What were the Urim and the Thummim?
They were objects the high priest carried in the breastpiece and used to inquire of God's will. The Bible does not explain their form or how they were used.
Exodus · chapter 28 of 40
Exodus 28: Summary, Key Verses and Study Questions
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What happens in Exodus 28?
Exodus 28 describes the sacred garments of Aaron and his sons as priests: the ephod with two onyx stones, the breastpiece with twelve stones bearing the names of the tribes, the Urim and Thummim, the robe, the tunic, the turban and a gold plate inscribed Holy to the Lord. God commands them for the glory and beauty of the priestly service.
After the instructions for the tabernacle, the Lord now introduces those who will serve in it. Exodus 28 describes the garments of the high priest and of the ordinary priests and establishes Aaron's family in that service. The clothing was not mere ornament: it showed that the priests represented the people before God and had to serve in holiness.
Exodus 28 summary
God tells Moses to bring his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar to serve him as priests. Holy garments will be made for glory and beauty, produced by craftsmen to whom God has given skill.
The ephod is of gold, blue, purple, scarlet and linen, with two shoulder pieces carrying two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, six on each, so that Aaron may bear their names before the Lord as a reminder. The breastpiece of judgment, embroidered, holds four rows of three precious stones, one for each tribe, and is fastened to the ephod with chains and rings. Inside the breastpiece go the Urim and the Thummim, which Aaron carries over his heart when he goes in before the Lord.
The robe of the ephod is described next, blue, with gold bells and pomegranates around the hem, whose sound will be heard when Aaron enters and leaves the sanctuary. On the turban goes a plate of pure gold engraved Holy to the Lord, so that Aaron may bear the guilt connected with the people's offerings. Tunics, sashes, caps and linen undergarments are also made for the priests, to cover their nakedness when they approach the altar, so that they do not die.
Chapter outline
- vv. 1-5: Aaron and his sons are set apart as priests and the holy garments.
- vv. 6-14: The ephod and the two onyx stones with the names of the tribes.
- vv. 15-30: The breastpiece of judgment with twelve stones and the Urim and Thummim.
- vv. 31-35: The robe of the ephod with bells and pomegranates.
- vv. 36-43: The plate Holy to the Lord and the clothing of the priests.
Key verses in Exodus 28
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
Exodus 28:2
The holy garments are made for the glory and beauty of Aaron. The priest's clothing shows that service to God is serious and dignified, and that the one who serves represents something greater than himself.
Exodus 28:12
The two onyx stones on the shoulder pieces serve as a reminder for the Israelites, and Aaron bears their names before the Lord. The priest carries the people on his shoulders when he approaches God.
Exodus 28:29
Aaron carries the names of the twelve tribes over his heart in the breastpiece when he enters the sanctuary. The priest intercedes for the people not only with his shoulders but with his heart.
Exodus 28:36
The words Holy to the Lord are engraved on the gold plate of the turban. It reminds us that the priests and the offerings were to be consecrated to God, and that holiness was not an option but their identity.
Main themes
- The priesthood of Aaron
- The priest who carries the people before God
- Holiness and consecration
- Beauty and order in worship
- A preview of Christ, our high priest
People and places
- Moses
- Aaron
- Nadab
- Abihu
- Eleazar
- Ithamar
- The craftsmen
- The Lord
Exodus 28 study questions and answers
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
1. Who were set apart to serve as priests?
Answer: Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. — Exodus 28:1
2. What was engraved on the two onyx stones on the shoulder pieces?
Answer: The names of the sons of Israel, six on each stone. — Exodus 28:9-12
3. How many stones did the breastpiece have and what did they represent?
Answer: Twelve stones, one for each tribe of Israel. — Exodus 28:17-21
4. What was put inside the breastpiece of judgment?
Answer: The Urim and the Thummim. — Exodus 28:30
5. What was on the hem of the robe of the ephod?
Answer: Gold bells and pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet. — Exodus 28:33-34
6. What did the gold plate on the turban say?
Answer: Holy to the Lord. — Exodus 28:36
Application for today
Exodus 28 reminds us that those who minister to others carry a responsibility before God. The priest bore the names of the tribes on his shoulders and over his heart. Pastors, teachers and group leaders can ask how they carry people before God in prayer, and not only how they present God to them.
For Christians, the text points to Christ, the great high priest who intercedes for his people, as Hebrews teaches. The New Testament also calls all believers a holy priesthood. The plate Holy to the Lord reminds us that the whole life of the believer, not only worship, is consecrated to God.
Exodus 28 leaves Aaron and his sons dressed for their service, carrying the people on their shoulders and in their hearts. Chapter 29 describes how they will be consecrated and what daily offerings they will present.
Frequently asked questions about Exodus 28
Why did the priests have to wear linen undergarments?
The text says it was to cover their nakedness when they entered the tabernacle or approached the altar, so that they would not incur guilt and die. It underlines the decorum and reverence required of those who served before God.
What does it mean to bear the guilt connected with the holy things?
It means that the high priest, with the gold plate on his forehead, represented the people and carried the unintentional faults in their offerings so that they would be acceptable to the Lord. Hebrews sees Christ as the priest who does this perfectly.