Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. Make holy garmentsThe Hebrew word for "holy" is "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), which signifies something set apart for a sacred purpose. In the context of the priestly garments, this indicates that these clothes are not ordinary but are consecrated for divine service. The act of making these garments is a divine command, emphasizing the importance of preparation and intentionality in worship. Historically, the creation of these garments would have involved skilled craftsmanship, reflecting the value God places on beauty and excellence in service to Him. for your brother Aaron
Aaron, the brother of Moses, is chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. This familial relationship underscores the importance of leadership within the community of faith being rooted in God’s calling and not merely in human ambition. Aaron's role as high priest is foundational for the Levitical priesthood, which serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This highlights the necessity of a divinely appointed mediator, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our High Priest. to give him dignity and splendor
The Hebrew words for "dignity" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) and "splendor" (תִּפְאָרָה, tiferet) convey a sense of honor and beauty. "Kavod" often refers to glory or weightiness, suggesting that the garments are meant to reflect the gravity and honor of Aaron's priestly office. "Tiferet" implies beauty and magnificence, indicating that the garments are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the beauty of holiness. This combination of dignity and splendor serves to elevate Aaron's role, reminding the Israelites of the majesty and holiness of God whom Aaron represents. Theologically, this points to the truth that those who serve God are to reflect His glory and beauty in their lives and service. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses, chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. His role was to mediate between God and the Israelites, performing sacrifices and rituals as prescribed by the Law. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai. He was instructed by God to oversee the creation of the priestly garments. 3. Holy GarmentsSpecial clothing designed for Aaron and his sons to wear while serving as priests. These garments were meant to set them apart for their sacred duties and to reflect the glory and beauty of God. 4. TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. The priestly garments were part of the broader system of worship established by God. 5. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, chosen by God to be His people. They were to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, with the priesthood serving as a central element of their covenant relationship with God. Teaching Points The Significance of HolinessThe garments were "holy," signifying that those who serve God must be set apart and dedicated to Him. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character in our actions and attitudes. Glory and Beauty in WorshipThe garments were made "for glory and for beauty," illustrating that worship should honor God and reflect His majesty. Our worship, both individually and corporately, should be conducted with reverence and excellence. The Role of MediationAaron's role as a mediator points to the necessity of a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus Christ fulfills this role perfectly, and we can approach God with confidence through Him. The Importance of ObedienceMoses was instructed to make the garments according to God's specific design. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands in every aspect of our lives. Our Identity as PriestsAs believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood. This identity calls us to live lives that are distinct and dedicated to serving God and others. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the term "holy garments" signify about the nature of the priesthood and its responsibilities? 2. How do the concepts of "glory and beauty" in the priestly garments apply to our worship practices today? 3. In what ways does Aaron's role as a high priest foreshadow the ministry of Jesus Christ? 4. How can we, as a "royal priesthood," live out our calling in our daily lives? 5. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our worship and service to God reflect His glory and beauty? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, highlighting the importance of the priestly garments in their ordination and service. Hebrews 4:14-16Connects the role of the high priest in the Old Testament to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who intercedes for us before God. 1 Peter 2:9Speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, emphasizing the spiritual significance of being set apart for God's service, much like the priests in the Old Testament. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Beauty, Brother, Clothed, Dignity, Garments, Glory, Hast, Holy, Honor, Honour, Ornament, Robes, SplendourDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:1-2 5073 Aaron, priest
5489 rank Exodus 28:1-5 5145 clothing Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 28:2 NIVExodus 28:2 NLTExodus 28:2 ESVExodus 28:2 NASBExodus 28:2 KJV
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