31 " You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue . 32 "There shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work , as like the opening of a coat of mail , so that it will not be torn . 33 "You shall make on its hem pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material, all around on its hem , and bells of gold between them all around : 34 a golden bell and a pomegranate , a golden bell and a pomegranate , all around on the hem of the robe . 35 "It shall be on Aaron when he ministers ; and its tinkling shall be heard when he enters and leaves the holy place before the Lord , so that he will not die . 36 "You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal , ' Holy to the Lord .' 37 "You shall fasten it on a blue cord , and it shall be on the turban ; it shall be at the front of the turban . 38 "It shall be on Aaron's forehead , and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate , with regard to all their holy gifts ; and it shall always be on his forehead , that they may be accepted before the Lord . 39 "You shall weave the tunic of checkered work of fine linen , and shall make a turban of fine linen , and you shall make a sash , the work of a weaver .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 28:31-39
Commentary on Exodus 28:31-39
(Read Exodus 28:31-39)
The robe of the ephod was under the ephod, and reached down to the knees, without sleeves. Aaron must minister in the garments appointed. We must serve the Lord with holy fear, as those who know they deserve to die. A golden plate was fixed on Aaron's forehead, engraven with "Holiness to the Lord." Aaron was hereby reminded that God is holy, and that his priests must be holy, devoted to the Lord. This must appear in their forehead, in open profession of their relation to God. It must be engraven like the engravings of a signet; deep and durable; not painted so as to be washed off, but firm and lasting; such must our holiness to the Lord be. Christ is our High Priest; through him sins are forgiven to us, and not laid to our charge. Our persons, our doings, are pleasing to God upon the account of Christ, and not otherwise.