Exodus:28

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* Verse 1-5 - Hitherto the heads of families were the priests , and offered sacrifices ; but now this office was confined to the family of Aaron only ; and so continued till the gospel dispensation . The holy garments not only distinguished the priests from the people , but were emblems of that holy conduct which should ever be the glory and beauty , the mark of the ministers of religion , without which their persons and ministrations will be had in contempt . They also typified the glory of the Divine majesty , and the beauty of complete holiness , which rendered Jesus Christ the great High Priest . But our adorning under the gospel , is not to be of gold and costly array , but the garments of salvation , the robe of righteousness . * Verse 6-14 - This richly-wrought ephod was the outmost garment of the high priest ; plain linen ephods were worn by the inferior priests . It was a short coat without sleeves , fastened close to the body with a girdle . The shoulder-pieces were buttoned together with precious stones set in gold , one on each shoulder , on which were engraven the names of the children of Israel . Thus Christ , our High Priest , presents his people before the Lord for a memorial . As Christ 's coat had no seam , but was woven from the top throughout , so it was with the ephod . The golden bells on this ephod , by their preciousness and pleasant sound , well represent the good profession that the saints make , and the pomegranates the fruit they bring forth . * Verse 15-30 - The chief ornament of the high priest , was the breastplate , a rich piece of cloth , curiously worked . The name of each tribe was graven in a precious stone , fixed in the breastplate , to signify how precious , in God 's sight , believers are , and how honourable . How small and poor soever the tribe was , it was as a precious stone in the breastplate of the high priest ; thus are all the saints dear to Christ , however men esteem them . The high priest had the names of the tribes , both on his shoulders and on his breast , which reminds us of the power and the love with which our Lord Jesus pleads for those that are his . He not only bears them up in his arms with almighty strength , but he carries them in his bosom with tender affection . What comfort is this to us in all our addresses to God ! The Urim and Thummim , by which the will of God was made known in doubtful cases , were put in this breastplate . Urim and Thummim signify light and integrity . There are many conjectures what these were ; the most probable opinion seems to be , that they were the twelve precious stones in the high priest 's breastplate . Now , Christ is our Oracle . By him God , in these last days , makes known himself and his mind to us , Hebrews strkjv @1:1 ,2 . John strkjv @1:18 . He is the true Light , the faithful Witness , the Truth itself , and from him we receive the Spirit of Truth , who leads into all truth . * Verse 31-39 - The robe of the ephod was under the ephod , and reached down to the knees , without sleeves . Aaron must minister in the garments appointed . We must serve the Lord with holy fear , as those who know they deserve to die . A golden plate was fixed on Aaron 's forehead , engraven with "Holiness to the Lord ." Aaron was hereby reminded that God is holy , and that his priests must be holy , devoted to the Lord . This must appear in their forehead , in open profession of their relation to God . It must be engraven like the engravings of a signet ; deep and durable ; not painted so as to be washed off , but firm and lasting ; such must our holiness to the Lord be . Christ is our High Priest ; through him sins are forgiven to us , and not laid to our charge . Our persons , our doings , are pleasing to God upon the account of Christ , and not otherwise . * Verse 40-43 - The priest 's garments typify the righteousness of Christ . If we appear not before God in that , we shall bear our iniquity , and die . Blessed is he , therefore , that watcheth , and keepeth his garments , Revelation strkjv @16:15 . And blessed be God that we have a High Priest , appointed of God , and set apart for his work ; furnished for his high office by the glory of his Divine majesty , and the beauty of perfect holiness . Happy are we , if by the law spiritually understood , we see that such a High Priest became us ; that we cannot draw near to a holy God , or be accepted , but by him . There is no light , no wisdom , no perfection , but from him ; no glory , no beauty , but in being like unto him . Let us take encouragement from the power , love , and compassion of our High Priest , to draw near with boldness to the throne of grace , that we may obtain mercy , and find grace to help in time of need . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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