Exodus 28 2

Exodus 28:2 kjv

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

Exodus 28:2 nkjv

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.

Exodus 28:2 niv

Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.

Exodus 28:2 esv

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.

Exodus 28:2 nlt

Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 2 Meaning

Exodus 28:2 instructs Moses to fashion sacred garments for his brother Aaron. These garments were divinely designed with specific purposes: to signify holiness and separation for priestly service, and to serve "for glory and for beauty." This means they were intended to reflect God's majesty and honor the divine presence, while also conveying the dignity and splendor befitting the one who mediates between God and His people, not for Aaron's personal adornment or vanity.

Exodus 28 2 Context

Exodus chapter 28 initiates the detailed divine instructions concerning the sacred vestments for Aaron and his sons, following the overall construction plan for the Tabernacle (Exod 25-27) and the appointment of Aaron's family for priesthood (Exod 28:1). This verse sets the overarching purpose for all subsequent specific garment descriptions (ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, sash). Historically, it reflects the establishment of the Levitical priesthood in ancient Israel, essential for mediating between a holy God and His chosen but sinful people. The garments were not of human design or choice but were strictly prescribed by God, contrasting sharply with pagan cultic practices which often involved gaudy or unholy attire reflective of their deities or human preferences.

Exodus 28 2 Word analysis

• You (אַתָּה - attah): Refers directly to Moses. This highlights that the command comes from God through Moses, emphasizing the divine authority and Moses' role as the faithful intermediary in receiving and executing God's specific instructions. It underscores divine initiative in establishing the priesthood.

• shall make (תַּעֲשֶׂה - ta'aseh): A strong imperative, denoting a divine command, not a suggestion. It signifies the responsibility of human agency (Moses) in crafting according to God's precise pattern. The process required skill and care (Exod 31:1-6).

• holy (קֹדֶשׁ - qodesh): Meaning "set apart," "sacred," "consecrated," "devoted." These garments were not ordinary attire; they were distinct, ceremonially pure, and dedicated exclusively for use in God's service. This emphasizes the radical distinction between the holy (God's realm) and the common, requiring a prepared state to approach God.

• garments (בְּגָדִים - begadim): Specific attire, referring to the full ensemble of priestly vestments. This wasn't merely decorative but functional, signifying roles, enabling worship, and providing a visual representation of the priest's consecrated status.

• for Aaron (לְאַהֲרֹן - le'aharon): Designates the recipient. Aaron was chosen by God as the first High Priest, representing the entire priesthood. His brotherly relationship to Moses also subtly highlights the divine choice within the family lineage.

• your brother (אָחִיךָ - achicha): Emphasizes the close personal relationship, though divinely appointed, reflecting the specific family line God chose for the priesthood (Levi, via Aaron).

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "holy garments": This phrase defines the nature of the clothing. It stresses the foundational requirement of sacredness and separation for anything used in God's service, directly linking the priest's appearance to his holy function.
  • "for glory and for beauty" (לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרָה - le'kavod u'letif'arah): This is the twofold purpose.
    • Glory (כָבוֹד - kavod): Connotes weight, honor, majesty, splendor, and reputation. These garments were meant to reflect the divine glory, signifying God's own honor and majesty rather than the priest's personal fame. They contributed to the solemnity and awe appropriate for the service of the Lord.
    • Beauty (תִּפְאָרָה - tif'arah): Implies splendor, elegance, adornment, and dignity. It speaks to the aesthetic perfection and fitness for God's presence, signifying a visual representation of dignity and honor associated with approaching the Almighty. It's a divinely ordained beauty, not for human vanity but for exalting the office and God Himself. This phrase sets a high standard for aesthetics in worship, where beauty is not incidental but intrinsic to honoring God.

Exodus 28 2 Bonus section

• The elaborate and costly nature of the garments, alongside their divine design, signified the immense value God places on His relationship with His people and the sacredness of mediation. It taught Israel that only the very best was suitable for the Lord.
• The phrase "for glory and for beauty" also functions as a thematic statement for much of the Tabernacle's design itself (Exod 25-27), indicating God's delight in order, excellence, and splendor in His dwelling place.
• From a practical theological perspective, this verse speaks to the importance of reverent preparation for divine service. While we are no longer under the Law's requirements for physical priestly garments, the principle of approaching God with an attitude of consecration, reverence, and spiritual "adornment" (e.g., righteousness, purity, humility) remains. Our "garments" today are often our attitudes, actions, and character, which should bring glory and beauty to God.

Exodus 28 2 Commentary

Exodus 28:2 lays the theological foundation for the elaborate priestly vestments detailed in the rest of the chapter. Far from being mere decorative items or fashion statements, these garments served profound symbolic and theological purposes, divinely ordained for the proper administration of worship in the Tabernacle.

The command "You shall make holy garments" underscores God's meticulous involvement in every aspect of Israelite worship. Holiness is paramount; everything associated with drawing near to God must be consecrated, set apart from the common, and dedicated exclusively to Him. These garments visually marked Aaron as a holy man, distinguishing him from the common people and reminding all of the sanctity required in God's presence.

The dual purpose, "for glory and for beauty," is particularly rich. "Glory" refers to the weighty presence and majesty of God Himself, which these garments were to reflect. They were not for Aaron's personal honor, but for the glory of the High Priesthood, which mediated the glorious presence of God. This points to the divine splendor inherent in God's ordering of worship. "Beauty" speaks to the aesthetic perfection and dignity befitting God's sanctuary. It suggests that worship should be offered with the highest regard for order, elegance, and excellence. This divinely commanded beauty also enhanced the people's respect for the sacred office and inspired awe for the God being served.

Ultimately, these physical garments, designed with divine foresight, foreshadow the spiritual "garments" and true Priesthood in Christ. He is our High Priest, perfectly clothed in righteousness and splendor, mediating a "glory and beauty" that transcends the Tabernacle. Believers, clothed in Christ's righteousness, are called to be a "holy priesthood" (1 Pet 2:5), serving God in the "splendor of holiness" (Ps 29:2). This verse reminds us that God desires holiness, dignity, and beauty in all forms of worship, from the external preparation to the internal disposition of the worshiper, always pointing to His ultimate glory.