In Exodus 28 What Do The Specific Materials And Designs Of The Priestly Garments Teach Us About The Nature Of Worship?
The Priestly Garments in Exodus 28: Lessons on the Nature of Worship
Exodus 28 introduces us to the detailed instructions God gave Moses for crafting the holy garments of Aaron and his sons, the priests of Israel. Every material, color, and design was significant—prescribed by God Himself. What do these specifics reveal about the nature of worship? Let's explore the biblical text and draw out rich lessons for believers today.
The Divine Source and Purpose of Worship
First, the priestly garments are not the result of human creativity but of divine command. God says:
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for glory and for beauty. - Exodus 28:2 ASV
This underscores that true worship is initiated by God, not by man. Worship according to biblical standards is about responding to God's revelation and honoring His holiness. The garments, made “for glory and for beauty,” reflect God’s desire for worship that is both reverent and beautiful—pointing to His majesty and purity.
Symbolism of the Materials and Colors
The materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—each carry symbolic meaning:
- Gold: Represents divinity and the preciousness of God’s presence (Exodus 28:6 ASV).
- Blue: Symbolic of heaven, pointing to the heavenly origin of worship (Exodus 28:31 ASV).
- Purple: Associated with royalty, reminding us that God is King (Exodus 28:5 ASV).
- Scarlet: Often linked to sacrifice and atonement, anticipating Christ’s redemption (Isaiah 1:18 ASV).
- Fine Linen: Represents righteousness and purity (Revelation 19:8 ASV).
The careful selection of these materials teaches that worship should be characterized by reverence for God’s holiness, a recognition of His sovereignty, and the pursuit of purity.
The Design: Intercession and Remembrance
Every piece of the priestly attire had a purpose. The ephod, breastplate, and turban each carried deep meaning:
-
The Ephod and Onyx Stones:
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel... And Aaron shall bear their names before Jehovah upon his two shoulders for a memorial. - Exodus 28:9-12 ASV
This shows that worship involves remembrance—carrying the needs and names of God’s people before Him.
-
The Breastplate of Judgment:
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart...for a memorial before Jehovah continually. - Exodus 28:29 ASV
The priest intercedes on behalf of the people. Worship is not just individual, but corporate—bringing the whole community before God.
-
The Turban and the Plate:
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it... HOLY TO JEHOVAH. - Exodus 28:36 ASV
Worship is about approaching a holy God. The inscription declares that everything done in worship is set apart for the Lord alone.
Implications for Christian Worship Today
While the priestly garments were unique to the Old Covenant, they foreshadowed Christ, our Great High Priest:
For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. - Hebrews 7:26 ASV
Through Jesus, believers are now called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9 ASV). We are to clothe ourselves with Christ’s righteousness and approach God with reverence, holiness, and intercession for others. Worship is not to be casual or self-styled; it is to be shaped by God’s Word and centered on Christ.
Conclusion
The detailed instructions for the priestly garments in Exodus 28 reveal that worship is to be:
- God-initiated: Based on His revelation, not our preferences.
- Holy and Beautiful: Reflecting God’s glory, majesty, and righteousness.
- Intercessory: Bringing ourselves and others before God.
- Christ-centered: All worship ultimately points to and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
As we worship today, let us come in humility, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and with hearts set apart for God’s glory.