Heavenly Garments Pt.1 • Exodus 28

Review & Overview

1.Previous Study’s Review

Moses went up the Mountain of God in chp.24,    there he will receive instructions regarding the Tabernacle…    the Ark… the Table of Showbread… the Golden Lampstand… & others things… he’ll remain up there until chp.32.

In chp.26-27 God told Moses how to build the Tabernacle…        &        the Altar of Burnt offering… 

2. Current Study’s Overview

Now in chp.28-29  God continues to give Moses instructions…      this time regarding the Priesthood…

There are 3 things to note about the Priesthood in these 2 chapters… 

1.  The People in the Priesthood Vs. 1

Aaron is a descendent of Levi & is the 1st High Priest, he & his sons were to be Priests unto the Lord….

They will be given the task of offering the sacrifices…  &   transporting & erecting the Tabernacle…

In Lev.10:1 we’ll see that Nadab & Abihu were killed by God for offering up strange fire…  

So Eleazar & Ithamar will assume the role of the Priesthood… &  Eleazar will eventually replace Aaron.

The Job of the Priests were to be Mediators between God & Man…  

Now in Heb.5: & 7: we see a sharp contrast between the Priesthood of Aaron & the Priesthood of Jesus…            who came in the order of Melchizedek…

We’ll see the Aaronic Priesthood was imperfect…   &   that Jesus’ Priesthood was perfect…

The Aaronic Priesthood points to the Perfect Mediator, Jesus Christ…   1 Tim.2:5 there is one God & one Mediator between God & men the Man Christ Jesus…

1 Timothy 2:5 NKJV

5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Why is a mediator necessary? The answer lies in the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man.

Sin creates a chasm between us and God—a gap that cannot be bridged by human efforts. A mediator serves to bridge that gap and reconcile us with God.

The mediatorial work of Christ thus serves as the cornerstone of our faith.

ILLUSTRATION: About why one needs a mediator? A mediator gives two people the means to communicate.

2.  Garments for the Priesthood Vs. 2 - 43 (7)

2.1 Holy Garments Vs. 2-4

They are Holy:   So all the garments are to be Holy…  set apart, consecrated unto the Lord…

In Isa.61:3 we’re told when the Messiah comes He will do many things…   one thing is that He will give us the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of heaviness…

Isaiah 61:1–3 NKJV

1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

APPLICATION: So Jesus Christ clothes us with Holy Garments…     wraps us with Robes of Righteousness…

2.2 Onyx Stones: Engravings Vs. 5-14

Picture Slide

Ephod: presumably a sleeveless vest like garment…      read.

2 Onyx stones, typically black with white lines in it… with all 12 tribes inscribed on it, 6 on each stone.

Thus the priest would in effect carry the 12 tribes of Israel on his shoulders as he came into the Tabernacle in going before the Lord…

The fact that the names were borne on the high priest's shoulders might symbolize the weight and responsibility of leadership.

Shoulders often signify strength or responsibility, and the high priest carrying the names on his shoulders might serve as a metaphor for the spiritual responsibility of interceding for the people.

So here we are given a powerful image of the responsibility and weight carried on his shoulders—quite literally! On each of his shoulders, there was an onyx stone inscribed with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel.

These stones were not mere ornaments but powerful symbols that the high priest was to bear when he entered the Holy Place, representing his people before God.

In many ways, this vivid image is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. The author of Hebrews tells us...

Hebrews 4:14 NKJV

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Like the high priest who bore the names of the Israelites on his shoulders, Jesus too carries the weight and responsibility of leading His people.

But His leadership is not burdensome; it's rooted in a love so profound that He carried the weight of our sins on the cross.

His shoulders bore not just stones but the very cross that would bring salvation to all who believe.

Why is this significant? Just as the high priest entered the Holy Place with the names of the tribes on his shoulders, Jesus entered the very presence of God, carrying us with Him.

He intercedes for us, offering prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears (Hebrews 5:7).

His act of carrying this weight on His shoulders was the ultimate sacrifice that allows us to enter God's presence boldly...

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

APPLICATION: So, as you go through your day, remember the weight Jesus willingly bore on His shoulders for you.

Be reminded that you are not merely a name engraved on a stone, but you are engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).

Isaiah 49:16 NKJV

16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.

He carries you into the presence of God, and because of Him, you can approach the throne of grace with confidence, fully known and fully loved.

2.3 The Breastplate Vs. 15-30

Vs. 15-28 - 4 rows, with 3 stones in each row:

Sardius: deep red, purple.

Topaz:      pale green, yellow.

