Exodus 28 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Exodus 28 meaning explained in AI Summary

God provides detailed instructions for the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons will wear when they minister in the Tabernacle. These garments include the breastplate, the ephod, the robe, and the turban.

This chapter details God's instructions to Moses regarding the creation of sacred garments for Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. These garments are not just clothes, but symbolize the priests' special role and their closeness to God.

Key Points:

Divine Craftsmanship: God specifically names Bezalel and Oholiab, filling them with His spirit to craft these garments (28:1-5).
Materials: The garments are to be made from the finest materials, including gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, signifying royalty, holiness, and purity (28:5-8).
The Ephod: A richly decorated apron-like garment worn over the robe, featuring two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the priest carrying the people before God (28:6-14).
The Breastpiece: A pouch attached to the ephod, containing the Urim and Thummim (objects used for divine guidance), and twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes, symbolizing judgment and revelation (28:15-30).
The Robe: A seamless blue robe with a woven pattern around the hem, representing holiness and unity with God (28:31-35).
The Turban and Headplate: A turban with a gold plate engraved with "Holy to the Lord," signifying dedication and consecration to God (28:36-39).
Other Garments: Linen undergarments, sashes, and turbans for Aaron's sons, signifying purity and service (28:40-43).
Significance: These garments are to be worn always when entering the Holy Place, representing the priests' holiness, their role as mediators, and their constant connection to God (28:41-43).

Overall, Exodus 28 emphasizes the sacredness of the priesthood and the visual representation of their role as intermediaries between God and the Israelites. The detailed instructions and precious materials highlight the importance of honoring God through every aspect of worship.

Exodus 28 bible study ai commentary

The institution of the Aaronic priesthood is detailed in this chapter, with a primary focus on the divinely mandated priestly garments. These are not merely functional clothing but sacred vestments designed for "glory and for beauty," symbolizing the priest's unique role as a mediator. Each element—from the ephod bearing Israel's names to the turban plate declaring "Holy to the LORD"—is rich with theological significance, representing the priest's responsibility to carry the people before God and bear their iniquities. The entire ensemble serves as a detailed type, a prefigurement of the person and work of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Exodus 28 context

The instructions for the priestly garments are given to Moses on Mount Sinai, immediately following the pattern for the Tabernacle's core structure. This placement is intentional, showing that the dwelling place of God requires a divinely appointed minister to serve within it. The context is a world filled with elaborate priesthoods, particularly in Egypt, from which Israel had just escaped. The Israelite priesthood, however, was to be unique. Its authority, attire, and function were not based on human tradition or magical arts but on direct divine revelation. The detailed, symbolic nature of the garments would set Israel's worship apart, visually teaching the concepts of holiness, mediation, representation, and atonement.

Exodus 28:1-5

“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, to make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a tunic of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen."

In-depth-analysis

A Divine Appointment: Aaron and his sons do not volunteer; they are chosen and called by God. This establishes the principle that priestly office is a divine appointment, not a human ambition.
Purpose of Garments: They are for "glory" (kavod) and "beauty/splendor" (tiferet). This is not for Aaron's vanity but to reflect the glory of God and the honor of the sacred office he holds. They visually represent his holy function.
Spirit of Skill: God supernaturally endows artisans with a "spirit of skill/wisdom" (ruakh chokmah). This elevates craftsmanship to a sacred, spiritual calling, showing that art and skill used for God's purposes are a form of worship.
The Materials: The same precious materials used for the Tabernacle's inner curtain and coverings are used here—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. This directly links the priest to the dwelling place of God; he is part of the sacred space.

Bible references

Hebrews 5:4: "And no one takes this honor for himself... but only when called by God, just as Aaron was." (Affirms divine calling for priesthood).
Isaiah 61:10: "...for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness..." (Parallels spiritual clothing with priestly garments).
Revelation 1:5-6: "...and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father..." (Shows the fulfillment of priesthood for all believers in Christ).

Cross references

Psa 132:9 (priests clothed with righteousness); Zec 3:3-5 (Joshua the High Priest given clean garments); Exo 31:1-6 (Bezalel and Oholiab filled with the Spirit); Isa 4:2 (branch of the Lord for beauty); 1 Pet 2:5,9 (priesthood of believers).

Polemics

Unlike pagan priesthoods where priests often inherited their roles within elite families or gained power through political maneuvering, the Aaronic priesthood is founded solely on God's direct call. The endowment with a "spirit of skill" counters pagan beliefs where craftsmen relied on rituals or magic to appease gods of their trade; here, the skill itself is a gift from the one true God.

