You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash. You are to weaveThe instruction to "weave" indicates a process of creating fabric by interlacing threads. In the Hebrew context, weaving was a skilled craft, often associated with care and precision. The act of weaving here symbolizes the intricate and deliberate work God requires in His service. It reflects the idea that our lives, like the tunic, should be woven with purpose and dedication to God's design. the tunic
The "tunic" was a long garment worn by priests, signifying purity and righteousness. In the Hebrew tradition, clothing often symbolized one's status and role. The tunic, as part of the priestly garments, represents the covering of righteousness that God provides. It is a reminder of the need for holiness and the sanctity required to approach God. with fine linen
"Fine linen" in the ancient world was a luxury material, often associated with wealth and purity. The Hebrew word for linen, "shesh," suggests a high-quality fabric. Linen's use in the priestly garments underscores the importance of purity and the separation from common things. It points to the holiness and set-apart nature of those who serve God. make the turban
The "turban" was a headpiece worn by the high priest, symbolizing authority and honor. In Hebrew, the word for turban, "mitsnepheth," indicates a wrap or covering. The turban represents the mind and thoughts being consecrated to God. It serves as a reminder that those who lead in worship must have their minds focused on divine things. of fine linen
Again, the use of "fine linen" emphasizes purity and holiness. The repetition of this material for both the tunic and the turban highlights the comprehensive nature of holiness required in service to God. It suggests that both actions (represented by the tunic) and thoughts (represented by the turban) must be pure. and fashion an embroidered sash
The "embroidered sash" was a decorative belt worn by the priests. The Hebrew word for "embroidered," "raqam," implies skillful and artistic work. The sash represents strength and readiness for service. It signifies the beauty and creativity that God values in worship and service, reminding us that our service to God should be both beautiful and strong. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The garments described in this passage were intended for him and his descendants. 3. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were to be served by the priesthood in their worship and relationship with God. 4. TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. 5. Priestly GarmentsSpecial clothing designed for the high priest and priests, symbolizing their holy service and dedication to God. Teaching Points Holiness and DedicationThe fine linen and embroidered work signify the holiness and dedication required of those who serve God. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes. Symbolism of ClothingThe priestly garments symbolize the righteousness and purity required to approach God. In Christ, we are clothed with His righteousness, enabling us to come before God. Attention to DetailGod's instructions for the priestly garments were specific and detailed, reflecting His desire for order and excellence in worship. We should strive for excellence in our service to God. Role of the PriesthoodThe priesthood served as mediators between God and the people. Today, Jesus is our mediator, and we are called to intercede for others and share the gospel. Identity in ChristJust as the priests had a distinct identity through their garments, believers have a new identity in Christ, marked by holiness and service. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the priestly garments in Exodus 28:39 reflect the holiness required of those who serve God? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of excellence in worship and service to our daily lives? 3. How does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest? 4. What does it mean for believers to be a "royal priesthood" as described in 1 Peter 2:9, and how can we live out this identity? 5. How can understanding the symbolism of the priestly garments enhance our appreciation for the righteousness we have in Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the priestly garments are put into use, highlighting their importance in the priestly service. Hebrews 4:14-16Connects the role of the high priest in the Old Testament to Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest, emphasizing the fulfillment of the priestly role in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9Speaks of believers as a "royal priesthood," drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the spiritual priesthood of all believers in Christ. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Band, Best, Byssus, Checker, Checkered, Chequer, Coat, Colours, Embroider, Embroidered, Embroiderer, Embroidery, Fine, Girdle, Hast, Head-dress, Linen, Miter, Mitre, Needlework, Needle-work, Sash, Squares, Tunic, Turban, Vest, Weave, Weaver, WorkedDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:39 5258 cloth
5304 embroidery
5392 linen
5531 skill
5551 spinning and weaving Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:39-40 5212 arts and crafts 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 28:39 NIVExodus 28:39 NLTExodus 28:39 ESVExodus 28:39 NASBExodus 28:39 KJV
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