Leviticus 8:7

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.

And he put {H5414} upon him the coat {H3801}, and girded {H2296} him with the girdle {H73}, and clothed {H3847} him with the robe {H4598}, and put {H5414} the ephod {H646} upon him, and he girded {H2296} him with the curious girdle {H2805} of the ephod {H646}, and bound {H640} it unto him therewith.

put the tunic on him, wrapped the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, put the ritual vest on him, wrapped around him the decorated belt and fastened the vest to him with it.

He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him.

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 skilfully woven band of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

Commentary

Leviticus 8:7 describes a precise step in the consecration ceremony of Aaron as Israel's first high priest. Moses, acting under divine instruction, meticulously dresses Aaron with specific holy garments, symbolizing his separation and preparation for sacred service before the Lord.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account of Aaron's ordination ceremony, as commanded by God in Leviticus 8. The specific garments mentioned here—the coat, girdle, robe, and ephod—were divinely designed and prescribed earlier in Exodus 28 for the high priest's sacred duties within the Tabernacle. Moses, acting as God's representative, is carefully executing these instructions, emphasizing the divine origin and importance of the priesthood and its associated rituals.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Appointment: The dressing ritual underscores that Aaron's priesthood was not self-appointed but a direct divine mandate, emphasizing God's sovereignty in choosing and equipping His servants for specific roles.
  • Holiness and Separation: Each garment was designed to represent the high priest's unique status as one set apart for holy service. These garments were not merely decorative but functional, symbolizing purity and readiness to approach a holy God on behalf of the people.
  • Meticulous Obedience: Moses' precise adherence to the detailed instructions for dressing Aaron highlights the importance of obedience in worship and service to God, reflecting the divine order established for Israel's covenant relationship with the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

  • The "coat" mentioned is the Hebrew kethoneth, a basic tunic worn close to the body, serving as the innermost priestly garment.
  • The "ephod" (Hebrew: ephod) was a highly significant, apron-like garment, often associated with divine revelation and the Urim and Thummim, which were placed within it.
  • The "curious girdle of the ephod" (Hebrew: cheshev ha'ephod) refers to an intricately woven band that secured the ephod, demonstrating the high craftsmanship and value placed on these sacred vestments.

Practical Application

This detailed account reminds us of God's concern for order, reverence, and holiness in worship and service. Just as Aaron was meticulously prepared for his priestly role, believers are called to be prepared for their spiritual service, as described in passages like 1 Peter 2:9, which speaks of a "royal priesthood." Ultimately, the elaborate Aaronic priesthood, with its specific garments and rituals, pointed forward to the perfect and eternal high priesthood of Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate High Priest, who did not need earthly garments but wore the garment of perfect righteousness and offered the ultimate sacrifice, as discussed in Hebrews 9:11-12. His single offering provides complete and lasting access to God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 28:4

    And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

  • Isaiah 61:3

    To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

  • Exodus 29:5

    And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

  • Romans 3:22

    Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

  • Exodus 39:1

    ¶ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy [place], and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 39:7

    And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, [that they should be] stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Isaiah 61:10

    ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.
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