Exodus 28:31-43

Contemporary English Version

The Other High-Priestly Clothes

(Exodus 39.22-26,30,31)

The Lord said:

³¹ Under his vest Aaron must wear a robe of blue wool ³² with an opening in the center for his head. Be sure to bind the material around the collar to keep it from wearing out. ^33-34 (A) Along the hem of the robe weave pomegranates^[a] of blue, purple, and red wool with a gold bell between each of them. ³⁵ If Aaron wears these clothes when he enters the holy place as my high priest, the sound of the bells will be heard, and his life will not be in danger.

³⁶ On a narrow strip of pure gold engrave the words: “Dedicated to the Lord.” ³⁷ Fasten it to the front of Aaron's turban with a blue cord, ³⁸ so he can wear it on his forehead. This will show that he will take on himself the guilt for any sins the people of Israel commit in offering their gifts to me, and I will forgive them.

³⁹ Make Aaron's robe and turban of fine linen and decorate his sash with fancy needlework.

The Clothes for the Other Priests

(Exodus 39.27-29)

⁴⁰ Since Aaron's sons are priests, they should also look dignified. So make robes, sashes, and special caps for them. ⁴¹ Then dress Aaron and his sons in these clothes, pour olive oil on their heads, and ordain them as my priests.

⁴² Make linen shorts for them that reach from the waist down to the thigh, so they won't expose themselves. ⁴³ Whenever they enter the sacred tent or serve at the altar or enter the holy place, they must wear these shorts, or else they will be guilty and die. This same rule applies to any of their descendants who serve as priests.