EXODUS 28
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. – Exodus 28:31-39
EXODUS 28 THE BLUE ROBE OF THE EPHOD
We come now to the instructions on how to make the robe of the ephod. The color blue was specified to be used. It is interesting how God clearly told Moses that the opening for the head in the middle must be woven with a binding to ensure that it doesn’t tear when worn and removed. I am trained by my seamstress aunt to ensure that all edges are hemmed properly and holes or button openings need to be stitched on it’s opening to avoid tearing it. This ephod was worn to cover the heart and body of the high priest.
Another detail in the hem of the ephod is the inclusion of pomegranates of blue and purple and bells of gold attached to it. According to inspiredscriptures.com, If the high priest died, the bells would stop, and others would know to pull him out using a rope attached to him. In verse 35, it explains why it is necessary to have the bells so that when he enters the Holy Place and comes out, he wouldn’t die.
The next is the turban that is to be worn on Aaron’s head. A gold plate is engraved on it like a signet ring and fastened on the turban with a cord of blue. In verse 38, we know why it had to be worn by Aaron for the acceptance of the people to the Lord.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think God included all these details for Aaron’s garments?
