Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 28:35 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Exodus 28:35 KJV
Exodus 28:35 is part of a larger section of Scripture where God provides detailed instructions to Moses concerning the design and construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons were to wear when performing their sacred duties. In Exodus 28, God is not only establishing the physical space for worship (the Tabernacle) but also instituting the Levitical priesthood, with Aaron, the brother of Moses, chosen as the high priest.
The verse in question, Exodus 28:35, appears within a description of the high priest’s garments, which were intended to symbolize purity, holiness, and the sacredness of the priestly role. These garments were not to be mere clothing; rather, they represented the deep spiritual truths about God’s presence, His holiness, and the need for atonement and mediation between God and His people.
Exodus 28:35 reads as follows in the King James Version (KJV): “And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not.” (Exodus 28:35, KJV)
The “it” in this verse refers to the bells and pomegranates that were attached to the hem of the high priest’s robe. The bells were meant to make noise when the high priest moved, and the verse explains their purpose: to signal when Aaron entered or exited the holy place, ensuring that he was performing his duties correctly and safely.
To understand the full significance of this verse, we must examine its context, particularly the significance of the bells, the garments, and the priest’s function in the Tabernacle.
The Exodus 28:35 Meaning
Exodus 28:35 speaks directly to the importance of the priest’s role and his proper conduct while performing sacred duties. The verse refers to the high priest, Aaron, who was to wear a special garment that had bells and pomegranates sewn into the hem. The bells made a sound as the priest moved, signaling his movements within the Tabernacle. The sound of the bells was not only practical but also deeply symbolic.
Symbolism of the Bells and Pomegranates:
The bells: The bells attached to the high priest’s garments were designed to ring when he moved. This served as a practical means of keeping track of the priest’s movements, but it also held symbolic meaning. The sound of the bells was a constant reminder of the holiness and sacredness of the high priest’s duties. The bells were a signal that the priest was in the presence of God, fulfilling his role as an intercessor between God and His people.
The pomegranates: The pomegranates sewn into the hem of the robe were not only decorative but carried rich symbolic meaning. In ancient Israel, the pomegranate was considered a symbol of righteousness, as it was believed to contain 613 seeds, mirroring the 613 commandments of the Torah. Thus, the pomegranates represented the priest’s adherence to God’s law, his commitment to righteousness, and the sanctity of his office.
The Role of the High Priest: The high priest’s role in ancient Israel was unique and sacred. He was the mediator between God and the people, tasked with offering sacrifices on behalf of the nation to atone for their sins. Exodus 28:35 indicates the importance of the priest’s movements in the holy place—specifically, that his presence in the sanctuary had to be marked, ensuring that he was performing his duties correctly. The bells’ sound acted as a safeguard, preventing improper conduct in God’s presence. It also reminded the people of the priest’s essential role in maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the worship of God.
The Risk of Death: The phrase “that he die not” underscores the serious nature of the priest’s actions in the holy place. The high priest’s entry into the holy of holies, especially on the Day of Atonement, was a dangerous act, as the holiness of God’s presence demanded purity and righteousness. If the priest did not follow the prescribed rituals precisely or was found unworthy, it was believed that he could be struck down. The sound of the bells acted as an audible safeguard for both the priest and the people, signaling whether the high priest was alive and functioning as he should within the sanctuary.
Exodus 28:35 Application in Life
Exodus 28:35, though specific to the context of the Levitical priesthood, offers valuable life applications for believers today. The primary lesson that can be drawn from this verse is the importance of reverence and holiness in our approach to God.
Holiness in Service to God: Just as the high priest was required to minister in the presence of God with reverence and proper conduct, Christians today are called to serve God with holiness. The New Testament often speaks of the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:5), emphasizing that all Christians, not just clergy, have the privilege and responsibility of approaching God and living lives of service. This is a reminder that God calls us to live in a way that is worthy of His presence, and our lives should reflect the purity and righteousness that the high priest’s garments symbolized.
