(10) The cloths of service.--Modern critics generally suppose the state robes of the high priest to be meant (Keil, Knobel, De Wette, Kalisch, Cook); but the Rabbinical interpreters understand the cloths in which the ark and other vessels of the sanctuary were wrapped when the camp was moved from place to place (see Numbers 4:6-13). These, like the cloths here spoken of (Exodus 39:1), were to be of blue, and purple, and scarlet; and it would be natural to distinguish them from the "holy garments," as is done both here and also in Exodus 35:19; Exodus 39:1; Exodus 39:41. They had, however, not been previously mentioned in the directions. Perhaps the true explanation is, that under the words "cloths of service" (bigdey s?rad, or bigdeh hass?rad) are included both the garments of Aaron and also those of his sons, the two later clauses of the verse being exegetical of the first clause. In that case, we should translate: The robes of service, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and also the garments of his sons. Exodus 39:41 is decidedly favourable to this interpretation. Verse 10. The cloths of service. Rather "the vestments of office' - i.e., the distinguishing vestments of the High Priest, which he alone was allowed to wear. These were the blue robe, the ephod, the girdle of the ephod, and the breast-plate (Exodus 28:6-35). The holy garments. The rest of the High Priest's dress - i.e., the linen drawers, the diapered tunic, the inner girdle and the mitre (ib, 39, 43; Leviticus 16:4), which constituted his whole apparel on the great day of atonement. The garments of his sons - i.e, the linen drawers, tunics, girdles, and caps, mentioned in Exodus 28:40, 42. and the holy garments for Aaron the priest; the breastplate, ephod, and robe, the broidered coat, mitre, and girdle, Exodus 28:4. and the garments of his sons to minister in the priest's office; the bonnets, coats, girdles, and breeches, Exodus 28:40. |