Lexical Summary migbaloth: Boundaries, borders Original Word: מִגְבָּלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance end From gabal; a border -- end. see HEBREW gabal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as gebul Definition twisted things, i.e. cords NASB Translation twisted (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִגְבָּלֹת noun feminine plural the twisted, i.e. cords Exodus 28:14 compare Di (appositive שַׁרְשְׁרֹת זָהָב, "" הָעֲבֹתֹת ׳שׁ). Topical Lexicon Biblical Context Exodus 28:14 records the solitary occurrence of the term when the Lord instructs Moses to fashion “two braided chains of pure gold” for the high priest’s ephod. These chains connected the settings that held the onyx stones on the priest’s shoulders to the breastpiece of judgment, visually uniting the memorial stones with the twelve-tribe breastpiece constantly borne over Aaron’s heart (Exodus 28:12, 28). Construction and Materials The chains were to be of “pure gold” and “hammered work,” emphasizing both intrinsic worth and skilled craftsmanship. Twisted strands produced strength and flexibility, ensuring the breastpiece remained secure during the priest’s service. Gold’s incorruptibility made it uniquely suited for objects directly associated with the divine presence (Exodus 25:11; Revelation 21:18). Symbolic Significance 1. Purity—Gold’s resistance to tarnish mirrors the unchanging holiness of God (Malachi 3:6). Connection to Priestly Ministry The chains held the breastpiece “so that it will not come loose from the ephod” (Exodus 28:28). If the breastpiece slipped, the high priest’s representation of Israel before the Lord would be compromised. Thus the chains safeguarded the priestly office and, by extension, Israel’s access to divine mercy on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:34). They became silent witnesses that God’s people were continually “bound” to Him through ordained mediation. Typological Foreshadowing of Christ Hebrews 4:14 presents Jesus as the great High Priest who has “passed through the heavens.” The golden chains prefigure His indestructible bond with His people: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Just as the chains kept the names of Israel close to Aaron’s heart, Christ “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). The perfection of gold hints at the flawless righteousness that permanently secures believers to their Mediator (2 Corinthians 5:21). Related Biblical Imagery • Proverbs 1:9 compares wisdom to “a chain to adorn your neck,” linking moral instruction with honor. Historical and Archaeological Insights Excavations in Egypt and the broader Levant have uncovered twisted gold chains remarkably similar to the description in Exodus 28. Ancient artisans achieved this braiding by hammering fine wires, then intertwining them—a technique attested in New Kingdom tombs contemporary with the Exodus era. Such finds corroborate the biblical detail that high craftsmanship was available to the Israelites, many of whom had learned metallurgy in Egypt (Exodus 31:4-5). Practical Lessons for Believers 1. Secure Attachment—Just as the chains prevented the breastpiece from shifting, believers are called to “hold fast” to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13). Summary Though mentioned only once, מִגְבָּלָה serves as a finely wrought link between Israel’s twelve tribes and their representative before God. Its golden strength illustrates enduring relationship, its beauty proclaims divine glory, and its craftsmanship foreshadows the perfect, unbreakable mediation accomplished by Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations מִגְבָּלֹ֛ת מגבלת miḡ·bā·lōṯ migbaLot miḡbālōṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:14 HEB: זָהָ֣ב טָה֔וֹר מִגְבָּלֹ֛ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם NAS: you shall make them of twisted cordage KJV: gold at the ends; [of] wreathen INT: gold of pure of twisted shall make work 1 Occurrence |
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