Exodus 28: The Priestly Garments

Key Verse: Exodus 28:29"So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord."

God is setting apart the priests—those who will stand before Him on behalf of the people. Their clothing is not just for appearance—it carries deep spiritual meaning.

Dressed for Holiness

God commands that Aaron and his sons wear special garments for their priestly service. These garments symbolize their calling, their responsibility, and God’s presence.

1. The Ephod – A sleeveless robe made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. On the shoulders were two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Every time the high priest entered God’s presence, he carried the people with him.

2. The Breastpiece of Judgment – A square piece with twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. Inside the breastpiece were the Urim and Thummim, used to discern God’s will.

3. The Robe – A blue robe with bells and pomegranates along the hem. The bells would ring when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, signifying that he was alive and accepted before God.

4. The Turban and the Gold Plate – The turban bore a gold plate with the words “Holy to the Lord.” The high priest was set apart, bearing the holiness of God on his forehead.

Jesus: Our Great High Priest

Every piece of the high priest’s attire points to Jesus.

• The High Priest – Jesus is our eternal High Priest, interceding for us before the Father. (Hebrews 7:25)

• The Breastpiece – Jesus carries our names on His heart and represents us before God.

• The Turban – Jesus alone is truly “Holy to the Lord.” Through Him, we are made holy.

A Lesson for Us

The priest’s garments remind us that approaching God requires holiness. But now, through Christ:

• We don’t need a human high priest—Jesus is our Mediator.

• We don’t wear priestly garments—He has clothed us in righteousness.

• We don’t stand at a distance—we are invited into God’s presence.

Are we living as people set apart? Are we carrying others in prayer, like the high priest carried Israel?

God calls us to holiness—not through rituals, but through a life devoted to Him.