What is the meaning of Exodus 28:5? They shall use gold “ They shall use gold ” (Exodus 28:5) sets the tone for the whole priestly garment. Gold is the metal of kingship, purity, and glory. • Exodus 25:11 shows the ark overlaid with pure gold—where God’s presence dwells—linking the priests’ clothing to the very throne room of God. • 1 Kings 6:22 notes Solomon covering the inner sanctuary with gold, underscoring holiness. • Revelation 21:18 pictures the New Jerusalem built of gold, pointing forward to the eternal dwelling where God’s people will serve Him. The instruction reminds us that ministering before the LORD is a high privilege demanding the finest material, mirroring His own majesty. along with blue Blue threads follow immediately, conveying heaven’s hue and divine revelation. • Numbers 15:38–39 commands Israel to attach a blue cord to their tassels “so that you will remember all the LORD’s commandments,” tying blue to obedience. • Ezekiel 1:26 describes the sapphire-colored throne above the cherubim, reinforcing blue as a heavenly signature. Every time the high priest moved, the blue in his garments visually lifted the people’s eyes to the God who dwells above yet walks with His people. purple Purple combines red and blue, historically reserved for royalty because of its costly dye. • Judges 8:26 records Midianite kings wearing purple robes. • Proverbs 31:22 depicts the noble woman clothing herself in purple, symbolizing dignity. • John 19:2 shows soldiers mocking Jesus with a purple robe, ironically proclaiming His true kingship. By weaving purple into priestly robes, God declares that His appointed mediator serves in royal dignity, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest-King. scarlet yarn Scarlet, a vivid red, speaks of sacrifice and cleansing. • Isaiah 1:18 promises, “Though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” • Matthew 27:28 notes the scarlet robe placed on Jesus before the cross, connecting color to atonement. • Revelation 17:4 presents scarlet clothing in judgment contexts, warning of counterfeit glory. Scarlet threads in the ephod remind worshipers that access to God always involves shed blood; the priest bears that truth visibly. and fine linen Finally, “fine linen” gives the fabric its texture—clean, bright, strong. • Exodus 26:1 describes the tabernacle curtains of fine twisted linen, matching the priest with the sanctuary itself. • Revelation 19:8 explains that fine linen “stands for the righteous acts of the saints,” linking purity with righteous living. Clothed in white linen, the priest embodies moral purity and readiness for holy service—pointing to Christ “dazzling white” at the Transfiguration (Mark 9:3). summary Exodus 28:5 layers meaning through each material: gold for glory, blue for heaven, purple for royalty, scarlet for sacrifice, and fine linen for purity. Together they weave a portrait of the perfect Mediator—Jesus Christ—whose ministry fulfills every shade of significance so that we, robed in His righteousness, may draw near to God. |