Chapter 28
I enjoy watching “Who Done It” crime shows. Trying to figure out the plot and all its twists and turns is like trying to solve a puzzle with very few pieces. Over time, I’ve watched many different types of crime shows. One of my favorites, even today, is “Columbo.” He wasn’t the typical high-tech detective, but I like his mannerisms and logical approach.
Today, science plays a big role in detective work. That’s one reason “Forensic Files” is so popular. DNA matching has become a standard tool in police investigations. DNA seems to be everywhere. Did you know that the human body sheds about 30,000 skin cells every minute? That’s roughly 1.8 million skin cells every hour! It’s like we are constantly walking around in a dust cloud of our skin! (Okay that may sound gross, but you know what I mean.) While these are dead skin cells and typically don’t contain DNA, our fingerprints can. Fingerprints not only contain skin cells but also oils and sweat. Those can carry DNA.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Tim, this is a Bible study. Why are you talking about DNA and skin cells?” Well, I’m pointing out a really cool similarity. We, as humans, are always leaving a mark, even when we’re unaware.
As we continue through this part of Exodus, I can’t help but notice more and more how many small signs of Jesus are dusted throughout these verses. The connections are there, hidden but clear. What I’ve pointed out is just the shallow surface. There are so many “fingerprints” of our Savior in these verses. His presence is all over the place. Yes, these symbols were unknown to Israel at the time, but now, and especially after the resurrection, if people pause and look closely, they won’t be able to honestly deny the connection.
We also have that same choice. As we go through this study, we have the privilege of seeing something that many others can’t. I hope you choose to share what God reveals to you with others. Many can’t see beyond the surface of the religion in these pages, but you can. Help them see the excitement in these words so they can walk closer with our Savior.
The Priestly Garments
1 “Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. [The priesthood of Israel was not earned by effort or ambition. It could only be inherited by birthright. The importance of this is made known in Jesus, the Ultimate High Priest.] 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. 3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters [The special talents and skills one possesses are not by one’s own wonderful making. These talents and skills were given by God to you, so that you may use them to bring Him glory. They are not given because we are so good and perfect, but despite our imperfection, by God’s Grace.] that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
The Ephod
6 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen–the work of skilled hands. [The ephod was essentially an ornate apron-like garment.] 7 It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8 Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it–of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen.
9 “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth–six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. 13 Make gold filigree settings 14 and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.
[The first priority and purpose of the priest was to minister before God. The priest also is constantly connected to the people, bearing then on his shoulders.]
The Breastplate
15 “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions [also translated “judgement”] –the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square–a span long and a span wide–and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
22 “For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.
29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. [Not only does the priest bear the names of his people on his shoulders, thus bearing their load, he bore their names over his heart, showing his love for them. Can we see how clearly this describes our wonderful Savior?] Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.
Other Priestly Garments
31 “Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, 32 with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. 33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die. [The bells represent the continue work, unseen by the people. Just as Jesus, though unseen is still our mediator in heaven on our behalf.]
36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord. 37 Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. 38 It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD. [The turban had an inscription on it which said, “Holy to the Lord”. Jesus worn his crown of thorns, knowing that his sacrifice was an offering “Holy to the Lord”]
39 “Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. 40 Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honor. 41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.
42 “Make linen undergarments as a covering for the body, reaching from the waist to the thigh. 43 Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the tent of meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. “This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants.
