THE TABERNACLE (9), Dr. Samuel Lee
HOLY TO THE LORD
Passage: Exodus 28:31~43  
Key verse: 36
Other Priestly Garments(A)
31 “Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar[a] around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates(B) of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.
36 “Make a plate(C) of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord.(D) 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt(E) involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable(F) to the Lord.
39 “Weave the tunic(G) of fine linen and make the turban(H) of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons(I) to give them dignity and honor.(J) 41 After you put these clothes(K) on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint(L) and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.(M)
42 “Make linen undergarments(N) as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting(O) or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place,(P) so that they will not incur guilt and die.(Q)
“This is to be a lasting ordinance(R) for Aaron and his descendants.
Footnotes
- Exodus 28:32 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
Cross references
- Exodus 28:31 : 28:31-43pp — Ex 39:22-31
- Exodus 28:33 : Nu 13:23; 1Sa 14:2; 1Ki 7:18; SS 4:3; Jer 52:22; Joel 1:12; Hag 2:19
- Exodus 28:36 : ver 37; Ex 29:6; Lev 8:9
- Exodus 28:36 : Zec 14:20
- Exodus 28:38 : Lev 5:1; 10:17; 16:22; 22:9, 16; Nu 18:1; Isa 53:5, 6, 11; Eze 4:4-6; Heb 9:28; 1Pe 2:24
- Exodus 28:38 : S Ge 32:20; Lev 22:20, 27; 23:11; Isa 56:7
- Exodus 28:39 : ver 4
- Exodus 28:39 : Ex 29:6; Lev 16:4; Eze 24:17, 23; 44:18
- Exodus 28:40 : ver 4; Ex 29:8-9; 39:41; 40:14; Lev 8:13
- Exodus 28:40 : ver 2
- Exodus 28:41 : Ex 40:13
- Exodus 28:41 : Ex 29:7; Lev 6:20; 10:7; 21:12; Nu 35:25
- Exodus 28:41 : Ex 29:7-9; 30:30; 40:15; Lev 4:3; 6:22; 8:1-36; Nu 3:3; Heb 7:28
- Exodus 28:42 : Lev 6:10; 16:4, 23; Eze 44:18
- Exodus 28:43 : S Ex 27:21
- Exodus 28:43 : ver 29
- Exodus 28:43 : Ex 30:20, 21; Lev 16:13; 22:9; Nu 1:51; 4:15, 20; 18:22
- Exodus 28:43 : S Ex 27:21
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
The priest ministers in the Holy Place, hidden from the eyes of people. The bells signal that God has mercifully accepted the priest's ministry on people's behalf. In worshipping God, the people would bring all kinds of gifts, which must be consecrated to be acceptable to God. To bear these sacred gifts, the priest must be holy as a suitable mediator.
2. Priests must be consecrated (39-43)
Not only should priestly ministry be holy, but their bodies must be also clothed, anointed, ordained, and consecrated to serve as priests. This must be done continually, as priests are also sinners who die. Jesus, our great high priest, is different. Since he lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood, always interceding for us. Such a high priest truly meets our need-who is holy, blameless, pure… He sacrificed himself for our sins once for all (Heb 7:23-28).
Prayer: Father, thank you Jesus' perfect sacrifice and priesthood, interceding for me. Help me be holy as you are holy to serve as one of Jesus' royal priesthood today.
One Word: Be holy