Bible Study Guide Day 039: Exodus 28–29
Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
Exodus 29:7
Previous Day 038: Exodus 25–27
Exodus 28
The Priestly Garments
In this chapter, God gives detailed instructions for the garments that the high priest of Israel should wear. These garments were meant to be a symbol of his authority and holiness before God, as well as a reminder of his responsibility to intercede on behalf of the people.
The materials used for these garments were carefully chosen — gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, and precious gems — all of which held symbolic meanings. For example, the blue represented the law of God, while the scarlet signified sacrifice and atonement.
The Ephod
The most significant garment was the ephod, a vest-like garment with two shoulder pieces attached by onyx stones engraved with the names of each tribe of Israel. This symbolized that the high priest carried the weight of the entire nation upon his shoulders as he entered into God’s presence.
As believers, we are also called to be a “royal priesthood” and to wear spiritual garments of righteousness and holiness (1 Peter 2:9). Just like the high priest, we have been given access to God through Jesus Christ, and it is our responsibility to intercede for others and represent Him in the world.
The Breastpiece
The breastpiece was a square piece of cloth with twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. This served as a reminder to the high priest that he carried the people close to his heart as he entered into God’s presence. It also symbolized that God’s judgment was based on the foundation of His people.
As believers, we are called to love and care for one another, bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Just as the high priest carried the names of the tribes on his breastpiece, we should carry each other in prayer and support.
The Urim and Thummim were also placed in the breastpiece, which served as a way for God to communicate His will and direction to the high priest. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, guiding and directing us in God’s perfect will.
Other Priestly Garments
The robe of the ephod was made entirely of blue cloth, and pomegranates and bells were sewn around the hem. The pomegranates symbolized God’s blessings and His people, while the bells served as a reminder of holiness, as they would ring whenever the high priest entered or left the Holy Place.
The high priest also wore a turban, a robe, and an engraved plate on his forehead with the words “Holy to the LORD.” These garments all represented the holiness and purity required to enter into God’s presence.
As Christians, we too are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We must continually strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and actions as we approach God in prayer and worship.
Exodus 29
Consecration of the Priests
In this chapter, God gives instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. This process included washing, dressing in the priestly garments, and anointing them with oil. The purpose of this ceremony was to set them apart and make them holy for their service to God.
As believers, we have also been consecrated and made holy through the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10). We are set apart for God’s purposes, called to be ambassadors for Christ in this world.
A bull was sacrificed as a sin offering, and its blood was sprinkled on the altar to make atonement for the sins of the priests. This served as a reminder that even those who were called to serve God needed atonement for their sins.
Today, Jesus Christ is our ultimate sin offering, and His blood has made us clean and forgiven before God (Hebrews 9:12). We can approach God with confidence, not because of our own righteousness but because of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.
A ram was also sacrificed as a burnt offering, symbolizing complete surrender to God. This offering was entirely consumed by fire, signifying the priests’ total dedication to serving God and His people.
As believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This means surrendering our lives entirely to Him and being willing to do His will, no matter the cost.
Another ram was sacrificed as an ordination offering, with its blood being put on the right earlobes, thumbs, and big toes of Aaron and his sons. This symbolized their willingness to listen to God’s word, do His work, and walk in His ways.
As believers, we should also have a heart that is eager to hear from God, serve Him faithfully, and follow His commands. We must be willing to go wherever He leads us and do whatever He asks of us.
God’s final instructions to Moses in this chapter are a reminder that the priesthood was not just for Aaron and his sons but for all future generations. This is a foreshadowing of Christ, who is our eternal High Priest, interceding on our behalf before God.
As Christians, we have been called into a royal priesthood and are part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). We have a responsibility to intercede for others, just as Aaron and his sons did for the Israelites. Let us strive to fulfill this calling with humility, holiness, and dedication to God’s service.