Exodus 28:6-14

"And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked... And you shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel... You shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance...

In-depth-analysis

Ephod: A sleeveless, vest-like outer garment, functioning almost like an apron. It was the most distinctive garment of the High Priest.
Two Onyx Stones: Engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, six on each stone.
On the Shoulders: The shoulder is a symbol of strength and support. The High Priest literally bears the burden of the people on his shoulders, carrying them into God's presence.
Stones of Remembrance: The names are a "remembrance" (zikkaron) before the LORD. God does not forget, but this is a visual, ritualistic assurance that the covenant people are constantly represented and remembered by their mediator.
Representation: Aaron does not enter God's presence alone or for himself, but as the representative of the entire nation. His actions affect all twelve tribes.

Bible references

Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born... and the government shall be upon his shoulder..." (Messianic prophecy of Christ bearing the responsibility of his people).
Isaiah 49:16: "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." (Shows God's intimate and permanent remembrance of His people).
Luke 15:5: "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing." (Jesus as the Good Shepherd carrying his lost sheep).

Cross references

Isa 22:22 (key on the shoulder); Psa 122:6 (pray for peace of Jerusalem); Josh 4:7 (stones of remembrance); Num 17:5 (rod as a sign).

Exodus 28:15-30

"You shall make a breastpiece of judgment... it shall be a span long and a span wide. You shall set in it four rows of stones... The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve... each name with its engraving, like a seal, for the twelve tribes... And Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD. And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the LORD regularly."

In-depth-analysis

Breastpiece of Judgment: The Hebrew is Choshen Mishpat. Mishpat means judgment, justice, or ordinance. This garment was central to decision-making and justice.
On the Heart: While the shoulders represent strength, the heart represents love, affection, and inner thought. The High Priest carries his people on his heart, showing a compassionate, loving mediation.
Twelve Unique Stones: Each tribe has its own unique stone. This celebrates the individuality and distinct character of each tribe within the unified whole of Israel. All are precious to God.
Urim and Thummim: Literally translated as "Lights" (Urim) and "Perfections" (Thummim). Their exact nature is unknown, but they were a divinely sanctioned means of discerning God's will for the nation in specific matters. They represent divine guidance and truth.
Bearing Judgment: The priest carries the "judgment" of the people. This can mean he brings their cases before God for a verdict and also that he is responsible for guiding them according to God's revealed will.

Bible references

John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life...'" (Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of the Urim and Thummim, our source of all truth).
Hebrews 7:25: "...he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Christ as the High Priest who intercedes from the heart).
Song of Solomon 8:6: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm..." (Reflects the intimacy of being carried on the heart).

Cross references

Num 27:21 (Eleazar using Urim for Joshua); 1 Sam 14:41 (Saul uses the casting of lots to find sin); Ezra 2:63 (Urim and Thummim missing after the exile); Rev 21:19-20 (foundations of New Jerusalem adorned with twelve stones).

Polemics

The Urim and Thummim stand in stark contrast to pagan divination methods like hepatoscopy (examining animal livers), necromancy (consulting the dead), or astrology. While other cultures sought guidance through superstitious or manipulative means, Israel was given a controlled, authorized channel of communication directly connected to their mediator, reinforcing that true guidance comes only from God.

Exodus 28:31-35

“You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue... And on its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them... And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the LORD, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.”

In-depth-analysis

Robe of Blue: The color blue (tekhelet) in the Bible often represents heaven, the divine, or royalty. The priest is draped in the color of the heavens as he ministers.
Pomegranates and Bells: Pomegranates, with their abundance of seeds, are ancient symbols of fruitfulness, life, and righteousness. The golden bells create sound.
The Sound of Life: The tinkling bells audibly signaled that the High Priest was alive and actively ministering in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. The sound assured the people outside that their representative had been accepted and intercession was being made. If the sound stopped, it meant he had died.
So That He Does Not Die: This phrase underscores the mortal danger of entering God's immediate presence. The adherence to God's precise commands was a matter of life and death. The bells announced that the priest was alive, and thus God's mercy was active.

Bible references

Hebrews 9:12: "he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood..." (Christ, our High Priest, entered heaven itself, not a physical temple).
Matthew 28:6: "He is not here, for he has risen, as he said." (The ultimate "sound" of life; our High Priest did not die and remain dead but is alive forevermore).
1 Corinthians 15:55: "'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'" (Because our High Priest lives, believers are freed from the penalty of death).

Cross references

Song 4:13 (pomegranates as fruitfulness); Zec 14:20 (bells being made holy to the Lord); Lev 16:2 (warning not to enter the Holy of Holies at will).

