Then fasten the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, Then attachThe phrase "then attach" indicates a sequence of actions, suggesting a meticulous and orderly process in the construction of the priestly garments. The Hebrew root for "attach" is "קָשַׁר" (qashar), which means to bind or tie. This reflects the importance of unity and connection, symbolizing how the priestly garments were to be securely fastened, just as the spiritual life of a believer should be firmly anchored in faith and obedience to God. the two gold chains
Gold, in biblical symbolism, often represents purity, divinity, and kingship. The use of gold chains signifies the precious and divine nature of the priestly office. Historically, gold was a rare and valuable commodity, emphasizing the sacredness of the high priest's role. The chains serve as a reminder of the connection between God and His people, with the high priest acting as an intermediary. to the two rings
Rings in ancient times were symbols of authority and continuity. The Hebrew word for ring, "טַבַּעַת" (tabba'at), can also mean a signet ring, which was used to seal and authenticate documents. The two rings on the breastpiece symbolize the enduring covenant between God and Israel, with the high priest bearing the responsibility of representing the people before God. at the corners
The corners of the breastpiece indicate the extremities or boundaries, suggesting completeness and inclusivity. In biblical terms, corners can represent the four corners of the earth, symbolizing the universality of God's covenant. The placement of the rings at the corners ensures that the breastpiece is securely fastened, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's care and protection over His people. of the breastpiece
The breastpiece, or "חֹשֶׁן" (choshen) in Hebrew, was a central part of the high priest's attire, adorned with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It served as a tangible reminder of the high priest's role in interceding for the entire nation. The breastpiece's design and function highlight the importance of carrying the people of God close to one's heart, symbolizing the love and responsibility of spiritual leadership. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai. 2. AaronMoses' brother, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The breastpiece was part of his priestly garments. 3. The BreastpieceA sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing judgment and decision-making for the Israelites. 4. The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, where the high priest performed his duties. 5. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, for whom the priestly garments were made to facilitate worship and atonement. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for the breastpiece remind us of the importance of following God's commands precisely. Symbolism of the BreastpieceRepresents the role of the high priest in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before God, symbolizing intercession and representation. Christ as Our High PriestThe high priest's role foreshadows Jesus' work as our mediator, who intercedes on our behalf before the Father. Our Role as a Royal PriesthoodAs believers, we are called to represent Christ to the world, bearing His name and interceding for others. The Holiness of WorshipThe care and detail in the priestly garments reflect the reverence and holiness required in worshiping God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the detailed construction of the breastpiece reflect the character of God? 2. In what ways does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament point to the work of Jesus Christ? 3. How can we, as part of the royal priesthood, intercede for others in our daily lives? 4. What does the concept of obedience in the construction of the priestly garments teach us about our relationship with God? 5. How can we apply the principles of holiness and reverence in our worship today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 39This chapter provides a detailed account of the construction of the priestly garments, including the breastpiece, highlighting the obedience to God's instructions. Leviticus 8Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the importance of the priestly garments in their service. Hebrews 4Discusses Jesus as our high priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and Christ's eternal priesthood. 1 Peter 2Refers to believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly role to the New Testament church. Revelation 1Describes Jesus in priestly imagery, reinforcing His role as the ultimate high priest. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Bag, Bands, Braided, Breastpiece, Breastplate, Breast-plate, Chains, Cords, Corners, Edges, Ends, Gold, Hast, Rings, Thick, Wreathed, WreathenDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:15-30 5140 breasts
7320 breastpiece Exodus 28:22-25 5251 chains Exodus 28:22-27 4333 gold Exodus 28:23-24 5176 ring Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 28:24 NIVExodus 28:24 NLTExodus 28:24 ESVExodus 28:24 NASBExodus 28:24 KJV
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