Exodus 28 Summary

God commands Moses to set apart Aaron and his four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—for the priestly office, and instructs that skilled craftsmen make sacred garments for them "for glory and for beauty." The principal garments prescribed for the high priest Aaron are the ephod (adorned with two onyx shoulder stones engraved with the twelve tribal names), the breastplate of judgment (a foursquare piece set with twelve precious stones, one per tribe, and containing the Urim and Thummim), the all-blue robe fringed with alternating golden bells and pomegranates, the embroidered coat, the linen mitre, and the girdle. A golden plate engraved "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" is fastened by a blue lace to the front of the mitre so that Aaron bears upon his forehead the iniquity of Israel's holy offerings, making them acceptable before God. Aaron's sons are likewise to receive coats, girdles, and bonnets, and all are to be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified; linen breeches are also required for all priests when they serve at the tabernacle or altar, as a perpetual statute.