The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.
the cloths
Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
Exodus 39:1,41 And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses…
Numbers 4:5-15 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: …
the holy
Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Exodus 39:1-31 And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses…
both the holy garments for Aaron the priest
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The "holy garments" for Aaron included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific symbolic meanings and functions. These garments set Aaron apart for his unique role as the mediator between God and the Israelites. The high priest's attire was not only a mark of his office but also a representation of the people's relationship with God. The detailed instructions for these garments are found in Exodus 28, emphasizing their significance in the covenantal relationship.
and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.”
Aaron's sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, were also consecrated as priests. Their garments, while less elaborate than Aaron's, were still significant and included tunics, sashes, and headbands. These garments signified their role in assisting Aaron and performing the daily rituals and sacrifices. The priestly garments for Aaron's sons highlight the hereditary nature of the priesthood in Israel, which was a foreshadowing of the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who serves as our high priest. The consecration of Aaron and his sons is detailed in Leviticus 8, underscoring the importance of purity and dedication in their service.
“the woven garments for ministering in the holy place” (Exodus 35:19)
• God’s instructions were detailed (Exodus 28:2-4), showing that worship is never casual but precisely ordered by Him.
• These clothes were “woven,” not improvised, picturing deliberate workmanship (Exodus 31:10). The same care God poured into Israel’s worship mirrors the care He pours into redeeming and clothing His people in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8).
• They were for “ministering in the holy place,” meaning the garments were inseparable from service. Before any act of ministry took place, the priest had to be properly clothed (Leviticus 8:30). Service follows sanctification, never the other way around (Ephesians 2:10).
• The “holy place” itself was the inner sanctuary (Exodus 26:33). These garments signaled that stepping into God’s presence required holiness (Hebrews 9:24).
“both the holy garments for Aaron the priest”
• Aaron’s outfit was unique: ephod, breastpiece, robe of the ephod, tunic, turban, sash (Exodus 28:4-12). Every piece proclaimed an aspect of God’s character—glory, beauty, mediation.
• His garments bore the tribes’ names on onyx stones over his heart and shoulders, reminding Israel that intercession is personal and compassionate (Exodus 28:29). Christ, our High Priest, carries His people the very same way (Hebrews 7:25).
• The golden plate on the turban read “HOLY TO THE LORD” (Exodus 28:36-38). Holiness is not optional for leadership (Leviticus 21:10-12; 1 Peter 1:15).
• Only Aaron wore these garments; no one could assume this role unappointed (Numbers 16:40). God alone designates mediators, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16).
“and the garments for his sons to serve as priests”
• Aaron’s sons wore tunics, sashes, and caps (Exodus 28:40-41). Their simpler garments distinguished them from the high priest yet still marked them as consecrated.
• They were “to serve,” highlighting that ministry is a family responsibility passed on through generations (Leviticus 8:13; Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
• Though their garments lacked the ornate pieces of Aaron’s, they were still “holy.” God values obedience over ornamentation (Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:12).
• The priests’ attire pointed toward a nation meant to be “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6), lived out today as believers become a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
Exodus 35:19 underscores that God Himself prescribes how His people approach Him. Carefully crafted, consecrated garments for Aaron and his sons reveal the necessity of holiness, the distinct yet complementary roles within God’s ordained leadership, and the truth that all genuine service flows from divine appointment and sanctification. These garments foreshadow the perfect righteousness we now wear in Christ, our High Priest, enabling every believer to serve confidently in God’s presence.
Verse 19. - The cloths of service. See the comment on Exodus 31:10. CHAPTER 35:21-29
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