized for emphasis, with the phrase "it shall be upon Aaron's forehead" appearing twice, underscoring the permanent and indispensable nature of this specific adornment and its function. Furthermore, there is an element of metonymy or synecdoche, where "Aaron's forehead" stands in for Aaron himself and, by extension, his entire mediatorial office. The plate on his forehead represents his full responsibility to bear the imperfections of the people's sacred offerings, ensuring their acceptance by the LORD. The verse also implicitly uses contrast by juxtaposing human "iniquity" with divine "holiness," highlighting the vast chasm that only a divinely appointed mediator can bridge.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:38 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that a perfectly holy God cannot tolerate imperfection, even in the most sacred acts of worship from His covenant people. It highlights humanity's inherent inability to approach God flawlessly and the absolute necessity of divine provision for mediation and atonement. The high priest's role in "bearing the iniquity of the holy things" underscores the constant need for a covering for human sin and imperfection, not just for overt transgressions but even for the subtle blemishes that cling to our best intentions and most consecrated efforts. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, pointing to the ongoing requirement for a spotless mediator to bridge the chasm between divine holiness and human fallenness, and foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect High Priest.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 28:38 offers a profound mirror for self-reflection, revealing the deep-seated truth that even our most sincere and consecrated acts of devotion are tainted by human imperfection and sin. It challenges us to recognize that our efforts to "hallow" or dedicate things to God, whether our time, talents, resources, or even our worship, inherently carry a "blemish" that requires divine covering. This verse cultivates a profound humility that acknowledges our utter dependence on God's grace and provision for acceptance. It reminds us that true acceptance before the LORD is never based on the flawless perfection of our offerings, but on the perfect mediation provided by His chosen representative. For believers today, this should lead to a deeper appreciation for the finished work of Christ, who perfectly bears our iniquities, making our imperfect lives and worship acceptable to God. It calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our approach to God is marked by genuine humility and a reliance on His perfect provision, rather than on any perceived merit of our own.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly does "bear the iniquity of the holy things" mean?
Answer: It does not mean that the physical offerings themselves were inherently sinful. Rather, it refers to the high priest Aaron's unique role in taking responsibility for, or covering, the imperfections, defilements, or shortcomings that inevitably clung to the consecrated gifts and acts of worship presented by the Israelites. Even when the people brought their best and most holy offerings, they were still brought by imperfect, sinful human beings. These inherent human flaws, oversights, or even unconscious sins could potentially render the offerings unacceptable to a perfectly holy God. Aaron, by wearing the golden plate inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead, symbolically bore these imperfections, acting as a mediator to ensure that the offerings, despite their blemishes, would be received with divine favor and delight by the LORD. This concept is similar to how the priests bore the iniquity of the sanctuary in Numbers 18:1, highlighting the pervasive need for atonement and mediation in the presence of a holy God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:38 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Aaron's constant bearing of the iniquity of Israel's holy things was a powerful foreshadowing of the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. Unlike Aaron, who himself was a sinful man requiring atonement for his own imperfections, Jesus is the spotless Lamb and the perfect High Priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners. He did not just bear the iniquity of their offerings, but He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through His finished work on the cross, our "spiritual sacrifices" of worship and service (1 Peter 2:5) are made perfectly acceptable to God, not because of our merit, but because we are accepted in the Beloved. His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) ensures that our imperfect lives and worship are continually presented before God, perfectly covered by His righteousness, securing our eternal acceptance and access to the Father.