Exodus 28:31-35
The robe of the ephod marks Aaron’s holy service with beauty, durability, and sound as He ministers before the Lord.
31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
32 It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn.
33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold between and around them:
34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe.
35 It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when he comes out, that he not die.
The robe of the ephod marks Aaron’s holy service with beauty, durability, and sound as he ministers before the LORD.
To command the making of the robe worn under the ephod, including its blue fabric, reinforced opening, pomegranate-and-bell hem, and priestly function as Aaron ministers before the LORD.
Exodus 28 moves from the priestly calling and garment overview to the individual pieces of Aaron's high-priestly clothing. After the ephod and the breastpiece establish representation and decision-bearing before the LORD, Exodus 28:31-35 describes the robe associated with that ephod. The passage narrows from garment construction to priestly movement inside the sanctuary, preparing for the remaining priestly garments and the repeated warning that holy service must be done as God commands.
After the ephod and breastpiece instructions, the LORD commands the robe that belongs with the ephod. Aaron’s garments are being described layer by layer to prepare him for priestly ministry in the tabernacle.
Priestly Garments for Glory, Beauty, Mediation, and Holiness
The LORD appoints priests and clothes them with holy garments so they may bear Israel before Him, mediate sacred service, and minister in His presence with holiness, glory, beauty, and reverent protection.