BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusنموونە

The symbolic restoration of Eden continues at the foot of Mount Sinai. After giving Moses instructions for building the tabernacle, God appoints priests to serve and to keep this sacred tent. Just like the first humans in Eden (whom God told to serve and to keep the garden), the priestly work is to represent and embody God’s heavenly, divine presence on Earth.

God originally invites all the Israelites to be his priestly representatives. But when the people shrink back from God’s intimidating presence, God chooses Aaron and his family to act as priests on Israel’s behalf.

In today’s reading, God explains how the priests will be set apart for this important role. They will wear special garments that evoke humanity’s ideal garden state. Yesterday, we learned how the tabernacle’s grandeur communicates God’s desire to dwell with his people in the splendor of Eden. Today, we discover how the priests’ ornate garments point to humanity’s original vocation as royal priests. Watch today’s video to learn about the restoration of the priesthood through Moses and Aaron—and about the need for a future royal priest who will surrender fully to God.

Reflection Questions

• A priest represents God to the people and the people to God. Look back at God’s invitation to Israel to be his nation of priests in Exodus 19:3-6. What must the Israelites trust and do to represent God to other nations?
• Consider God’s opening words to Moses in Exodus 28:1-5. What does God say is the purpose of the instructions in today’s reading? What does this tell you about the role of Aaron’s family?