Exodus 28: Special Clothing

In Exodus 28, God describes the special garments that His priests shall wear in ministry before Him.  The vestments are rich in spiritual symbolism.

An ephod will be part of the equipment, with 2 stones inscribed with the twelve tribes of Israel to be worn on the shoulders (vs. 9-12).  A breastplate is commanded to be worn, with 12 gemstones, also representing the sons of Israel (vs. 21).  The reason for these instructions is so that Aaron may bear the names of the tribes on his shoulders (vs. 12) and carry their names close to his heart (vs. 29).

Bells are also part of the outfit so that Aaron can be heard as he ministers in the holy place and the people will know that he has not been struck dead (vs. 35).

Always on Aaron's mind is to be the expression, "Holy to the Lord," which he will wear in gold on his forehead (vs. 36-38).

All in all, it is a weighty - and glorious - responsibility to be a priest before the Lord, and their prescribed clothing represents that truth.