Exodus Chapter 28
The institution of the priests was also set before Moses with specific instructions from God on Mount Sinai. In fact, God told Moses exactly how the priest’s garments should be made. Each and every detail was given, even the color of the thread that should be used. The garment of the priests had specific significance and meaning and it is recorded here for us to think about. Most significant is the names of the tribes of Israel that were written on Aaron’s garments; so that as he went into the Holy Place, he carried with him a prayer list on his shoulders and his breastpiece. These names would be brought before the Lord as Aaron served as the High Priest acting as a go-between for the people and God.
Let's Reflect
1. Aaron was to serve as the High Priest of Israel. What other men would serve as priests?
2. The garments that would be made for the High Priest especially would be something of glory and _________________.
3. The ephod was an apron like piece worn below the breastpiece. How were these two pieces connected?
See verses 27-28.
4. How many rows of stones were put on the breastpiece?
5. Aaron was to bear the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob) before the Lord on the breastpiece of judgement on a regular basis. What is the significance of the location of the stones that were inscribed with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel?
6. There are two significant stones in addition to the 12 stones on the breastpiece. These two stones were called the Urim and the Thummim. God does not tell us how He answered the questions of judgements brought before Him using these two stones, but they were a way that the High Priest would know what judgement God had given on a subject. Where were these stones also located?
7. The bottom hem of the High Priest’s robe had little pomegranates and also what other item? (There will be more on this later.)
8. The High Priest also wore a turban that had a plate of pure gold on it. What was inscribed on the plate?
9. What was the significance of the phrase written on the plate?
10. The garments made for Aaron’s sons were also made for God’s glory and beauty. They also wore linen undergarments to cover their nakedness. These priests were to do what before doing anything else? See verse 41.
11. What were the priests going to be responsible for?
