This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Exodus 28 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Exodus 28 we now turn to the clothing of the High Priest and priests. Their clothing is colorful, for example the robe worn under the ephod is entirely blue. The ephod which was a second layer like an apron, was multicolored. This is very different to the depictions we see of the High Priest wearing mostly white.
On the Ephod was the breastplate, with 12 interesting stones like jade, turquoise, onyx, sapphire and others. It also contained the Urim & Thummim, terms whose meaning has been lost. These were items for enquiring of the Lord. Some people think they were like sacred dice which could be cast to reveal a yes or no answer. Later in the Bible in 2 Sam 30 we see King David ask for Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod, so he can ask the Lord whether to pursue the Amalekites in battle.
However the High Priest is a picture of Christ. So we are learning about Jesus here. Firstly Jesus is a king, and the High Priests robe was blue representing holiness. Jesus also wore a seamless garment as the High Priest does here. Jesus is also the one we go to when we enquire of the Lord, just as people had to go to the High Priest to enquire of the Lord via the Urim and Thummim.
When Jesus was questioned by the High Priest wearing his seamless robe, He admitted to being God. At that point the current High Priest Caiphas actually tore his clothes, (Mark 14:53) which was an offence for a High Priest according to Leviticus 10:6. So the real High Priest was demonstrated in that moment, and when JEsus died, rather than rip his clothes, the soldiers gambled for them. (John 19:23)
Finally the other priests wore linen pants, a symbol or righteousness. Pants were also important rather than a dress or robe because it covered their nakedness from below.
Mar 20, 2021 | Message by David Alley