Exodus 28:1-4,29-30, Thoughts from Exodus (14)

2800   The clothing of the Priest was designed for efficiency in his work, and for majesty, indicating how set-apart he was. 

2800 This chapter tells about the priestly garments, including the ephod (v5-14), breastplate of judgment, includeing the gems with the names of the tribes, and the Urim and Thummim by which the priest determined the will of God (v15-30), the robe (v31-35), the plate on the turban (v36-38), the tunic and turban (v39), the sash, hat and trousers (v40-43). 

     The Urim and Thummim are very mysterious.  The Bible gives no detailed description, other than they were used to determine the will of God.  Divination was not allowed under the Law; but this method was when used in this way with the priest.  David apparently used this means to determine God’s will in certain situations (1 Sam. 23:9; 30:7).

2808   28:8-14: The High Priest bears the names of those he serves on his shoulders (the tribes are in order of their birth; and there would be no mention of Ephraim and Manasseh, but rather Joseph; Levi would be included for even the tribe of the priesthood is comprised of sinners needing to be brought before the LORD).  He works for them, upholds them.  This is the purpose of a priest in whatever religion you are studying.  The priest is the one who knows how to approach God and can make it possible for those he serves to do so.  Of course, their names are also over his heart (28:15-30).  He bears their judgment.  He, being like those he serves, knows how much they long to have a relationship with their Creator and yet how unworthy they are to get close to Him.  The Priest empathizes/sympathizes with them (as does our High Priest, Heb. 4:14-16).

2836   On the Priest's turban (v37), the same words as on the bells of the horses in the Messianic kingdom (Zech. 14:20).

2900   This chapter primarily details the ordination service for the priests (this was followed in Lev. 9-10).  In addition, at the end of the chapter (v38-46), instructions are given for the daily sacrifices, one in the morning and one in the evening. 

2901   29:1-7: Today, in the Body of Christ, we are not Aaronic priests but are a priesthood under Christ our High Priest.  We need the spiritual application of this passage: washing (through confession, 1 John 1:9), putting on the Lord Jesus Christ daily, making no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14), and anointing, living in a daily, abiding relationship with God.

3000 But wait, there’s more!  This chapter speaks of …

·       30:1-10: The altar of incense.

·       30:11-16: The ransom money.  With any census, every person over twenty, rich or poor, paid half a shekel, to make atonement.  This funded the ministry of the tabernacle/temple where said atonement was made.

·       30:17-21: The bronze laver between the door of the tabernacle and the altar of sacrifice.  The priests needed to be clean before entering the holy place.

·       30:22-33: The holy anointing oil.  It makes everything holy.  It was not to be misused or duplicated for any other use.

·       30:34-38: The incense.  Again, this was not to be duplicated.  It was only for the altar of incense in the holy place.

3012   Every time there is a census it is not just about numbers.  Every man shall give a ransom so there won’t be a plague.  David’s census paid no ransom (2 Sam. 24).  Therefore, there was a plague.