Title: Exodus 28 “Priesthood”
Contents
Exodus 28 “to exercise the office of a priest”
God has given detailed instructions to build the tabernacle so far, but here He directed that priests to serve in the tabernacle should be appointed to serve God.
1 “to exercise the office of a priest to serve me” (1,3,4,41)
2. "Let them make holy garments, that they may be glorified and beautiful" (2-5)
The clothes worn by the priests, as detailed here, have a spiritual meaning. He was told to wear holy clothes, that is, the appearance of a separate life. And he said it was the most glorious and beautiful thing. He said that deacons, such as those who were filled with a wise spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit, who were filled with the Holy Spirit, were to make the holy garments for the priests.
The garments they would make were a "breastplate" worn on the chest, an "ephod" and a scroll-like "outer garment", and a "half-robe", a "coffin," and a "sash" (4). The materials they used to make their clothes were gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen. It symbolizes the dignity, mercy, majesty, and purity of God's personality that a priest should possess.
3. "They built the ephod (6-43)
The "ephod" that covers the shoulder was cleverly weaved, and two onyx were cast on it, and the names of the 12 tribes of Israel were engraved on it (9-14). A priest is a person who bears the responsibility of the 12 tribes on his shoulders.
12 kinds of jewels were put on the "breastplate of judgment" worn on the chest, and the names of the 12 tribes were engraved on each jewel (15-21). The 12 tribes are like jewels that God values. And he was told to connect the "breastplate" and "ephod" tightly, and to enter the sanctuary with the breastplate of judgment with 12 names written on it (22-29). In the "breastplate of judgment," not only the 12 jewels, but also the Urim and Thummim were placed in them to be used to discern the will of God (29-30).
He made a "robe" for the ephod, made "golden bells" and put it on the edge of the robe, and asked the Lord to make a "plate" called "Holiness to the Lord." The plaque symbolized the priest's holy status (31-39). Then he made a robe, a robe, and a belt, and put them on Aaron and his sons, and anointed them with oil to sanctify them so that they might serve as priests (40-43). Aaron's sons were told to make "intentional" clothes to cover their lower body.
If a priest wears holy clothes and performs his duties properly, it will be a blessing to himself and the people, but if he does not wear the holy clothes or does not perform his duties properly, he may die (35,43).