Exodus 28:2
And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אָחִ֑יךָ
thy brother
H251
אָחִ֑יךָ
thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 7
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
Exodus 31:10And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,Leviticus 8:30And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.Revelation 19:8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Job 40:10Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.Exodus 28:40And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Historical Context
The high priest's elaborate garments distinguished him from common priests (who wore simpler linen) and from the people. These garments were worn only during tabernacle service, then carefully stored, emphasizing the separation between sacred and common life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ display both God's 'glory' (majesty) and 'beauty' (attractiveness)?
- What 'priestly garments' (spiritual realities) should characterize believers as Christ's priests?
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Analysis & Commentary
Holy garments for Aaron 'for glory and for beauty' (לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת, l'kavod ul'tiferet). The priest represents God to the people and people to God; his appearance must reflect both roles. The garments don't make him holy (consecration does that) but display his holy status. 'Glory' suggests weight, honor, majesty—God's character. 'Beauty' suggests attractiveness, desirability—God's appeal. Christ our High Priest displays both God's glory and beauty, making God both awesome and attractive.