THE ADDITIONAL PIECES

“…This is to be a perpetual regulation, both for [Aharon] and for his descendants.”
Exodus 28:43

After fashioning the breastplate, Adonai gave instruction to Moshe concerning a few additional garments. The first of these additions was the robe. The robe was to be made entirely of blue cloth with simply a head opening cut out, bordered with a woven edge. Displayed on the border of the garment was to be a hem of blue, purple, and scarlet pomegranates, intermingled with gold bells. This garment, as well as all the others worn by the priest, carried a dignity and royalty within it. It was more than just another piece to wear, but instead it was a covering that illustrated the divinity and royalty of Adonai alone.
An ornament of pure gold was to be fashioned next and engraved on as a seal with the inscription, ”Set apart for Adonai.” This ornament was to be fastened to the turban with a blue cord over Aharon’s forehead. It is important not to overlook the reasoning behind this as seen in Exodus 28:38. “Because Aharon bears the guilt for any errors committed by the people of Isra’el in consecrating their holy gifts, this ornament is always to be in his forehead, so that the gifts for Adonai will be accepted by him.” This plate, or tsits in Hebrew, is said to have been instructed by Adonai as placed on the forehead so that the priest would be reminded to keep his thoughts always on Adonai and His will, as well as Adonai’s will for His chosen people.
Our last four pieces included in today’s portion are the tunic, turban, belt and trousers. The tunics and turbans, consisting of those made for Aharon and his sons, were to be checkered of fine linen while the belts were to be made of a weaver’s workmanship and colors. The trousers were to resemble linen shorts, reaching from waist to thigh. Although not much more is said about these garment pieces, these too were included in the priestly robes of ancient Isra’el and commanded by Adonai to be worn by His sacred line of cohen.

Exodus 28:31-43