Day 101 - Exodus 28, Verses 1-21

From: Chapter-A-Day: Volume 1 By: Norman W. Berry

• 3 min. read • grade level: 6

A very important chapter for us all to try to understand. It can be the beginning of a change in your Christian life. This chapter gives great details about the garments that Aaron the High Priest wore when he went into “the holiest of all,” that is, into God’s presence. So why does God take 43 verses to tell us about Aaron’s clothes? Because He wants us to realize what it all means today. Let’s take it one step at a time. Aaron is a picture of Christ as our High Priest now in heaven (Heb. 9:25²⁵Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; (Hebrews 9:25)). His work on the cross here on earth is finished. He is perfect and we have as perfect a standing before God as He has! (Heb. 10:14¹⁴For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)).

BUT we are weak and need another work for us while we are down here on earth. So let’s turn to Heb. 8:1, 6; 9:11, 24; 10:21-22¹Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; (Hebrews 8:1)
⁶But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. (Hebrews 8:6)
¹¹But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (Hebrews 9:11)
²⁴For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24)
²¹And having an high priest over the house of God; ²²Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:21‑22), and Rom. 5:10¹⁰For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10). Each tells of a different work He is doing now for us in heaven.

Our feebleness and failures are what shows us His grace in living and praying for us. The High Priest (Christ) goes to God for us, even before we fail! Now let us look at our chapter. These garments (there are 7 mentioned, V.4, 36) were always to be worn when Aaron went into God’s presence (there was one exception). He represented the people when with God in “the holiest.” The 7 garments each represent a picture of what Christ is and is doing for us NOW. He is not complete without us (Eph. 1:23²³Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:23)); we are not complete without Him (Col. 2:10¹⁰And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:10)).

V.1 Aaron and his sons are closely associated — as Christ is with all believers in Him. Aaron was to be a servant (minister) before God.

V.2 “Glory and beauty,” same words describing Christ in Hebrews 2:7⁷Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: (Hebrews 2:7) (glory and honor).

V.4 The garments (1) breastplate. Described in more detail in verses 15-21. When Aaron entered the “Holy Place”, each one of the 12 stones would shine in a different color. He wore it on his breast of love. You and I, individually, are loved each in an individual way by Christ in God’s presence. (2) Ephod, It seems to be a cloth which was bound around the body. (3) Robe, see verse 32. That verse reminds us of the robe which the Lord wore (John 19:23²³Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (John 19:23)) which can be His indivisible divinity. (4) Coat, like a tunic, to put over the other articles. (5) Miter, to cover the forehead it had a pure gold plate (vvs. 36-38). Though we are often impure in our thoughts and deeds, Christ presents us as perfect and holy before God! Are these things touching your heart? (6) Girdle. Like a belt. It bound up the flowing robes, so it suggests active service (Isa. 11:5⁵And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. (Isaiah 11:5)).

Count how many times the word “names” or “name” appears. God looks upon each believer in Christ with the same pleasure and favor as He looks upon Christ Himself.

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