Commentary on Genesis and Exodus, Theological treatise · Chapter 28 · Analysis – Questions
1. The Method and Argument.
AFter the description of the Tabernacle finished, followeth the institution of the Ministers of the Tabernacle, the Priests, whose apparell is described in this Chapter, and their consecration, with the execution of their office in the next.
In this Chapter, which sheweth what Priestly garments should bee made for Aaron and his sonnes, and how: first, it is shewed in generall, to vers. 6. then in particular, to vers. 43.
In the generall summe, these things are declared: 1. For whom these garments should bee made, vers. 1. 2. To what end, vers. 2. 3. By whom, vers. 3. 4. How many, vers. 4. 5. And of what matter, vers. 5.
In the speciall and particular explication: first, the garments peculiar to the high Priest are described, to vers. 40. then such as belonged to other inferiour Priests, vers. 40. to the end.
The high Priests garments were these: 1. The Ephod, both the matter thereof, vers. 6. the forme and fashion, vers. 7, 8. the ornaments, the two precious stones, with their graving, vers. 10, 11. their placing with their use, vers. 12. the instruments of the Ephod to fasten it, vers. 13, 14.
2. The breast-plate is described: 1. The matter, vers. 15. 2▪ The forme and fashion, vers. 16. 3 The ornaments of precious stones to be set in foure rowes, to vers. 21. 4. The instruments, chaines and rings to fasten it, vers. 22. to 28. 5. The use thereof is expressed, vers. 29, 30.
3. The robe is set forth. 1. The matter thereof, vers. …1. 2. The forme of it, vers. 32. the ornaments, with bels and pomgranats, vers. 33, 34. 4. The use, vers. 35.
4. The golden plate is described▪ with the matter, forme, instruments, and use, vers. 36. to 39.
5. Then three other parts of the Priestly rayment are handled together▪ the embroidered coat, the miter, and girdle, vers. 39.
Secondly, the speciall attire for Aarons sonnes, whereof some were common both to Aaron and them, are, namely, these foure: their coats, girdles and bonnets, vers. 40. with the use of them, vers. 41. and their linen breeches, with the place where they shall weare them, vers. 42. and their use, vers. 43.
2. The divers readings.
Vers. 4. A breast-plate, or pectorall B.G.I.V. cum c…ter. better than, a rationall, that is,B.G.I. a vesture shewing reason, or judgement. L. C. the word is coshen, a pectorall.
Vers. 4. A broidered coat, as woven with eyes or checker worke. B.G.I.A.P. better than, a strait coat. B. G. I.L. S. C. V. the word shabats, is better taken in the first sense, to embroider, or make with eyes, as vers. 14.
Vers 9. Two sardonix stones. I. So also Iosephus, and so they are called, Apoc. 21.29. better than,I. Onyx stones. B.G.L.C.P.A. or, smaragdes. S. shoham. H.V.
Vers. 14. Of a certaine length. B. or, equall. I. better than, at the ends. G. V. the word is, inigebalath, B. I.conterminus, ending together. A.P. this word is omitted by the rest. L.S.C.
Vers. 17. A rubie, or, sardie, &c. see the severall names, and divers readings of these precious stones afterward at large, quest. 21.
Vers. 24. See also the divers readings of this verse, quest. 24.
Vers. 30. Thou shalt put in the breast-plate, &c. Vrim, and Thummim. B. G. I. V. A. P. C. better than,B.G.I. cum caeter. doctrine and veritie. L. or, manifestation and veritie. S. the words of themselves are better retained: which signifie, illumination and perfection.
Vers. 36. Holinesse to the Lord. G.A.P.C.L.I. better than, the holinesse of the Lord. G.A.I.B. S. V. the meaning is, that all holinesse is to be ascribed unto God: and it is better translated, holinesse, I.B.G. cum caeter. than, holy. L.V.C. the word is kodesh, which signifieth holinesse, kadosh, is, holy.
Vers. 38. To make them acceptable. B.G. cum caeter. not▪ that he may be acceptable. L. the word is lahem, B.G. cum caeter. B.G.I.to them.
Vers. 41. Thou shalt fill their hands. B.G. cum caeter. consecrate their hand. L. P. offer their sacrifice. C. consecrate their ministerie. I. the first translateth the words, the rest give the sense.