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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 28:40-43

We have here, 1. Particular orders about the vestments of the inferior priests. They were to have coats, and girdles, and bonnets, of the same materials with those of the high priest; but there was a difference in shape between their bonnets and his mitre. Theirs, as his, were to be for glory and beauty (Exod. 28:40), that they might look great in their ministration: yet all this glory was nothing compared with the glory of grace, this beauty nothing to the beauty of holiness, of which these... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 28:40

And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats ,.... Of fine linen, of woven work, as in Exodus 39:27 , these were different from the broidered coat of the high priest, and the blue robe of the ephod: and thou shall make for them girdles ; linen ones, to gird up their linen coats, which were long, that they might the more expeditiously perform their service; and which is an instruction to all the priests of the Lord, true believers in Christ, to be ready, forward, and diligent in the work... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 28:40

For glory and for beauty - See Clarke's note on Exodus 28:2 . 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 28:40

For Aaron's sons . His actual sons at this time—his descendants afterwards, to whom the priesthood was rigidly confined. Thou shalt make coats . The verb is different from that used in Exodus 28:39 , and seems to imply that the priests' tunics were not to be patterned. Girdles . It has generally been supposed that these were of the same material and workmanship as the high priest's; but this is nowhere stated. In Exodus 39:29 , the high priest's girdle alone is spoken of. Bonnets .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 28:1-43

(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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Exodus 28:1-43

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

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