Exodus 28:36-38

"You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a seal, ‘Holy to the LORD.’ And you shall fasten it on the turban... It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate... It shall be regularly on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD."

In-depth-analysis

The Golden Plate: Affixed to the front of the turban, this was the High Priest's most prominent and definitive feature.
"Holy to the LORD" (Qodesh L'YHWH): This is the central declaration of the priesthood and all of Israel's worship. It signifies absolute dedication and separation unto God. This holiness is concentrated on the forehead, the place of thought and identity.
Bearing Guilt/Iniquity: The people's offerings and acts of worship, even their best attempts, are tainted by imperfection and sin. Aaron symbolically "bears" or "takes away" this guilt.
For Acceptance: Through the declared holiness of their representative, the people's imperfect "holy things" (sacrifices, gifts) are made acceptable to God. The priest's consecration covers the people's failures.

Bible references

1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree..." (The ultimate fulfillment of bearing our iniquity).
Isaiah 53:11: "...by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities." (Direct messianic prophecy of this priestly function).
Zechariah 14:20: "And on that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, 'Holy to the Lord.'" (A prophecy that this priestly holiness will one day extend to all of life).

Cross references

Lev 10:17 (eating the sin offering to bear iniquity); Rom 12:1 (presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable); Heb 10:14 (by one offering Christ has perfected for all time those being sanctified).

Exodus 28:39-43

"You shall weave the tunic of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash of embroidered work. For Aaron's sons you shall make tunics and sashes and caps for glory and for beauty... And you shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh... They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting... or when they come near the altar to minister... lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.”

In-depth-analysis

Garments for all Priests: This section outlines the simpler, yet still holy, garments for the regular priests (Aaron's sons). They also wear tunics, sashes, and caps for "glory and beauty."
Linen: The primary material is linen (shesh), known for its pure white appearance. It universally symbolizes righteousness and purity.
Covering Nakedness: The command for linen undergarments is explicit. Nakedness in a religious context was associated with pagan cultic practices, shame (Gen 3:7), and unholiness. In God's presence, total purity, modesty, and covering are required.
Lest They Die: The chapter ends with this stark warning, reinforcing the themes of God's consuming holiness and the need for absolute obedience. Approaching God on one's own terms, or improperly, leads to death.

Bible references

Revelation 19:8: "...it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints." (Defines fine linen as righteousness).
Leviticus 10:1-2: "Now Nadab and Abihu... offered unauthorized fire before the LORD... And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them..." (The warning in v. 43 is immediately realized at their consecration).
Jude 1:23: "...hating even the garment stained by the flesh." (The New Testament continues the theme of separating from sin, symbolized by stained garments).

Cross references

Eze 44:17-18 (priests in the new temple to wear linen); Gen 3:21 (God clothes Adam and Eve); Rev 3:4,18 (those in Sardis with unsoiled garments; call to buy white garments).

Exodus chapter 28 analysis

The Priestly Mediator as a Type of Christ: The entire chapter is a rich typological portrait of Jesus.
- Divine Call: Like Aaron, Christ was called by God (Heb 5:4-5).
- Bears our Names: Christ bears His people on His shoulders of strength (Isa 9:6) and His heart of love (Eph 3:17-19).
- Our Guidance: Christ is the perfect Urim and Thummim, the source of all truth and wisdom (Col 2:3).
- Bears our Sin: Christ fulfills the role of the plate on the forehead, bearing our iniquity to make us acceptable to God (1 Pet 2:24).
- Proclaims Life: The sound of Christ's gospel, like the bells, is a message of life and access to God (Rom 10:14-15).
- Our Righteousness: His perfect righteousness is the "fine linen" that clothes believers (2 Cor 5:21).
The Uniqueness of Israel's Priesthood: In ancient near-eastern religions, the boundary between god and king was often blurred. The king was sometimes seen as a priest or even a deity. In Israel, the roles of king and priest were separated (until the Messiah), emphasizing that even Israel's highest human leader stood under God's authority and needed mediation.
Corporate and Individual Value: The garments display a beautiful tension. The names are borne together on the shoulders, showing corporate solidarity. Yet on the breastpiece, each tribe has its own distinct, precious stone, showing God's value for the individual parts that make up the whole.

Exodus 28 summary

God commands Moses to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priesthood and to create for them holy garments for glory and beauty. The instructions detail the Ephod with shoulder stones and the Breastpiece with twelve gems, symbolizing the High Priest carrying the people on his shoulders (strength) and heart (love) before God. The Urim and Thummim are included for divine guidance. The blue robe with bells and pomegranates signifies life-giving ministry, while the golden plate on the turban, inscribed "Holy to the LORD," shows his role in bearing the people's iniquity to make them acceptable. The chapter concludes with instructions for linen garments for all priests, underscoring the need for purity when approaching a holy God.

