God is establishing a distinct priestly line, and the phrasing "bring near to you" highlights Moses' role in facilitating this divine appointment, setting Aaron and his sons apart from the rest of Israel for sacred service. This act signifies a shift from family-based priesthood to a designated lineage, preparing the way for focused worship and mediated access to God.
“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. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God instructs Moses to specifically select his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons, separating them from the rest of Israel for the sacred role of priesthood. This marks a significant shift from the earlier practice where family heads performed priestly duties, establishing a distinct and hereditary line of service centered around the soon-to-be-built Tabernacle. The chapter then transitions to detailing the elaborate garments these priests would wear, signifying their unique calling and the holiness required for their ministry before God.
Did you know that before this moment, the head of each family likely acted as the priest for their household? Exodus 28:1 marks a significant transition in how God's people approach Him.
Up to this point in Israel's history, the priestly duties were often carried out by the patriarch of each family. This meant that worship and sacrifice were largely decentralized, with each family unit having its own spiritual leader. However, as God was establishing Israel as a nation and preparing to dwell among them in the Tabernacle, He instituted a more formal, centralized priesthood.
Exodus 28:1 specifically calls Aaron and his sons from among the rest of the Israelites to serve God in this new capacity. This wasn't a promotion based on merit or popular vote, but a divine appointment. This shift meant that while all Israel was called a 'kingdom of priests,' a specific lineage was set apart for the unique role of mediating between God and the people in the Tabernacle's service. This highlights God's intention to establish order and a clear path for approaching Him.
Who decides who gets to serve God? Exodus 28:1 makes it clear that this is not a decision left to human ambition or even Moses' own family.
The selection of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood was entirely God's initiative. The text emphasizes that they were 'brought near' to Moses, not that they sought out the position themselves. This is a crucial theological point: legitimate service to God stems from His calling, not human striving.
Commentaries highlight that Moses himself, though holding immense authority, did not appoint his own sons to this high office, showcasing his integrity and submission to God's plan. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, stating, 'And no one takes this honor for himself, but only one who is called by God, just as Aaron was' (Hebrews 5:4). This divine ordination ensures that the service is focused on God's glory and not on the prestige of the individual or their family line.
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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.
qōdeš · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Items or objects separated from common or profane use and dedicated exclusively to the service and presence of God; representing purity and set-apartness.
kābôd · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the manifestation of God’s majesty, weightiness, and honor. In a priestly context, it reflects the dignity of the office that mediates the presence of the glorious God.
tip̄’ārâ · Hebrew Noun
An aesthetic quality that reflects the majesty, order, and splendor of God's creation and His sanctuary. It signifies the beauty of holiness in service to the Lord.
This passage directly quotes the principle behind calling priests, emphasizing that no one takes this honor upon himself but is called by God, just as Aaron was.
Leviticus 8:1-3This passage describes the actual commissioning and anointing of Aaron and his sons, showing the fulfillment of God's command in Exodus 28:1.
1 Peter 2:9This verse speaks of believers being a 'royal priesthood,' a concept that contrasts with the specific, family-based Levitical priesthood established here, yet echoes the 'kingdom of priests' idea mentioned in relation to Israel.
Exodus 24:1-2This earlier passage shows Aaron and his sons already in a position of proximity to God with Moses, setting the stage for their formal appointment as priests in Exodus 28.
Numbers 3:1-4This passage details the lineage and roles of Aaron's sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, as well as their place within the larger Levitical service, directly following up on their inclusion 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…
God is establishing a distinct priestly line, and the phrasing "bring near to you" highlights Moses' role in facilitating this divine appointment, setting Aaron and his sons apart from the rest of Israel for sacred service. This act signifies a shift from family-based priesthood to a designated lineage, preparing the way for focused worship and mediated access to God.
God instructs Moses to specifically select his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons, separating them from the rest of Israel for the sacred role of priesthood. This marks a significant shift from the earlier practice where family heads performed priestly duties, establishing a distinct and hereditary line of service centered around the soon-to-be-built Tabernacle. The chapter then transitions to detailing the elaborate garments these priests would wear, signifying their unique calling and the holiness required for their ministry before God.
God instructs Moses to specifically select his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons, separating them from the rest of Israel for the sacred role of priesthood. This marks a significant shift from the earlier practice where family heads performed priestly duties, establishing a distinct and hereditary line of service centered around the soon-to-be-built Tabernacle. The chapter then transitions to detailing the elaborate garments these priests would wear, signifying their unique calling and the holiness required for their ministry before God.
"“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. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brothe…" — God is establishing a distinct priestly line, and the phrasing "bring near to you" highlights Moses' role in facilitating this divine appointment, setting Aaron and his sons apart from the rest of Is…
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Last reviewed October 2026
