Exodus 35:19
The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְשָׁרֵ֣ת
to do service
H8334
לְשָׁרֵ֣ת
to do service
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
4 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
5 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
H6944
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
in the holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
8 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
10 of 14
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The high priest's garments were extraordinarily elaborate, incorporating gold, blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, precious stones, and bells. They differed markedly from the simpler garments of ordinary priests, visually representing the high priest's unique mediatorial position between God and people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the high priest's elaborate garments communicate theological truths about mediation and holiness?
- In what ways does Aaron's priestly clothing prefigure Christ's perfect righteousness and mediatorial work?
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Analysis & Commentary
Cloths of service (בִּגְדֵי־הַשְּׂרָד, bigdei-haserad) and holy garments for Aaron distinguish between practical vestments for ministry and sacred garments signifying the high priest's mediatorial role. The high priest's attire—including ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash—communicated holiness, glory, and beauty (28:2). These garments enabled Aaron to 'minister in the priest's office' (לְכַהֵן, le-kahen), literally 'to act as priest,' prefiguring Christ's high priestly ministry clothed in perfect righteousness.