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Exodus chapter 28 kjv

¹ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
² And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
³ And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
⁴ And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
⁵ And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
⁶ And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
⁷ It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.
⁸ And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
⁹ And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
¹⁰ Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.
¹¹ With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
¹² And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.
¹³ And thou shalt make ouches of gold;
¹⁴ And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathed work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathed chains to the ouches.
¹⁵ And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
¹⁶ Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
¹⁷ And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
¹⁸ And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
¹⁹ And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
²⁰ And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
²¹ And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
²² And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathed work of pure gold.
²³ And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
²⁴ And thou shalt put the two wreathed chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
²⁵ And the other two ends of the two wreathed chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
²⁶ And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
²⁷ And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
²⁸ And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
²⁹ And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
³⁰ And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
³¹ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
³² And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
³³ And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
³⁴ A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
³⁵ And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
³⁶ And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
³⁷ And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.
³⁸ And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
³⁹ And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
⁴⁰ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
⁴¹ And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
⁴² And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
⁴³ And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

Exodus chapter 28 nkjv

¹ "Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron's sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
² And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
³ So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest.
⁴ And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest.
⁵ "They shall take the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen,
⁶ and they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, artistically worked.
⁷ It shall have two shoulder straps joined at its two edges, and so it shall be joined together.
⁸ And the intricately woven band of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same workmanship, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.
⁹ "Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:
¹⁰ six of their names on one stone and six names on the other stone, in order of their birth.
¹¹ With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall set them in settings of gold.
¹² And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders as a memorial.
¹³ You shall also make settings of gold,
¹⁴ and you shall make two chains of pure gold like braided cords, and fasten the braided chains to the settings.
¹⁵ "You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it.
¹⁶ It shall be doubled into a square: a span shall be its length, and a span shall be its width.
¹⁷ And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row;
¹⁸ the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;
¹⁹ the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
²⁰ and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold settings.
²¹ And the stones shall have the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each one with its own name; they shall be according to the twelve tribes.
²² "You shall make chains for the breastplate at the end, like braided cords of pure gold.
²³ And you shall make two rings of gold for the breastplate, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
²⁴ Then you shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate;
²⁵ and the other two ends of the two braided chains you shall fasten to the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front.
²⁶ "You shall make two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which is on the inner side of the ephod.
²⁷ And two other rings of gold you shall make, and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod.
²⁸ They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and so that the breastplate does not come loose from the ephod.
²⁹ "So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually.
³⁰ And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the LORD continually.
³¹ "You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
³² There shall be an opening for his head in the middle of it; it shall have a woven binding all around its opening, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that it does not tear.
³³ And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around:
³⁴ a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around.
³⁵ And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he goes into the holy place before the LORD and when he comes out, that he may not die.
³⁶ "You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
³⁷ And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban.
³⁸ So it shall be on Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
³⁹ "You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.
⁴⁰ "For Aaron's sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty.
⁴¹ So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests.
⁴² And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.
⁴³ They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him.

Exodus chapter 28 niv

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.
² Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.
³ Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
⁴ 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.
⁵ Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
⁶ "Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen?the work of skilled hands.
⁷ It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened.
⁸ Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it?of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen.
⁹ "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel
¹⁰ in the order of their birth?six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other.
¹¹ Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings
¹² and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
¹³ Make gold filigree settings
¹⁴ and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.
¹⁵ "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.
¹⁶ It is to be square?a span long and a span wide?and folded double.
¹⁷ Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl;
¹⁸ the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald;
¹⁹ the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst;
²⁰ the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.
²¹ 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.
²² "For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope.
²³ Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece.
²⁴ Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece,
²⁵ and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.
²⁶ Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod.
²⁷ Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod.
²⁸ The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.
²⁹ "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.
³⁰ 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. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.
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 around this opening, so that it will not tear.
³³ Make pomegranates 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 of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
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 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.
³⁹ "Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer.
⁴⁰ Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron's sons to give them dignity and honor.
⁴¹ After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.
⁴² "Make linen undergarments 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 or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. "This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.

