Exodus 28 1

Exodus 28:1 kjv

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.

Exodus 28:1 nkjv

"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.

Exodus 28:1 niv

"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.

Exodus 28:1 esv

"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.

Exodus 28:1 nlt

"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.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 1 Meaning

Exodus 28:1 records God's divine command to Moses, designating Aaron, Moses' brother, and Aaron's four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—to be set apart from all the other Israelites for the unique and exclusive purpose of ministering to the LORD as priests. This verse initiates the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, an exclusive and hereditary office vital for mediation between God and His people, enabling the proper worship and service within the Tabernacle.

Exodus 28 1 Context

Exodus 28:1 follows a detailed blueprint given by God for the construction of the Tabernacle (Ex 25-27), which is to be the dwelling place of God among Israel. Having commanded the structure where worship would occur, God now commands the appointment of those who will mediate that worship. This verse inaugurates the section concerning the vestments and consecration of the priests (Ex 28-29), specifying who will perform the sacred services within the Tabernacle and outlining their attire and ordination process. It establishes the foundational element of the Levitical sacrificial system and points to God's precise order for approaching His holy presence.

Exodus 28 1 Word analysis

• And bring near to you Aaron your brother:
  • And bring near (הַקְרֵב֙ - haqrev): A causative verb (Hiphil imperative), meaning "cause to come near," "present," or "dedicate." This isn't merely a casual summons but a solemn, active presentation for a sacred purpose, often used in the context of bringing offerings to God. It highlights divine initiative and Moses' obedient execution of God's will.
  • Aaron your brother: Emphasizes a pre-existing familial bond, but now Aaron is chosen for a distinct, sacred office, distinguishing him even from Moses in this specific role. This choice is God's, not Moses' personal preference.
• and his sons with him:
  • This immediately establishes the hereditary nature of the priesthood, ensuring its continuity and indicating a lineage chosen by God, unlike other ancient priesthoods often based on tribal power or personal ambition.
• from among the children of Israel:
  • Signifies that the priests are selected from within the community, making them relatable to the people they serve. Yet, their selection "from among" signifies separation and consecration for a unique divine function. It also highlights God's choice from a larger group, demonstrating His sovereignty.
• that he may minister to Me in the priest's office:
  • may minister (וְכִהֲנ֖וּ - v'kihanú): From the root kohen, "to serve as a priest." This verb directly denotes the function and sacred duties associated with the priestly office. It's not a generic service but a specific, consecrated form of ministry directly "to Me," indicating the sacred object of their service: God Himself.
  • in the priest's office (כָּהֵ֖ן - kōhēn / כְּהֻנָּה - kehunnah, here used adverbially): This phrase further specifies the nature of their ministry—it is priestly service. It defines their unique and distinct role as mediators between God and Israel, performing sacrifices, interceding, and teaching the law.
• Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons:
  • The specific naming of each individual underscores the directness and precision of God's command. This immediate naming introduces the primary figures of the nascent priesthood. The mention of Nadab and Abihu tragically foreshadows their later demise due to irreverence in priestly service (Lev 10), serving as a stark warning of the holiness required in God's presence. Eleazar and Ithamar would continue the lineage.

Exodus 28 1 Bonus section

• The establishment of a hereditary priesthood was unique among some ancient Near Eastern cultures, where priests were often appointed by kings or rose through merit, though hereditary aspects did exist. Israel's priesthood was distinct in its divine designation of a specific, exclusive lineage, ensuring stability and a sense of continuity directly linked to God's covenant.
• The phrase "bring near" (haqrev) subtly connects the selection of priests with the very act of offering sacrifices, as qrb is also the root for bringing offerings near the altar. This linguistic link highlights the core function of the priesthood as those who draw near to God on behalf of the people and bring the people's offerings to Him.
• The separation of priesthood from civil leadership (Moses, the leader, and Aaron, the priest) emphasizes a division of authority, a principle that became foundational in biblical governance, distinguishing it from pagan systems where rulers often held combined political and religious authority.
• The meticulous nature of God's instructions here and throughout Exodus regarding the Tabernacle and its service stresses the absolute holiness required when dealing with divine things. This initial appointment sets the stage for the rigorous standards of purity and conduct detailed for the priests.

Exodus 28 1 Commentary

Exodus 28:1 marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history, instituting the Aaronic priesthood as divinely chosen and exclusive. God's specific command for Aaron and his sons to "minister to Me in the priest's office" highlights that this sacred calling originates from God, not from human aspiration or familial connections alone. Their function was to serve as consecrated mediators, bridging the gap between a holy God and a sinful people, performing intricate rituals of sacrifice and purification essential for Israel's fellowship with Yahweh in the Tabernacle. This divine selection underscores God's meticulous order and the necessity of appointed representation for approaching His presence. It also prophetically foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who, unlike the Aaronic priests (who were many because of death and flawed by sin), offered a singular, perfect, and eternal sacrifice, forever enabling direct access to God for all believers.