Exodus 28:5 - Exposition

The materials of the priestly garments.

The materials for the priestly garments were to be limited to six—precious stones, which are not here mentioned, as being ornamental, rather than essential, parts of the apparel; a blue thread, known as "blue" (compare Exodus 25:4 ); a purple or crimson one, known as "purple;" a scarlet one, known as "scarlet;" and a white one, which is called "fine linen." These were the same materials as those used for the veil ( Exodus 26:31 ), and curtains ( Exodus 26:1 , Exodus 26:36 ) of the sanctuary; but probably the fabric was of a more delicate quality. They shall take — i.e. ," They," the wise-hearted men to whom the work was to be entrusted—"shall take," or receive from Moses—"the (necessary) gold, blue, purple," etc. In the original all these words have the definite article prefixed.