Meaning of Exodus 28:1

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of Israel's covenant relationship with God, specifically detailing the divine appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. Following the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the covenant at Sinai, God commands Moses to set apart Aaron and his male descendants to serve as mediators between Himself and the people. This is not a matter of human selection or ambition, but a direct divine mandate, establishing a sacred lineage and a specific function within the newly formed nation. The purpose of this priesthood is explicitly stated: "so they may serve me as priests," underscoring the sacred nature of their role and the importance of proper mediation in maintaining the holiness of God's presence among His people.

Context and Background

The Israelites have recently been liberated from slavery in Egypt and have entered into a covenant with God at Mount Sinai. God has given them the Law, which includes detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God's presence among them. The Tabernacle is designed to be a holy space, and its maintenance and the rituals performed within it require a dedicated priestly class. Exodus 28 begins the detailed instructions for the priestly garments and consecration, emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of this office. The selection of Aaron, Moses' brother, and his sons signifies a familial connection to this sacred duty, but one that is entirely dependent on God's sovereign choice.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Appointment: The priesthood is not an earned position but a divinely ordained calling. God chooses those who will serve Him.
• Mediation: The priests are appointed to act as intermediaries between God and the people, facilitating worship, atonement, and the transmission of divine will.
• Holiness and Separation: The priestly office demands a high degree of holiness and separation from the common. This is further elaborated in the subsequent verses regarding the priestly garments.
• Generational Succession: The appointment of Aaron's sons establishes a hereditary line for the priesthood, ensuring continuity in sacred service.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage highlights the foundational principle of God's initiative in salvation and worship. We cannot approach a holy God on our own terms; He must provide the means. The Aaronic priesthood foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who, by divine appointment, bridges the infinite gap between humanity and God. For believers today, this signifies that access to God is through Christ, our perfect mediator, and that our worship and service are acceptable because of His finished work, not our own merit. The call to holiness for the priests is a reminder of the call to holiness for all believers, as we are now a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 28:1 is foundational to the entire Old Testament sacrificial system and the structure of Israelite worship. It sets the stage for the detailed instructions concerning the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the rituals of atonement. The functioning of this priesthood continues throughout the Old Testament, leading to figures like Samuel, Elijah, and eventually the scribes and priests in Jesus' time. It stands in stark contrast to the New Testament revelation, where Christ's sacrifice renders the Levitical priesthood obsolete and establishes a new covenant based on His superior mediation (Hebrews 7-10).

Analogies

One analogy for the Aaronic priesthood is that of a skilled craftsman appointed by a king to act as his representative in a royal workshop. The craftsman is chosen, trained, and equipped with special tools (the priestly garments) to perform specific tasks that only he, by royal decree, is authorized to do. He bridges the gap between the king's expectations and the work that needs to be done, ensuring it is done according to the king's standards. Another analogy is a diplomat sent to represent their country in a foreign land; they have specific authority and protocols to follow in their dealings.

Relation to Other Verses

• Hebrews 5:1-4: This New Testament passage explicitly discusses the nature of the high priesthood, drawing a direct line from the Old Testament appointments. It states, "Every high priest taken from among men is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people." This echoes the divine appointment and mediatorial role described in Exodus.
• 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." This verse reinterprets the concept of priesthood for all believers in the New Covenant, highlighting that we now have direct access to God through Christ and are called to live lives of holiness and to proclaim His excellencies.
• Leviticus 9:7: This verse immediately follows the instructions for consecration and shows Aaron performing his priestly duties as commanded, demonstrating the practical outworking of the appointment in Exodus 28:1.