◄ Exodus 28:5 ►
They shall use gold, along with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
Study Bible
They shall take
This phrase indicates a command given to the Israelites, specifically to those skilled in craftsmanship. The Hebrew root word "laqach" implies an active and intentional action of receiving or acquiring. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine directive, emphasizing the importance of obedience in the service of God. The act of taking these materials is a sacred duty, reflecting the Israelites' role as a chosen people tasked with creating a dwelling place for God's presence.

the gold
Gold, in the ancient Near Eastern context, was a symbol of wealth, purity, and divinity. Its use in the tabernacle's construction signifies the preciousness and holiness of the space being created. Gold's incorruptible nature makes it a fitting representation of God's eternal and unchanging nature. The Hebrew word "zahav" for gold is often associated with royalty and divine presence, underscoring the sacredness of the priestly garments and the tabernacle.

blue
The color blue, derived from the Hebrew word "tekeleth," was obtained from the shellfish along the Mediterranean coast. It is often associated with the heavens and the divine, symbolizing the transcendence and majesty of God. In the context of the priestly garments, blue represents a connection between the earthly and the heavenly, reminding the priests and the people of their covenant relationship with God.

purple
Purple, or "argaman" in Hebrew, was a color of royalty and nobility, often reserved for kings and high officials due to the costly process of its production. The inclusion of purple in the priestly garments signifies the regal nature of the priesthood and their role as mediators between God and His people. It highlights the honor and dignity bestowed upon those who serve in God's presence.

and scarlet yarn
Scarlet, known as "tola'at shani" in Hebrew, was a vibrant red dye made from the crushed bodies of certain insects. This color is often associated with sacrifice and atonement, reflecting the blood that would be shed for the forgiveness of sins. The use of scarlet in the priestly garments serves as a reminder of the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice that would be fulfilled in Christ.

and fine linen
Fine linen, or "shesh" in Hebrew, was a high-quality fabric made from flax, known for its purity and brightness. Linen's association with purity and righteousness makes it an appropriate material for the garments of those serving in the holy presence of God. The use of fine linen symbolizes the call to holiness and the purity required of those who minister before the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The garments described in this passage were intended for him and his descendants.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who were to provide the materials for the priestly garments as part of their worship and obedience to God's commands.

4. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the tabernacle and the priestly garments.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Materials
The use of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen in the priestly garments symbolizes the holiness, royalty, and purity required in approaching God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect these attributes.

Obedience in Worship
The Israelites' obedience in providing these materials demonstrates the importance of following God's instructions in worship. Our worship today should also be characterized by obedience to God's Word.

Priestly Role of Believers
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly service, believers today are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), serving God and interceding for others.

Generosity and Contribution
The Israelites contributed their resources for the making of the priestly garments. This teaches us the value of generosity and contributing our resources for the work of God's kingdom.

Preparation for Service
The detailed preparation of the priestly garments underscores the importance of preparing ourselves for service to God. We should seek to be spiritually prepared for the roles God has for us.
Bible Study Questions
1. What do the materials used in the priestly garments (gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarn, and fine linen) symbolize, and how can these symbols be reflected in our daily lives?

2. How does the obedience of the Israelites in providing these materials for the priestly garments challenge us in our own worship practices?

3. In what ways can we, as believers, fulfill our role as a "royal priesthood" in our communities and churches?

4. How can the generosity of the Israelites in contributing materials for the priestly garments inspire us to support the work of the church today?

5. What steps can we take to prepare ourselves spiritually for the roles and responsibilities God has called us to?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:3-7
This passage lists the materials needed for the construction of the tabernacle, showing the continuity in the use of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.

Leviticus 8:7-9
Describes the actual consecration of Aaron and his sons, where these garments were used, highlighting their importance in the priestly service.

Hebrews 9:11-12
Connects the Old Testament priestly service to the ultimate high priestly work of Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly tabernacle with His own blood.
Sermons
Aaron in His Priesthood the Type of JesusJ. Urquhart Exodus 28:1-38
The Priests and Their GarmentsJ. Orr Exodus 28:1-43
People
Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, Shoham
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Best, Blue, Byssus, Fine, Gold, Linen, Material, Purple, Receive, Red, Scarlet, Stuff, Twined, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 28:5

     5392   linen

Exodus 28:1-5

     5145   clothing

Exodus 28:1-43

     1065   God, holiness of

Exodus 28:4-5

     4333   gold
     5399   luxury

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 Scripture

The 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 28:5 NIV
Exodus 28:5 NLT
Exodus 28:5 ESV
Exodus 28:5 NASB
Exodus 28:5 KJV

Exodus 28:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Exodus 28:4
Top of Page
Top of Page