Exodus 28

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:1

Verse 1 1.And take thou unto thee Aaron. The calling of God is here alleged to prove the importance and dignity of the priesthood, and this too the Apostle has well weighed in the words: "And no man taketh the honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (Hebrews 5:4.) Among heathen nations the priests were appointed by popular election, so that ambition alone governed their appointment; but God would only have those accounted lawful priests whom He had selected at His own... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:2

Verse 2 2.And thou shalt make holy garments. These external ornaments denoted the want of those which are true and spiritual; for if the priest had been absolutely and entirely perfect, these typical accessories would have been superfluous. But God would shew by this symbol the more than angelical brightness of all virtues which was to be exhibited in Christ. Aaron was defiled by his own corruption, and therefore unworthy to appear in the presence of God; in order, then, that he might be a fit... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:4

Verse 4 4.And these are the garments. Here again I must remind my readers, that they should abandon all subtle speculations, and be contented with simplicity. I might repeat many plausible allegories, which perhaps would find more favor with some than a sound knowledge of facts. If any should delight in this kind of child’s play, let him only read what Jerome wrote to Fabiola; in which he collected almost everything that he possibly could from the writings of others; but nothing will be found... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:9

Verse 9 9.And thou shalt take two onyx-stones. That the connection between the priest and the people might be made more plain, God not only placed on his breast the memorials of the twelve tribes, but also engraved their names on his shoulders. Thus all occasion of envy was removed, since the people would understand that this one man was not separated from the others for the sake of private advantage, but that in his one person they were all a kingdom of priests, which Peter teaches to have... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:30

Verse 30 30.And thou shalt put in the breastplate. From these words some infer that the Urim and Thummim were distinct from the whole work, which is before described; others think that they were the twelve stones, because no mention will be made of them when Moses relates that the whole was completed. But nothing is more probable, as I have already said, than that on the breastplate itself some representation was given of light in doctrine, and of entire uprightness of life; and therefore after... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:31

Verse 31 31.And thou shalt make the robe. This robe was above the oblong coat between that and the ephod; and from its lower edge hung the bells and pomegranates alternately. Although there was no smell in the pomegranates, (164) yet the type suggested this to the eyes; as if God required in that garment a sweet smell as well as a sound; and surely we who stink through the foulness of our sins, are only a sweet smell unto God as being covered with the garment of Christ. But God would have the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:36

Verse 36 36.And thou shalt make a plate. It is not without reason that this inscription is placed upon the priest’s forehead, that it may be conspicuous; for not only did God thus testify that the legal priesthood was approved of, and acceptable to Him, since He had consecrated it by His word, but also that holiness was not to be sought elsewhere. These two things, then, are to be observed, —first, that the priesthood of His own appointment is pleasing to God, and so, that all others, however... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:40

Verse 40 40.And for Aaron’s sons. The sons of Aaron also are separated not only from the body of the people, but likewise from the Levites; for a peculiar dignity was attached to that family, from whom his successor was afterwards to be taken. (170) And since no single individual was able to perform all their offices, they were distributed amongst them. Hence it was that they were adorned with the coat, the girdle, and the bonnet, “for glory and for beauty.” We shall see as to their anointing... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:42

Verse 42 42.And thou shalt make them linen breeches. Since men, in their natural levity and frowardness, lay hold of the very slightest causes of offense to the disparagement of holy things, and so religion easily sinks into contempt, God here, as a precaution against such a danger, delivers a precept respecting an apparently trivial matter, viz., that the priests should cover their nakedness with breeches. The sum is, that they should conduct themselves chastely and modestly, lest, if anything... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 28:1

Take thou unto thee . Literally, "Make to draw near to thee." Moses had hitherto been of all the people the one nearest to God, the medium of communication. He was now to abdicate a portion of his functions, transferring them to his brother and his brother's sons. By this act he would draw them nearer to him than they were before. It is worthy of remark that he makes no remonstrance or opposition, but carries out God's will in this matter as readily and willingly as in all others. (See Le ... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:30

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:31

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:36

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:40

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:42

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 28:1

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands