Exodus 28:31 - Meaning and Application

Here is the instruction about the robe of the ephod (Exodus 28:31-35). This robe came under the ephod and reached to the knees. It had no sleeves and was put on over the head, with openings at the sides for the arms. Some say it was not sewn together at the sides at all. The opening at the top, where the head went through, was carefully finished so it would not tear when it was put on.

In worship, care must be taken to avoid anything that would distract worshipers or make the service look careless. Golden bells and pomegranates made of colored yarn were attached around the hem of the robe. The pomegranates added beauty, and the bells let the people in the outer court know when the high priest, Aaron, went into the holy place to burn incense, so they could pray at the same time (Luke 1:10). This showed their agreement with him in his offering and their hope that their prayers would rise to God through the incense he offered.

Aaron had to come near to minister in the garments appointed for him, or he would die. It was dangerous for him to serve in any other way than the one God had ordered. This reminds us that we must serve the Lord with fear and humble reverence, knowing that we deserve death and can easily make a serious mistake.

Some take the bells on the holy robe to represent the sound of the gospel of Christ in the world, announcing his entrance within the veil for us. Blessed are those who hear this joyful sound (Psalm 89:15). The pomegranates, a fragrant fruit, may point to the sweet smell of the gospel as well as its joyful message, for it brings life and not death. The church is also called an orchard of pomegranates.

Next comes the golden plate fixed on Aaron’s forehead, engraved with the words, “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36-37), or “The holiness of Jehovah.” Aaron was to be reminded by this that God is holy and that his priests must also be holy. Holiness belongs to God’s house and all who serve in it. The high priest had to be set apart from all impurity and given over to God, his service, and God’s honor. In the same way, all who attend in God’s house should have “Holiness to the Lord” written on their foreheads. That is, they must be holy, devoted to the Lord, and aim at his glory in everything they do.

This holiness should show openly, like writing on the forehead. It means an open confession that they belong to God, and a life in the world that matches that confession. It also must be engraved like a signet ring, deep and lasting, not just painted on to wash away. Our holiness to the Lord should be just as real and lasting.

Aaron wore this on his forehead so that he could bear the guilt of the holy things (Exodus 28:38) and make them acceptable before the Lord. Here Aaron pointed forward to Christ, the great Mediator, meaning the one who brings God and people together, through whom we have access to God. Through Christ, what is wrong in our service is pardoned. God’s law is strict, and in many things we fall short, so there is always some guilt mixed with even our best actions. When we want to do good, evil is still present. If God dealt with us by strict judgment, this would destroy us. But Christ, our high priest, bears this guilt for us and takes it away from us, so it is forgiven and not counted against us.

Through Christ, what is good in us is also accepted. Our persons and our works are pleasing to God because of Christ’s intercession, and not in any other way (1 Peter 2:5). His holiness to the Lord recommends all who share in his righteousness and are clothed with his Spirit to God’s favor. That is why he said he set himself apart for our sake (John 17:19). Since we have such a high priest, we may come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16).

The rest of the garments are only named (Exodus 28:39), because there was nothing unusual about them. The embroidered linen coat was worn next to the body. It reached to the feet, and its sleeves went to the wrists. It was fastened with a woven sash. The mitre, or headband, was of linen, like the crowns ancient rulers wore in the East, and it pointed to the kingly office of Christ. He is a priest on a throne (Zechariah 6:13), a priest with a crown. God has joined these two together, and we must not try to separate them.