Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die. Aaron must wear itThis phrase emphasizes the divine command given to Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. The Hebrew root for "wear" (לבש, labash) implies not just putting on clothing, but being enveloped or clothed with purpose. Aaron's garments were not mere attire; they symbolized his sacred role and the weight of his responsibilities. Historically, the high priest's garments were meticulously crafted, signifying the holiness required to approach God. when he ministers
The Hebrew word for "ministers" (שׁרת, sharath) conveys the idea of serving or attending. Aaron's service was not just a ritual but an act of worship and obedience. His ministry in the tabernacle was a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood, serving as a mediator between God and man. This highlights the importance of serving God with reverence and dedication. so that the sound of the bells will be heard
The bells on Aaron's robe served a dual purpose: they were both practical and symbolic. The sound signified Aaron's movement and presence before the LORD, ensuring that he was always in a state of readiness and reverence. The Hebrew word for "sound" (קול, qol) often denotes a voice or proclamation, suggesting that Aaron's service was a continual declaration of God's holiness. when he enters and exits the Holy Place
The Holy Place was a sacred area within the tabernacle, representing God's dwelling among His people. The act of entering and exiting was not casual; it was a solemn duty. The Hebrew root for "enters" (בוא, bo) and "exits" (יצא, yatsa) underscores the careful and deliberate nature of Aaron's movements, reflecting the seriousness of approaching a holy God. before the LORD
This phrase signifies the presence of God, a central theme in the tabernacle's design and function. The Hebrew word for "before" (פני, panim) can also mean "face," indicating a direct encounter with the divine. Aaron's service was conducted in the very presence of God, reminding us of the privilege and responsibility of worship. so that he will not die
The gravity of this statement cannot be overstated. The Hebrew word for "die" (מות, muth) is a stark reminder of the consequences of approaching God without the proper reverence and obedience. This underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of following His commands precisely. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the law and made a way for us to approach God with confidence. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is the central figure in this verse, as the robe with bells is part of his priestly garments. 2. The Holy PlaceA sacred area within the Tabernacle where the priests ministered. It was a place of divine presence and required specific rituals and garments for entry. 3. The Robe with BellsA specific garment worn by Aaron, which included bells on its hem. The sound of the bells was significant for his safety and the proper execution of his priestly duties. 4. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who established the priestly system and its regulations for worship and service. 5. MinisteringThe act of serving or performing duties in the Tabernacle, which was a central aspect of Aaron's role as high priest. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for Aaron's garments highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word with precision and reverence. The Sound of the BellsThe bells served as a reminder of the high priest's presence and his role as a mediator. In our lives, we should be mindful of our spiritual presence and the impact of our actions as representatives of Christ. Reverence for God's HolinessThe requirement for specific garments underscores the holiness of God and the need for reverence in worship. We should approach God with awe and respect, recognizing His majesty and purity. Christ as Our High PriestThe Old Testament priesthood points to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of High Priest. We can draw near to God with confidence through Christ, who intercedes for us. Spiritual GarmentsJust as Aaron wore specific garments, believers are called to "put on" spiritual virtues such as compassion, kindness, and humility, reflecting Christ in our daily lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the requirement of the robe with bells teach us about the nature of God's instructions and the role of the high priest? 2. How does the concept of the high priest entering the Holy Place relate to our access to God through Jesus Christ? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our "spiritual bells" are heard in our daily walk with God, reflecting our faith and commitment? 4. How does understanding the holiness of God influence our approach to worship and prayer today? 5. What are some practical ways we can "put on" spiritual garments in our interactions with others, and how does this reflect our identity as a royal priesthood? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 16This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies. The regulations for priestly garments, including the robe with bells, underscore the seriousness of approaching God’s presence. Hebrews 9This New Testament passage discusses the role of the high priest and the significance of Christ as our ultimate High Priest, drawing parallels to the Old Testament priestly system. 1 Peter 2:9This verse speaks of believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the priestly duties of Aaron to the spiritual responsibilities of Christians today. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Bells, Clear, Death, Die, Enters, Goes, Holy, Keeping, Leaves, Lest, Minister, Ministers, Safe, Sanctuary, Service, Thereof, Tinkling, WearDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:35 7942 ministry Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:31-35 4450 fruit Exodus 28:33-35 5915 ornaments Exodus 28:33-38 4333 gold Exodus 28:34-38 5073 Aaron, priest 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 28:35 NIVExodus 28:35 NLTExodus 28:35 ESVExodus 28:35 NASBExodus 28:35 KJV
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