Exodus 28 Summary: A Concise Overview in 5 Minutes

Exodus 28 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• God delivered the Israelites from slavery in approximately 1491 B.C.

• The events of Exodus 28 took place 3-4 months after the Hebrews left Egypt (19:1).

CHARACTERS:

• God – The Lord’s glory descended on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 28, God spoke with Moses on the mountain and gave him instructions for instituting a priesthood in Israel.

• Moses – A Hebrew who grew up in the house of Pharaoh. He fled Egypt in Exodus 2 and went to live in Midian. God called him back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from slavery.

• Aaron – God chose Aaron, Moses’ brother, to be the High Priest of the Israelites.

• Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar – Aaron’s sons who were chosen to serve with him as priests to the people.

WHERE:

• Moses and the Israelites were encamped near Mount Sinai.

OUTLINE:

• 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.

APPLICATION:

• This chapter should instill in us the significance of coming into the presence of God.

• Aaron’s job wasn’t to be taken lightly and the consequence of disrespecting the Lord in the tabernacle was death (28:35; Lev 10).

• Appearing before God wasn’t something every Israelites was allowed to do.

• Modern Christians are priests (Rev 1:6) to God and have the privilege of speaking to Him and worshipping Him directly, but that doesn’t mean we should take the privilege lightly.

• When we pray, worship, and minister in sacred things we need to reverence God and honor Him as the Holy One who is worthy of utmost respect.