You are also to make two gold rings and fasten them to the two corners of the breastpiece. You are also to makeThis phrase indicates a divine command given to Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The Hebrew root for "make" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to do, fashion, or accomplish. This reflects the active role of the Israelites in participating in God's plan, highlighting the partnership between divine instruction and human action. It underscores the meticulous care and precision required in the service of God, reminding believers of the importance of diligence and faithfulness in their spiritual duties. two gold rings
Gold, in biblical symbolism, often represents purity, divinity, and kingship. The use of gold in the construction of the priestly garments signifies the sacredness and the high value of the priestly office. The Hebrew word for "gold" is זָהָב (zahav), which is frequently associated with wealth and divine glory. The "two gold rings" serve a functional purpose in the priestly garments, but they also symbolize the connection between heaven and earth, as the high priest represents the people before God. and fasten them
The act of fastening implies security and permanence. The Hebrew root קָשַׁר (qashar) means to bind or tie, suggesting a strong and enduring connection. This reflects the enduring covenant between God and His people, as well as the stability and order that God desires in worship. The fastening of the rings ensures that the breastpiece remains securely attached, symbolizing the steadfastness of God's promises and the reliability of His word. to the two corners
The "two corners" of the breastpiece indicate specific points of attachment, ensuring that the breastpiece is properly aligned and balanced. The Hebrew word for "corners" is פִּנָּה (pinnah), which can also mean a cornerstone or a chief point. This highlights the importance of structure and order in the design of the priestly garments, reflecting the orderliness of God's creation and His desire for harmony in worship. of the breastpiece
The breastpiece, or חֹשֶׁן (choshen) in Hebrew, is a central element of the high priest's attire, symbolizing judgment and decision-making. It held the Urim and Thummim, tools used for discerning God's will. The breastpiece represents the high priest's role as an intercessor and mediator between God and the people. It signifies the weight of responsibility carried by those who serve in spiritual leadership, reminding believers of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions. 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, designed to hold the Urim and Thummim, and symbolize the judgment and guidance of God. 4. The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence 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 highlight the importance of following God's commands precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives. Symbolism of the BreastpieceThe breastpiece represents God's guidance and judgment. In our lives, we should seek God's wisdom and discernment in our decisions. Role of the High PriestAaron's role as high priest foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ intercedes for us. Holiness in WorshipThe priestly garments, including the breastpiece, emphasize the holiness required in worship. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes. Community and IntercessionThe high priest carried the names of the tribes of Israel on the breastpiece, symbolizing intercession. We are encouraged to pray for and support one another in our faith communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the detailed description of the breastpiece in Exodus 28:23 reflect the importance of obedience to God's instructions in our lives today? 2. In what ways does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest? 3. How can we apply the concept of holiness in worship, as seen in the priestly garments, to our personal and corporate worship experiences? 4. What does the symbolism of the breastpiece teach us about seeking God's guidance and judgment in our daily decisions? 5. How can we actively participate in intercession for others, following the example of the high priest carrying the names of the tribes of Israel? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 39:8-21This passage describes the actual making of the breastpiece, following the instructions given in Exodus 28. Leviticus 8:8This verse recounts the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the breastpiece is placed on Aaron, signifying his role as high priest. Hebrews 4:14-16This New Testament passage connects the high priestly role of Aaron to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Bag, Breastpiece, Breastplate, Breast-plate, Corners, Edges, Ends, Fasten, Gold, Hast, RingsDictionary 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 28:23 NIVExodus 28:23 NLTExodus 28:23 ESVExodus 28:23 NASBExodus 28:23 KJV
Exodus 28:23 Commentaries
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