Exodus 28 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

v. 1: Introduction - Aaron and sons will become priests
v. 2–5: General introduction of sacred clothing
v. 6–14: Instructions for the ephod
- v. 9–14: Instructions regarding stones on ephod
v. 15–28: Instructions for the breastpiece
- v. 17–21: Instructions regarding stones on breastpiece
- v. 22–28: Instructions for mounting the breastpiece on the ephod
v. 29–30: Aaron should wear things over his heart
v 31–35: Instructions for making the robe with bells and pomegranates
v. 36–38: Instructions regarding the turban
v. 39–41: Closing general instructions regarding clothing
v. 42–43: Instructions on making and wearing undergarments
v. 43b: Closing statement

Because Yahweh is holy, only the priests could approach him, and when they did they had to be wearing specially made clothing. (See: priest and holy)

Verses 17–20 list 12 kinds of stone. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones. The UST gives the probable color of the gemstones. Translators may use names of familiar gem stones.