Obedience and Attention to Detail: The bells and pomegranates on the high priest’s robe remind believers of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The high priest’s attire was meticulously crafted according to God’s specifications. Similarly, believers today are called to obey God’s Word with attention to detail. This principle is reinforced in Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:19, where He says that “whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” Our obedience to God’s Word should be deliberate and complete.
A Constant Reminder of God’s Holiness: The sound of the bells could be heard by those present in the Tabernacle, signaling the priest’s movements in the holy place. In the same way, Christians are called to live in a manner that constantly reflects the holiness of God. The world around us should hear and see our testimony of God’s holiness through our actions and words, much like the ringing of the bells reminded the Israelites of the high priest’s sacred task.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 28:35, with its emphasis on the bells and the high priest’s role, can be compared to several other passages that address the priestly duties, holiness, and the need for reverence when entering God’s presence.
Leviticus 16:2: Leviticus 16 gives a detailed description of the Day of Atonement, where the high priest would enter the holy of holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. Like the bells in Exodus 28:35, there was an inherent danger associated with entering God’s presence without the proper rituals and holiness. In Leviticus 16:2, God warns Moses that Aaron should not come into the holy place “at all times” but only in accordance with the prescribed rituals. This reflects the same theme of sacredness and the high stakes of ministering before a holy God.
Hebrews 9:7-8: The New Testament speaks of the greater reality fulfilled in Christ. Hebrews 9:7-8 speaks of the high priest’s entry into the holy of holies, and how this was a picture of the ultimate atonement brought by Jesus Christ. Just as the high priest had to approach God with the utmost care, so Jesus, as our High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary to make atonement for our sins once and for all. In this way, Exodus 28:35 points forward to the work of Christ, who fulfilled the role of the high priest and made a way for us to come before God without fear of death.
1 Peter 2:9: The New Testament emphasizes that all believers are part of a “royal priesthood.” This passage serves as a reminder that, while we no longer have a high priest ministering in the earthly sanctuary, every Christian is called to represent God’s holiness and truth in the world. This ties in with the symbolism of the bells and pomegranates—the sound of holiness ringing through our lives as we live in obedience and reverence before God.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 28:35 speaks profoundly to believers in modern times, offering insights into how we should live in light of God’s holiness. While the bells no longer ring in the Tabernacle, the call to live in reverence before God remains crucial. Christians are called to be living testimonies of God’s holiness, with every action reflecting His purity and righteousness.
Approach to Worship: Just as the high priest was careful in his approach to God, Christians today should approach God in worship with the same reverence. The sound of the bells, in a modern sense, could be interpreted as the call to live lives of holiness and integrity, ensuring that our worship is sincere and aligned with God’s will.
Obedience in Life: Exodus 28:35 reminds Christians that obedience is not a mere formality; it is a way of life. In our daily lives, we are called to obey God’s commands and reflect His holiness in all things. Whether at work, in relationships, or in our communities, the ringing bells of Exodus 28:35 challenge us to live in a way that is consistent with our calling as priests of the Most High God.
Conclusion
Exodus 28:35 reveals the deep reverence and sacredness required when ministering in the presence of a holy God. The bells and pomegranates on the high priest’s robe symbolized holiness, obedience, and the sanctity of the priestly role. For modern Christians, this verse serves as a powerful reminder to live lives marked by holiness and reverence before God. Just as the high priest had to approach God with care, so too must believers today approach Him with humility, obedience, and respect for His holiness. Ultimately, Exodus 28:35 points us to the greater High Priest, Jesus Christ, who offers us access to God’s presence through His perfect sacrifice.
Exodus 28:35 Commentary
Exodus 28:35, though a seemingly small part of the description of the high priest’s garments, carries great theological significance. Biblical commentators emphasize that the bells served both a practical and symbolic function. Practically, they ensured the high priest’s movements were known, preventing any breach of protocol that could lead to death. Symbolically, they reminded the people that the priest was in God’s presence, fulfilling a holy task. The pomegranates, too, were deeply symbolic, signifying righteousness and the importance of adhering to God’s law.
The danger of approaching God in an unworthy manner was real, as seen in the history of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), who were struck dead for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. Exodus 28:35 underscores the seriousness of the high priest’s role and, by extension, the seriousness of approaching God.
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