Exodus 28:1
“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a significant shift: Moses, who had been the primary mediator, is now instructed to "draw near" Aaron and his sons, effectively transferring the priestly role from himself to his brother's lineage. This wasn't just an appointment; it was a deliberate separation from the rest of Israel to establish a unique family dedicated to God's service.
After the construction of the Tabernacle, God is now establishing the priestly order to serve within it. Moses is instructed to set apart his brother Aaron and Aaron's four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—from the rest of the Israelites. This marks a significant shift from family-based priesthood to a divinely appointed, hereditary lineage responsible for mediating between God and His people.
Before diving into the details of priestly garments, God first establishes who gets to wear them. Notice how specific this calling is, setting Aaron and his sons apart.
This verse marks a pivotal shift. Previously, priestly duties were more communal; fathers often led family sacrifices. Now, God institutes a distinct, permanent priesthood, beginning with Aaron and his sons. They are "brought near" to God – a profound privilege – separated "from among the people of Israel." This wasn't a popular election or a self-appointed role; it was a divine designation. This highlights God's intentionality in establishing mediators who would represent Him to His people and His people to Him. Their consecration wasn't just about outward ceremony; it was about an inward, appointed calling to serve God in a unique way.
Why Aaron and his sons? This isn't just about picking individuals; it's about establishing a lineage. Explore the significance of this family appointment.
God didn't just choose Aaron; He chose his sons too: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. This establishes the priesthood as a hereditary office, passed down through a specific family line. This was a significant change from the earlier practice where heads of households often served as priests for their families. The commentators note that Moses, despite his high position, did not appoint his own sons to this role, showing a desire to honor God's specific appointment for Aaron's line. This hereditary aspect, while later having instances of abuse (like buying the priesthood), was intended to ensure continuity and a clear line of service tied to God's covenant people. It also foreshadows a greater, eternal High Priest who would come from a specific lineage (Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, and descended from David).
Understand the original words
qārab · Hebrew Verb
To bring into a close, covenantal relationship or to summon into the presence of God for a specific purpose or service. It implies a formal setting apart for a duty.
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
Those chosen by God to act as mediators between Him and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices and performing ritual duties in the sanctuary.
This passage directly quotes and expounds on the principle that no one can take the honor of priesthood to himself but must be called by God, just as Aaron was in Exodus 28:1.
Leviticus 8:1-36This chapter details the actual investiture and consecration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood, illustrating the practical outworking of the appointment made in Exodus 28:1.
1 Peter 2:5This New Testament passage contrasts the Old Testament Levitical priesthood with the spiritual priesthood of all believers in Christ, showing how the unique role established in Exodus 28:1 was a foreshadowing of a greater reality.
Exodus 24:1-2This passage immediately precedes the selection of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, showing the people's journey to the mountain where God's command for the priesthood would be given.
Numbers 3:1-4This passage reiterates the lineage of the priesthood through Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the divine selection and the continuation of the priestly line established in Exodus 28:1.
gillExodus 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."
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him,.... Moses is bid to fetch or send for Aaron and his sons to him: or "cause" them to "draw near" (n) to him, and stand before him, that he might in the name of the Lord, and by his authority, distingui…
clarkeExodus 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."
Aaron - and his sons - The priesthood was to be restrained to this family because the public worship was to be confined to one place; and previously to this the eldest in every family officiated as priest, there being no settled place of worship. It has been very pr…
This verse highlights a significant shift: Moses, who had been the primary mediator, is now instructed to "draw near" Aaron and his sons, effectively transferring the priestly role from himself to his brother's lineage. This wasn't just an appointment; it was a deliberate separation from the rest of Israel to establish a unique family dedicated to God's service.
After the construction of the Tabernacle, God is now establishing the priestly order to serve within it. Moses is instructed to set apart his brother Aaron and Aaron's four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—from the rest of the Israelites. This marks a significant shift from family-based priesthood to a divinely appointed, hereditary lineage responsible for mediating between God and His people.
After the construction of the Tabernacle, God is now establishing the priestly order to serve within it. Moses is instructed to set apart his brother Aaron and Aaron's four sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—from the rest of the Israelites. This marks a significant shift from family-based priesthood to a divinely appointed, hereditary lineage responsible for mediating between God and His people.
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"“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." — This verse highlights a significant shift: Moses, who had been the primary mediator, is now instructed to "draw near" Aaron and his sons, effectively transferring the priestly role from himself to hi…
