Thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother , etc. These words serve to connect the present chapter with the following one. They contain the first intimation that Moses is not only to cause the holy garments to be made, but to invest the priests in them, and further to consecrate both Aaron and his sons by anointing. On this point, see the comment on Exodus 29:7-9 . read more
Linen breeches . Rather, "linen drawers" (Kalisch), such as we see worn by the Egyptians generally, reaching from the waist to a little above the knee. This also was of linen (Herod. 2.83). Unto the thighs — i.e; to the bottom of the thighs where they adjoin on the knee. read more
When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation . Literally," when they go into the tent of meeting— i.e; the place where God and the high priest were to meet. The holy place . The "holy place" seems in this passage to include the court of the tabernacle, wherein the altar was situated. That they bear not iniquity . To "bear iniquity" is to incur guilt, or have sin imputed to one. If even through forgetfulness a priest entered the sanctuary without this necessary article of... read more
(Compare Exodus 39:1-31.) Moses is now commanded to commit all that pertains to the offerings made to the Lord in the sanctuary to the exclusive charge of the members of a single family, who were to hold their office from generation to generation. In the patriarchal times, the external rites of worship had generally been conducted by the head of the tribe or family, in accordance with the principle involved in the dedication of the firstborn Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:12-13. Moses, as the... read more
Exodus 28:41. And shalt anoint them He anointed Aaron by pouring the holy oil upon his head, Leviticus 8:12; but his sons only by sprinkling some of it upon their garments, as he did upon Aaron’s also, together with some blood of the sacrifice, Exodus 29:21; Leviticus 8:30. And consecrate them In the Hebrew it is, Thou shalt fill their hands; alluding, probably, to the ceremony of putting into their hands the ensigns of their office, or to that of putting the wave-offering into their... read more
Exodus 28:43. It shall be a statute for ever That is, it is to continue as long as the priesthood continues. And it is to have its perpetuity in the substance of which these things were the shadow. read more
Click image for full-size versionClothing for the priests (28:1-43)All priests wore special clothing that gave them a dignity and honour suited to their office. The high priest’s clothing was especially striking, but more importantly its various pieces helped the people understand the sacredness of his functions before God (28:1-3).The most colourful piece of clothing worn by the high priest was the ephod (GNB: sacred vest), a short linen garment of the same material as the tabernacle curtains... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 28:40-42
The priests' attire. The dress of the ordinary priests teaches us— I. THAT NOT ONLY THE CHIEF , BUT THE SUBORDINATE , MINISTERS OF THE SANCTUARY MUST BE CLAD IN HOLINESS . The priests' garments are called "holy," no less than the high priest's ( Exodus 28:4 ). They are almost entirely of fine white linen. The linen drawers denote the need of holiness with respect to sins of the flesh. The linen cap implies purity of thought and imagination. The linen... read more