You are to make the robe of the ephodThe robe of the ephod was a significant garment worn by the high priest in ancient Israel. The ephod itself was a sacred vestment, and the robe was an essential part of the high priest's attire. This robe was worn underneath the ephod and was integral to the priestly garments described in
Exodus 28. The high priest's garments symbolized holiness and the unique role of the priest as a mediator between God and the people. The robe's design and function highlight the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
entirely of blue cloth
The use of blue cloth is significant in the biblical context. Blue was a color associated with the heavens and divinity, often symbolizing the presence of God. In the tabernacle, blue was used extensively, including in the curtains and the veil, indicating its sacred nature. The color blue in the high priest's robe would remind the Israelites of the heavenly origin of their laws and the divine authority of the priesthood. This connection to the divine is further emphasized in other parts of Scripture, such asNumbers 15:38-39, where the Israelites are instructed to wear tassels with a blue cord to remember God's commandments. The robe's blue color also foreshadows the heavenly ministry of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who mediates a new covenant.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
AaronThe brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The robe of the ephod was part of his priestly garments.
3.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.
4.
The EphodA sacred vestment worn by the high priest, part of the priestly garments that included the robe mentioned in this verse.
5.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were given the Law and instructions for worship, including the design of the priestly garments.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of the Blue RobeThe blue color of the robe symbolizes heaven and divinity, reminding us of the heavenly calling of the priesthood and our call to holiness.
Obedience to God's InstructionsThe detailed instructions for the robe highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands in our lives, reflecting His order and holiness.
Priestly Role and IntercessionThe high priest's garments, including the robe, signify the role of intercession. As believers, we are called to intercede for others, following the example of Christ.
Christ as Our High PriestThe priestly garments foreshadow the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers us direct access to God.
Holiness in WorshipThe specific design of the priestly garments underscores the need for reverence and holiness in our worship practices today.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 28:31?
2.What is the significance of the robe's color in Exodus 28:31?
3.How does Exodus 28:31 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?
4.Connect Exodus 28:31 to New Testament teachings on priesthood and holiness.
5.How can we apply the concept of sacred garments to our daily lives?
6.What does the robe's design teach about reverence in serving God today?
7.What is the significance of the robe's color in Exodus 28:31?
8.How does Exodus 28:31 reflect the priestly role in ancient Israel?
9.Why is the robe described in Exodus 28:31 important for the high priest?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28?
11.What are the components of Priestly Garments?
12.Why does the throne in Ezekiel 1:26 appear like sapphire, and does this contradict other biblical depictions of God’s throne?
13.Exodus 28:2-5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments?
14.Does God get tired? (Isaiah 40:28 vs. Exodus 31:17)What Does Exodus 28:31 Mean
You are to make- The opening words show that the design of Israel’s worship was never left to human creativity; the LORD Himself commands: “See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:40).
- God’s directive highlights His authority and the priest’s accountability. Like Noah building the ark (Genesis 6:22) and Moses erecting the tabernacle “just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 40:16), obedience brings the blessing of God’s presence.
- This clear instruction also underlines that holiness is not self-defined.Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that the earthly sanctuary is “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven,” so precise obedience matters.
the robe of the ephod- The robe (sometimes called the “robe of the ephod”) was worn under the ephod yet over the linen tunic (Exodus 28:4–5;Leviticus 8:7). It set the high priest apart from all other priests.
- Purpose and symbolism:
• It distinguished the mediator of the covenant (compareHebrews 5:1).
• It testified to the beauty and glory of God (Exodus 28:2).
• Its tassels of pomegranates and bells (v. 33–35) announced the priest’s movement, ensuring that “he will not die.” The garment literally guarded life, pointing to Christ, our High Priest, whose perfect righteousness keeps us alive before God (Hebrews 7:23–25).
entirely of blue cloth- “Entirely” shows completeness—no mixture, no compromise. Holiness demands wholeness (James 1:17).
- Blue in Scripture often draws the eye upward to heaven. The sky itself preaches the color’s message. God told all Israel to add a blue cord to their tassels “so that you may remember and do all My commandments” (Numbers 15:38–40).
- On the tabernacle curtains and veil, blue thread likewise pictured the heavenly throne (Exodus 26:1, 31).Ezekiel 1:26 andRevelation 21:19 both link sapphire or deep blue tones to God’s dwelling. The high priest, draped head-to-toe in blue, carried the reminder of heaven’s purity into the Most Holy Place.
summaryExodus 28:31 records a literal, God-given design: “You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth.” The verse teaches that worship begins with God’s command, centers on a divinely appointed mediator, and continually points us heavenward. The high priest’s blue robe declared that only complete, uncompromised holiness can dwell in God’s presence—a truth ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our flawless High Priest.
3. THE ROBE OF THE EPHOD.
(31-35) The "robe of the ephod" was a frock or tunic, reaching from the neck to below the knees. It was put on over the head, for which a hole was left (Exodus 28:32). Josephus says that it had no sleeves; and it would seem that the upper portion, above the waist, was wholly, or almost wholly, concealed by the ephod and breastplate; but the lower portion, from the waist downwards, formed the outer dress of the high priest, and was conspicuous. The plain blue contrasted well with the variegated ephod and the sparkling breastplate. The robe had no ornament excepting round the bottom, where it was fringed with alternate bells and pomegranates. The pomegranates were a decoration, and nothing more; but the bells served a purpose, which is explained inExodus 28:35.
Verses 31-35. - THE ROBE OF THE EPHOD. Underneath the ephod and breast-plate the high priest was to wear a robe, or frock, wholly of blue. This robe was to have a hole for the head at the top, and was to be woven without seam (
Exodus 39:22). It was put on over the head, like a habergeon or coat of mail, and probably reached below the knee. Josephus says that it had no sleeves.
Verse 31. -
All of blue. This plainness and uniformity offered a strong contrast to the variegated hues of the breast-plate and ephod, and threw those portions of the attire into greater prominence. If the blue used was indigo, the effect of the contrast must have been heightened
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are to makeוְעָשִׂ֛יתָ(wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe robeמְעִ֥יל(mə·‘îl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4598:A robeof the ephodהָאֵפ֖וֹד(hā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646:A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an imageentirelyכְּלִ֥יל(kə·lîl)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3632:Complete, the whole, as, fullyof blue yarn,תְּכֵֽלֶת׃(tə·ḵê·leṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504:The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 28:31 You shall make the robe (Exo. Ex) 
