Instructions for Priestly Garments
Chapter 28 gives instructions on the making of the priestly garments. The
Priests were Aaron and his four sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Moses
was to assemble the people together and those who were gifted with sewing
abilities were to make the following garments. Only 6 are listed in this
chapter, later, two pieces of under garments will be added.
Note: The large uppercase letters after the name of each article of clothing
i.e. (E), refers to sheet in the Illustrations at the beginning of the study
showing the Priests and their garments.
- THE EPHOD (E) this was an apron-like garment worn under the
breastplate. It was to be made of gold colored fine twined linen
with pieces of blue, purple and scarlet cloth skillfully woven in.
On the shoulder pieces, were two onyx stones with the names of the
12 Tribes of Israel engraved upon them, 6 on each one. Attached to
the stones were loops of gold brad.
- THE BREASTPLATE (H) This was made of a piece of gold cloth, 18
inches by 9 inches ( 1 cubit by 1 span) folded over to form a square
9 inches by 9 inches. The fold was at the bottom forming a pouch.
It was encrusted with 4 rows of precious stones, 3 stones each.
- Row 1 was the Sardius, the Topaz and the Carbuncle
- Row 2 was the Emerald, the Sapphire and the Diamond.
- Row 3 was the Jacinth, the Agate and the Amethyst.
- Row 4 was the Beryl, the Onyx and the Jasper.
12 stones with each bearing one of the names of the 12 Tribes of Israel. It
was hung from the shoulders by gold chains attached to the breastplate by 2
gold rings. It was worn by the Chief Priest so that each time he entered the
Holy of Holies he would bring the 12 Tribes to the remembrance of the Lord.
Inside the pouch was placed the "Urim" and the "Thummim", small stones were
kept and used in the casting of lots when the priest wished for an "oracle" of
God's will under certain circumstances. One was for yes and on was for no.
Later another was added for a "neutral" answer
- THE ROBE (D) this robe was worn over the coat and was made of blue
linen. Attached to the bottom were pomegranates colored blue,
purple and scarlet. This was a most beautiful fruit that grew in
Palestine and Egypt. Its leaves were a bright green and its fruit
resembled red hard skinned oranges. Its seeds produced red juice,
bitter but satisfying. (Num. 20:5) It was used for a beverage as
well as for medicinal purposes. Bells of gold were attached on the
bottom of the robe between the pomegranates.
- THE TURBAN (G) the turban was a long white scarf that was wrapped
around the head and secured at the front by an engraved gold plate.
Engraved on the plate was the words, "Holy unto the Lord." It was
a statement of responsibility by Aaron, the Chief Priest, that he
was responsible for any guilt incurred in the offerings which he
made for the people.
- THE COAT (C) The coat was worn under the robe and was made of a
checkered material.
- THE GIRDLE (F) the girdle was made of fine linen embroidered with
needlework. It was worn around the waist over the ephod to hold the
ephod in place.
Then they were instructed to make coats, girdles and caps for Aaron's sons
and for Aaron and his sons, they were to make under garments, linen breeches
and undershirts. When these were complete, Aaron and his sons were to be
consecrated for the service of the Lord.
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