# 15 2025 Dev. Ex.28:1. “Prophets, Priests and Kings!” Read all of chapter twenty eight first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Ex28:1 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests.”
Ex.28 Moses is up on the mountain with God, for two more chapters, he is given the detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle, and Vestments. This chapter is about the Priestly Garments.
Vs.1-5 Here we have a description of the priestly garments: “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.” Even today many denominations, especially the Catholics, have elaborate vestments. As in Moses’ time that means to be set aside, called by God, ordained by the proper authorities, and reflects the glory of Christ, in as far humans are able to do so. Vestments are external but God looks into the heart. Is your priest, your minister, your pastor, your leader reflecting Christ by his/her actions and words? Are You?
Vs.6-14 “The Ephod” an apron worn by priests particularly the High Priest.“Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened…Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other.” They are a memorial before God and a reminder that the High Priest represents all of Israel before God. Today Christ represents all Christians before God as our Savior and Intercessor, Christ, the last and eternal High Priest.
Vs15-30 “The Breastpiece” “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. Then mount four rows of precious stones on it…There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes…Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord.” The Thummim and Urim are a mystery. Are they stones, are they something that God gave directly to Moses? They stand for “lights” and “perfections” they were used to determine God’s will. How it was used is unknown and it was used very little as we find in Scripture. They are mentioned six times in Scripture, one time used, 1 Samuel 14:41 “Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared.” It appears that lots were used. Today some denominations pick elders and deacons by lot and we see this as a function of the Holy Spirit to indicate God’s will.
Vs.31-41 “Other Priestly Garments” Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth…The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 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.” Some equate the pomegranates as the sweetness of the gospels and the bells as the sweet sound of the gospel to those who deserve to die. “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.” Affix it to the Arron’s turban, “ It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt 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 to the Lord.” What makes our gifts / works acceptable to God today? They are given in the name of Jesus! Amen.
Vs.42-43 “Make linen undergarments… Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die.” Not following the rules of worship and of service to God reflects the state of the heart and can potentially cause our death. We mean the second death. Today, Jesus is our High Priest and has designated us as all as Prophets, Priests and Kings, by the power of His Spirit. Praise be to God!
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Heavenhigh 