What is the meaning of Exodus 28:40? Make tunics • “Make tunics” (Exodus 28:40). God commands garments that fully cover the priest’s body, symbolizing righteousness and purity. • Similar provision is seen when “the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21), reminding us that proper covering comes from God Himself. • The tunic was woven as “a checkerwork of fine linen” (Exodus 28:39), anticipating the “fine linen, white and clean” that clothes the armies of heaven (Revelation 19:14). • By clothing His priests, the Lord visually teaches Israel—and us—that holy service requires God-provided righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Sashes • Sashes gathered the tunic at the waist, keeping the priest ready for action (Exodus 29:9). • Scripture links a sash with faithfulness: “Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist” (Isaiah 11:5). • Jesus appears “clothed in a robe reaching down to His feet, with a golden sash around His chest” (Revelation 1:13), showing that the earthly priestly pattern points to the ultimate High Priest. • The sash reminds believers today to “gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Peter 1:13), living alert and disciplined lives. Headbands • The headpiece—sometimes called a turban—held a gold plate engraved “Holy to the LORD” (Exodus 28:36–38). • When Joshua the high priest received “a clean turban” (Zechariah 3:5), it signified removal of guilt and restoration of honor. • God promises His people will be “a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD” (Isaiah 62:3), echoing this priestly adornment. • The headband lifts the gaze upward, reminding priests and worshipers alike that holiness begins in the mind and is devoted to God. For Aaron’s sons • The garments are “for Aaron’s sons,” setting apart every member of the priestly family, not just Aaron himself (Exodus 28:40). • Numbers 3:3 notes that Aaron’s sons “were anointed priests, ordained to serve,” underscoring a generational calling. • Hebrews 5:1 says, “Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God,” highlighting the mediating role given to this family. • In Christ the priesthood widens: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). What was once limited to Aaron’s line now belongs to all who are in Jesus. To give them glory • The purpose is “to give them glory.” God clothes His servants with honor so His own glory will be reflected through them (Psalm 8:5). • Hebrews 2:7 repeats that mankind is “crowned with glory and honor,” showing God’s original intent for His image-bearers. • Even the Old Covenant ministry “was glorious” (2 Corinthians 3:7), yet it pointed to an even greater glory in Christ. • When priests ministered in these garments, Israel saw a glimpse of the majesty of their God who bestows glory on His representatives. And splendor • “And splendor” (Exodus 28:40) adds the idea of beauty that inspires worship. • Malachi 2:7 reminds priests that “the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge,” combining outward splendor with inward truth. • Believers “are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18), showing that splendor is not merely external but a Spirit-wrought radiance. • The final vision of the church is that of “a bride adorned for her husband…having the glory of God. Her radiance was like a most precious jewel” (Revelation 21:2, 11). The priestly garments foreshadow this ultimate display of divine splendor in God’s people. summary Exodus 28:40 shows God personally designing tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons so His priests would serve clothed in His own glory and splendor. Each item points beyond itself: the tunic to righteousness, the sash to readiness and faithfulness, the headband to holiness of mind, and the collective attire to the honored role bestowed on those who stand between God and humanity. This verse affirms that God delights to robe His servants with beauty that reflects His character, a reality fully realized in our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, and shared with all who belong to Him. |
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