The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod. The rings of the breastpieceThe "rings" mentioned here are small loops or fasteners that were integral to the design of the priestly garments. In the Hebrew context, these rings symbolize connection and unity, ensuring that the breastpiece, which represents judgment and decision-making, is securely attached to the ephod. The breastpiece itself was a sacred garment worn by the High Priest, signifying his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. The rings serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong connection to divine guidance. are to be tied
The act of tying signifies a deliberate and secure attachment. In the Hebrew tradition, tying or binding often symbolizes commitment and covenant. This phrase emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the breastpiece remains firmly in place, reflecting the steadfastness required in the priestly duties and the unwavering faithfulness expected in the service to God. to the rings of the ephod
The ephod was a significant garment worn by the High Priest, representing service and worship. The connection between the rings of the breastpiece and the ephod highlights the integration of judgment (breastpiece) with service (ephod). This connection underscores the holistic nature of the priestly role, where discernment and action are intertwined in the service of God. with a blue cord
The color blue in the Bible often symbolizes heavenly authority and divine revelation. The use of a blue cord to tie the breastpiece to the ephod signifies the divine origin and authority of the priestly office. It serves as a visual reminder of the heavenly calling and the spiritual responsibilities entrusted to the High Priest. so that the breastpiece will be above the waistband of the ephod
The positioning of the breastpiece above the waistband signifies its prominence and importance. In the Hebrew context, the heart is often associated with decision-making and moral integrity. By placing the breastpiece above the waistband, it symbolizes the elevation of divine judgment and guidance above human actions and desires. and will not come loose from the ephod
This phrase emphasizes the importance of stability and permanence in the priestly garments. The breastpiece must remain securely attached to the ephod, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. It reflects the unwavering commitment required in the priestly service and the constancy of God's guidance and presence. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The instructions for the priestly garments were specifically for him and his descendants. 3. The BreastpieceA sacred garment worn by the high priest, containing the Urim and Thummim, used for making decisions before God. 4. The EphodA part of the high priest's garments, to which the breastpiece was attached. It was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. 5. The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, where the high priest performed his duties. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for the priestly garments emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands. Just as the Israelites were to follow God's instructions precisely, we are called to obey His Word in our lives. Symbolism of the GarmentsThe breastpiece and ephod symbolize the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and the people. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. Unity and ConnectionThe blue cord connecting the breastpiece to the ephod signifies unity and purpose. In our Christian walk, we are called to be united with Christ and with one another, serving with a common purpose. The Role of the High PriestThe high priest's garments were not just for show; they were functional and symbolic of his role. As believers, we are called to put on the "garments" of righteousness and serve in our God-given roles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the detailed description of the priestly garments in Exodus 28:28 reflect the character of God? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the construction of the priestly garments to our daily lives? 3. How does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest? 4. What does the connection between the breastpiece and the ephod teach us about the importance of unity in the body of Christ? 5. How can we ensure that our "spiritual garments" are in line with God's purpose for our lives, similar to the high priest's garments? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 39:21This verse describes the fulfillment of the instructions given in Exodus 28:28, showing the obedience of the Israelites in crafting the priestly garments. Leviticus 8:7-8These verses describe the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the breastpiece and ephod are mentioned, highlighting their importance in the priestly service. Hebrews 4:14-16This passage speaks of Jesus as our great high priest, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the priesthood of Christ. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Bag, Band, Bind, Blue, Breastpiece, Breastplate, Breast-plate, Connecting, Cord, Curious, Ephod, Fixed, Girdle, Lace, Lie, Loose, Loosed, Ribbon, Rings, Skilfully, Skillfully, Swing, Thereof, Thread, Tied, Waistband, WovenDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:28 5507 rope and cord Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:15-30 5140 breasts
7320 breastpiece 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 28:28 NIVExodus 28:28 NLTExodus 28:28 ESVExodus 28:28 NASBExodus 28:28 KJV
Exodus 28:28 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
