You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron's consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. Tell all the skilled craftsmenThe phrase "Tell all the skilled craftsmen" indicates a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of communication and obedience in the divine plan. The Hebrew word for "skilled craftsmen" is "ḥăḵām," which implies not just technical skill but also wisdom and understanding. This highlights the integration of divine inspiration with human ability, suggesting that craftsmanship in service to God is both a spiritual and practical endeavor. whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom
The phrase "whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom" underscores the divine source of the craftsmen's abilities. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "ḥokmah," which is often associated with skill in various crafts, as well as moral and ethical insight. This divine endowment ensures that the work done is not merely human effort but is guided by God's own wisdom, reflecting His glory and purpose. to make Aaron’s garments
"To make Aaron’s garments" refers to the specific task assigned to the craftsmen. These garments were not ordinary clothing but were to be made with precision and care, as they were for the high priest. The garments symbolized holiness and were integral to Aaron's role as a mediator between God and the people. The Hebrew term for "garments" is "beged," which can also mean "covering," signifying the spiritual covering and protection provided by God. for his consecration
The phrase "for his consecration" indicates the purpose of the garments. The Hebrew word "millu'im" refers to the act of filling or ordaining, signifying the setting apart of Aaron for sacred service. This consecration was a vital part of the priestly function, symbolizing purity, dedication, and readiness to serve God. It highlights the importance of preparation and sanctification in approaching God’s holy presence. so that he may serve Me as priest
"So that he may serve Me as priest" reveals the ultimate goal of the entire process: service to God. The Hebrew word for "serve" is "kāhan," which is the root for "priest" (kohen). This service was not just ritualistic but was a profound act of worship and intercession. The priesthood was a divine institution, and Aaron's role was to bridge the gap between God and His people, pointing forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament. This phrase encapsulates the heart of the priestly ministry—serving God and His people with devotion and reverence. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this context, Moses is receiving instructions from God on Mount Sinai regarding the priestly garments. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The instructions in Exodus 28 are specifically for the garments Aaron and his sons are to wear as they serve as priests. 3. Skilled CraftsmenIndividuals endowed with wisdom and skill by God to create the priestly garments. They are tasked with executing the divine instructions given to Moses. 4. Priestly GarmentsSacred clothing designed for Aaron and his sons to wear while ministering in the tabernacle. These garments symbolize holiness and the special role of the priesthood. 5. TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. The priestly garments are part of the broader instructions for worship and service in the tabernacle. Teaching Points Divine Empowerment for ServiceGod equips those He calls. Just as He endowed the craftsmen with wisdom and skill, He provides believers with spiritual gifts to serve His purposes today. Holiness and Set-ApartnessThe priestly garments symbolize the holiness required to approach God. Believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's service. The Role of the PriesthoodThe Old Testament priesthood points to the mediating role of Christ and the priesthood of all believers. We are called to intercede and minister in our communities. Attention to Detail in WorshipThe specific instructions for the garments remind us of the importance of reverence and intentionality in our worship practices. Community and CollaborationThe making of the garments involved a community of skilled individuals working together, illustrating the importance of unity and collaboration in the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of God-given skill and wisdom in Exodus 28:3 apply to the talents and abilities you have been given? How can you use them for God's glory? 2. In what ways does the holiness required of the Old Testament priests challenge you in your personal walk with God? 3. How does understanding the role of the Old Testament priesthood enhance your appreciation of Jesus as our high priest? 4. What are some practical ways you can contribute to your church community, similar to how the craftsmen contributed to the tabernacle? 5. How can the detailed instructions for the priestly garments inform your approach to worship and service in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 31:1-6This passage describes how God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit, giving them wisdom and skill to craft the tabernacle and its furnishings, similar to the craftsmen in Exodus 28:3. 1 Peter 2:9This New Testament verse speaks of believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the concept of priestly service to all Christians, not just the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-16This passage highlights Jesus as our great high priest, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and Christ's ultimate priestly role. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Aaron's, Ability, Able, Consecrate, Consecration, Endowed, Filled, Full, Garments, Hallow, Heart, Hearted, Holy, Matters, Mind, Minister, Office, Orders, Persons, Priest, Priesthood, Priest's, Robes, Sanctify, Serve, Skillful, Speak, Spirit, Wisdom, Wise, Wise-hearted, WorkmenDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:3 5433 occupations
8218 consecration
8365 wisdom, human
8366 wisdom, source of
8437 giving, of talents 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 28:3 NIVExodus 28:3 NLTExodus 28:3 ESVExodus 28:3 NASBExodus 28:3 KJV
Exodus 28:3 Commentaries
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