- Book: [[Exodus]] - Previous chapter: [[Exodus 27]] - Next chapter: [[Exodus 29]] > [!summary] Summary > - [[Aaron]] and his sons are set apart as priests; sacred garments are designed to give them "dignity and honor" > - The ephod and breastpiece bear the names of all twelve tribes, so [[Aaron]] represents all [[Israel]] before God > - Garments for hearing from God ([[Urim and Thummim]]), for intercession (bearing names on shoulders and heart), and for protection (bells, gold plate with "Holy to the Lord") > [!info] Why is this here? > - The priestly garments solve the problem posed by God's holiness: who can approach God on [[Israel]]'s behalf, and how? > - [[Aaron]] bears [[Israel]]'s names on his shoulders and heart — the priest mediates by carrying the whole people before God > - The gold plate "Holy to the LORD" on [[Aaron]]'s forehead allows the sacred gifts of the people to be acceptable, covering their imperfections # Overview ## v. 1-5: [[Aaron]] and sons set apart - [[Aaron]] and his four sons ([[Nadab]], [[Abihu]], [[Eleazar]], [[Ithamar]]) are commissioned to serve as priests - Six garments specified: breastpiece, ephod, robe, woven tunic, turban, sash - Skilled workers who have been given wisdom are to make these garments ## v. 6-14: The ephod - Gold and colored yarn on fine linen — the work of skilled hands - Two shoulder pieces with two onyx stones engraved with [[Israel]]'s twelve names (six each) - [[Aaron]] bears the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord ## v. 15-30: The breastpiece - Folded double, square (a span each side), matching the ephod in fabric - Twelve precious stones (one per tribe) in four rows, each engraved with a tribe's name - [[Aaron]] bears the names of the sons of [[Israel]] over his heart whenever he enters the [[Holy Place]] - Inside the breastpiece: the [[Urim and Thummim]] — the means of making decisions for [[Israel]] before God > [!note] Priest as [[Israel]] before God > The priest does not come as an individual — he carries all twelve tribes on his shoulders and over his heart. The mediation is corporate: when [[Aaron]] enters the [[Holy Place]], [[Israel]] enters symbolically with him. ## v. 31-35: The robe - Entirely blue, with an opening for the head - Pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet yarn around the hem; gold bells between them - The bells must be heard when [[Aaron]] enters and exits the [[Holy Place]] "so that he will not die" ## v. 36-43: Remaining garments - Gold plate engraved "Holy to the LORD" fastened to the turban — worn on [[Aaron]]'s forehead - [[Aaron]] will "bear the guilt" of the people's sacred gifts so they will be acceptable - Woven linen tunic, turban, sash; tunics and caps for sons - Linen undergarments from waist to thigh: worn whenever they enter the tent or approach the altar — so they will not incur guilt and die