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Exodus 29:5 - Priestly garments' divine purpose?

Exodus 29:5 - שמות 29:5

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ אֶת־הַבְּגָדִים וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ אֶת־אַהֲרֹן אֶת־הַכֻּתֹּנֶת וְאֵת מְעִיל הָאֵפֹד וְאֶת־הָאֵפֹד וְאֶת־הַחֹשֶׁן וְאָפַדְתָּ לוֹ בְּחֵשֶׁב הָאֵפֹד׃

English Translation

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aharon the coat, and the robe of the efod, and the efod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the finely wrought girdle of the efod:

Transliteration

Velakachta et-habgadim vehilbashta et-Aharon et-hakutenet ve'et me'il ha'efod ve'et-ha'efod ve'et-hachoshen ve'afadta lo becheshev ha'efod.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ֣ אֶת־הַבְּגָדִ֗ים וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֤ אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת־הַכֻּתֹּ֔נֶת וְאֵת֙ מְעִ֣יל הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְאֶת־הָאֵפֹ֖ד וְאֶת־הַחֹ֑שֶׁן וְאָפַדְתָּ֣ ל֔וֹ בְּחֵ֖שֶׁב הָאֵפֹֽד׃
וְלָקַחְתָּ֣ אֶת־הַבְּגָדִ֗ים וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֤ אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת־הַכֻּתֹּ֔נֶת וְאֵת֙ מְעִ֣יל הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְאֶת־הָאֵפֹ֖ד וְאֶת־הַחֹ֑שֶׁן וְאָפַדְתָּ֣ ל֔וֹ בְּחֵ֖שֶׁב הָאֵפֹֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Garments of the Kohen Gadol

The verse describes the process of dressing Aharon in the sacred garments of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). These garments, known as Bigdei Kehunah, were essential for the service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beis HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi (Shemos 28:4) explains that each of these garments served to atone for specific sins of Bnei Yisrael:

  • Kutonet (Tunic): Atoned for bloodshed (based on the story of Yosef’s brothers dipping his tunic in blood).
  • Me’il HaEfod (Robe of the Efod): Atoned for lashon hara (evil speech), as the bells on its hem would sound when the Kohen Gadol walked (Shemos 28:35).
  • Efod (Apron-like garment): Atoned for idolatry, as the word Efod is reminiscent of the idolatrous practices mentioned in Shoftim (Judges 8:27).
  • Choshen (Breastplate): Atoned for improper judgments, as it contained the Urim v’Tumim, which provided divine guidance.

The Order of Dressing

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8:2) emphasizes that the garments must be put on in the exact order specified in the verse. This teaches that the sanctity of the avodah (service) requires meticulous attention to detail. The Chatam Sofer adds that the sequence symbolizes spiritual ascent—beginning with the innermost garment (the Kutonet, representing personal purity) and culminating with the Choshen, which connects the Kohen Gadol to divine wisdom.

The Significance of the Choshen

The Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) contained the twelve stones representing the tribes of Yisrael. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) teaches that when the Kohen Gadol wore it, he carried the entire nation "close to his heart," symbolizing his role as an intercessor before Hashem. The Malbim notes that the phrase "וְאָפַדְתָּ לוֹ בְּחֵשֶׁב הָאֵפֹד" ("gird him with the finely wrought girdle") underscores that the garments must fit perfectly, reflecting the Kohen Gadol’s need for humility and alignment with divine will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly garments and their significance in the Temple service.
📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper attire of the High Priest and the spiritual implications of the garments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the special garments for Aharon in Exodus 29:5?
A: The garments described in this verse are the sacred priestly vestments (Bigdei Kehunah) that Aharon and his descendants, the Kohanim (priests), wore while serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 17b), these garments were essential for the priestly service, and performing service without them was invalid. Each garment had spiritual significance, representing atonement for different sins (see Talmud Arachin 16a).
Q: Why does the Torah specify each garment in detail?
A: The Torah specifies each garment in detail to emphasize the importance of proper preparation and respect for the divine service. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8-10) explains that these garments were designed to bring honor and splendor to the service of Hashem. Each item—the tunic (ketonet), robe (me'il), efod, breastplate (choshen), and belt—had a specific purpose and symbolism, teaching us that even external preparations matter when serving G-d.
Q: What can we learn today from the priestly garments?
A: Although we no longer have the Temple service, the Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 5) teaches that the priestly garments remind us of the importance of dressing and acting with dignity when engaging in holy matters. Just as the Kohanim prepared themselves physically and spiritually, we too should approach prayer and mitzvot with proper reverence. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 28:2) adds that these garments symbolize ethical qualities—such as humility and righteousness—that we should 'wear' in our daily lives.
Q: What was the purpose of the breastplate (choshen) mentioned in this verse?
A: The choshen (breastplate) contained the Urim v'Tumim and was worn over the heart of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to the Talmud (Yoma 73a), it was used to receive divine guidance for the Jewish people. Rashi (Exodus 28:15) explains that it atoned for errors in judgment. The twelve stones on the choshen, representing the twelve tribes, also symbolized unity, teaching that leaders must carry the concerns of the people close to their hearts.