Exodus chapter 28 esv

¹ "Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests ? Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
² And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
³ You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood.
⁴ These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests.
⁵ They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
⁶ "And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked.
⁷ It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together.
⁸ And the skillfully woven band on it shall be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
⁹ You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel,
¹⁰ six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth.
¹¹ As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree.
¹² And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance.
¹³ You shall make settings of gold filigree,
¹⁴ and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; and you shall attach the corded chains to the settings.
¹⁵ "You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it ? of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.
¹⁶ It shall be square and doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth.
¹⁷ You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row;
¹⁸ and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;
¹⁹ and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
²⁰ and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree.
²¹ There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.
²² You shall make for the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold.
²³ And you shall make for the breastpiece two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece.
²⁴ And you shall put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece.
²⁵ The two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings of filigree, and so attach it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
²⁶ You shall make two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod.
²⁷ And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
²⁸ And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod.
²⁹ So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD.
³⁰ And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the LORD regularly.
³¹ "You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
³² It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear.
³³ On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them,
³⁴ a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe.
³⁵ And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the LORD, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.
³⁶ "You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, 'Holy to the LORD.'
³⁷ And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban.
³⁸ It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
³⁹ "You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework.
⁴⁰ "For Aaron's sons you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty.
⁴¹ And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.
⁴² You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs;
⁴³ and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.

Exodus chapter 28 nlt

¹ "Call for your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Set them apart from the rest of the people of Israel so they may minister to me and be my priests.
² Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful.
³ Instruct all the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom. Have them make garments for Aaron that will distinguish him as a priest set apart for my service.
⁴ These are the garments they are to make: a chestpiece, an ephod, a robe, a patterned tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother, Aaron, and his sons to wear when they serve me as priests.
⁵ So give them fine linen cloth, gold thread, and blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
⁶ "The craftsmen must make the ephod of finely woven linen and skillfully embroider it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
⁷ It will consist of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces.
⁸ The decorative sash will be made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
⁹ "Take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the tribes of Israel.
¹⁰ Six names will be on each stone, arranged in the order of the births of the original sons of Israel.
¹¹ Engrave these names on the two stones in the same way a jeweler engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in settings of gold filigree.
¹² Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the LORD.
¹³ Make the settings of gold filigree,
¹⁴ then braid two cords of pure gold and attach them to the filigree settings on the shoulders of the ephod.
¹⁵ "Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God. Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
¹⁶ Make the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square.
¹⁷ Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald.
¹⁸ The second row will contain a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone.
¹⁹ The third row will contain an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst.
²⁰ The fourth row will contain a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones will be set in gold filigree.
²¹ Each stone will represent one of the twelve sons of Israel, and the name of that tribe will be engraved on it like a seal.
²² "To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, make braided cords of pure gold thread.
²³ Then make two gold rings and attach them to the top corners of the chestpiece.
²⁴ Tie the two gold cords to the two rings on the chestpiece.
²⁵ Tie the other ends of the cords to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.
²⁶ Then make two more gold rings and attach them to the inside edges of the chestpiece next to the ephod.
²⁷ And make two more gold rings and attach them to the front of the ephod, below the shoulder-pieces, just above the knot where the decorative sash is fastened to the ephod.
²⁸ Then attach the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. This will hold the chestpiece securely to the ephod above the decorative sash.
²⁹ "In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the LORD.
³⁰ Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron's heart when he goes into the LORD's presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the LORD's will for his people whenever he goes in before the LORD.
³¹ "Make the robe that is worn with the ephod from a single piece of blue cloth,
³² with an opening for Aaron's head in the middle of it. Reinforce the opening with a woven collar so it will not tear.
³³ Make pomegranates out of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.
³⁴ The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all around the hem.
³⁵ Aaron will wear this robe whenever he ministers before the LORD, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the LORD's presence in the Holy Place. If he wears it, he will not die.
³⁶ "Next make a medallion of pure gold, and engrave it like a seal with these words: HOLY TO THE LORD.
³⁷ Attach the medallion with a blue cord to the front of Aaron's turban, where it must remain.
³⁸ Aaron must wear it on his forehead so he may take on himself any guilt of the people of Israel when they consecrate their sacred offerings. He must always wear it on his forehead so the LORD will accept the people.
³⁹ "Weave Aaron's patterned tunic from fine linen cloth. Fashion the turban from this linen as well. Also make a sash, and decorate it with colorful embroidery.
⁴⁰ "For Aaron's sons, make tunics, sashes, and special head coverings that are glorious and beautiful.
⁴¹ Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priests.
⁴² Also make linen undergarments for them, to be worn next to their bodies, reaching from their hips to their thighs.
⁴³ These must be worn whenever Aaron and his sons enter the Tabernacle or approach the altar in the Holy Place to perform their priestly duties. Then they will not incur guilt and die. This is a permanent law for Aaron and all his descendants after him.