Weight & Heart of Ministry

Exodus 28

THE PRIESTS OF ISRAEL AND THEIR GARMENTS (28:1-5):
- God selected Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar to be the priests of Israel.
- Aaron was to be the High Priest.
- God told Moses He would gift certain men a “spirit of skill” to make special garments for the priests.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EPHOD (28:6-14):
- God told Moses to have an ephod made that was to be worn by Aaron.
- It was to be made of gold and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
- It was made of two shoulder pieces that attached together.
- The ephod was to have two onyx stones affixed to the shoulder pieces, each engraved with half the names of the tribes of Israel (six on each).
THE BREASTPIECE OF JUDGEMENT (28:15-30):
- A breastpiece was to be fashioned for the High Priest from similar materials as the ephod.
- It was to be 1 span tall and 1 span wide (span = approximately 1/2 cubit).
- 12 gemstones were to be affixed on the breastpiece with gold filigree, each engraved with 1 of the names of the 12 tribes of Israel.
- The Urim and Thummim were to be kept inside the breastpiece.
THE ROBE OF THE EPHOD (28:31-35):
- Underneath the ephod, the priest was to wear a robe of blue.
- The hem of the garment was to be decorated with images of pomegranates and golden bells were to be affixed to it.
THE GOLDEN HEADPIECE “HOLY TO THE LORD” (28:36-38):
- A plate of pure gold was to be engraved with the words “Holy to the Lord.”
- Aaron was to affix the plate to his turban with a blue cord.
OTHER PRIESTLY GARMENTS (28:39-43):
- In addition to the articles mentioned above, Aaron was to wear a checkered coat, a turban of fine linen, and a sash of embroidered needlework.
- Coats, sashes, caps, and undergarments were to be made for Aaron’s sons.
- The priests were to be anointed and ordained for their special role.