Emerald: dark green, or scarlet depending on the translation..

Turquoise:   blue - green

Sapphire:     transparent deep blue

Diamond:  clear, white

Jacinth:       ?

Agate:        stone with many layers & colors…

Amethyst:  (quarts) violet… to purple

Beryl:    many colors,    pure = clear transparent

Onyx:    black with white lines

Jasper:  clear dark green

So many different kinds of stones in shapes, colors, values…   all different but all Very Precious…

Interesting picture of the church… 1 Cor.12:20 many different members but one body… all precious…

1 Corinthians 12:20 NKJV

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

Vs. 29-30 - Now notice, not only are the children of Israel on the High Priest’s shoulders but they are on the Heart of the High Priest continually…  just as our High Priest has a heart for us continually…

Zechariah 2:8 NKJV

8 For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.

But what does this mean for us practically?

You are Never Alone: Knowing that you are close to Jesus' heart means that you are never alone. Whatever trials or tribulations you may face, you can have the assurance that He is with you, empathizing with your weaknesses and giving you the strength to overcome.

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

You are Always Remembered: Being close to Jesus' heart means that He always remembers you. You are never forgotten or overlooked. Your cares are His cares, and your joys are His joys.

Psalm 139:17–18 NKJV

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

You are Loved Unconditionally: Jesus' love is not fickle or conditional. Whether you're on the mountaintop of spiritual highs or in the valley of doubts and failures, His love remains steadfast.

Romans 8:38–39 NKJV

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

APPLICATION: As you go through your day, take some time to meditate on this amazing love.

Let it fill you with the peace and assurance that you are dearly loved and forever close to the heart of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.

2.4 The Robe Vs. 31-35

Robe: was worn under the Ephod & Breastplate…

It had bells on the bottom so when he was in the Holy of Holies you could hear if he was still alive… 

tradition tells us they would tie a rope around his ankle to pull him out if the bells stopped ringing…

APPLICATION: We should be flippant in our worshipping of the Lord

James 3:1 don’t many of you become teachers…

2.5 The Head Covering Vs. 36-38

Signet & Turban:   this head covering was not a sign of power or prestige… but submission.

Holy to the Lord, set apart, consecrated, dedicated to the Lord…   I will Submit to Your Lordship.

2.6 Vs. 39-41

So every aspect of their garments were to be: anointed, consecrated, sanctified. 

APPLICATION: Just like our lives…   we too are set apart for the Lord…    2 Cor.6:17 come out from among…

2.7 Vs. 42-43

Trousers:  all these garments were to be made with Fine Linen…    not wool…

Because Linen doesn’t sweat…      

Chuck:  serving the Lord is no sweat…   it’s not work…

APPLICATION: I will serve You because I love You…

1.  People in the Priesthood:            2.  Garments for the Priesthood:

Chp.29:1-46    3.  Consecration of the Priesthood:       Lev.8: …

vs.1-14,  So they got all dressed up poured oil on their heads and started to sacrifice the bull & 2 rams…

In vs.10 they put their hands on the head of the bull symbolizing the transference of sin. then kill it…

Death is always the result of Sin…  Rom.6:23 the wages of sin is death…   but P.T.L. our High Priest has conquered sin death & hell...

vs.15-22,   So the 1st ram was offered to the Lord…   the 2nd ram was to consecrate Aaron & his sons...

The blood was put on his Ear:  I want to hear You…     Thumb: I want to serve You…    &    Toe: I want to follow You…

Lord I want my whole body to be set apart for You…   everything I hear…    everything I touch… everywhere I go…                 totally living my life for You…

vs.23-28,  The Wave Offering: is waving it back and forth…  Heave Offering:  is heaving it up & down…   

Signifying that all their work is unto the Lord & to celebrate the coving of sin…  more in Lev….   

vs.29-37, For 7 Days they are to wear the Holy Garments, have Oil poured on them and Slaughter a bull…

For 7 days they are covered from head to toe with oil & blood before they could Serve the Lord…

There is always a time of preparation before we can serve the Lord…  if it seem like a long time of preparation in your life…     just be thankful you don’t have to spend 7 days covered in oil & blood.

vs.38-46,   Ephah:  4-6 gal…   Hin:  6-8 pints…

Even though Aaron and his sons did many things as it pertains to being Sanctified or Set Apart…

vs.44-46 it was the Lord who sanctified them…  &  brought them out of Egypt to dwell among them…

What a glorious truth for us…  we aren’t sanctified by our good works or deeds, its by the Lord… and He desires for all of us to come out of Egypt which represents the flesh that He may dwell among us…