Exodus 28:16

KJV

Foursquare it shall be [being] doubled; a span [shall be] the length thereof, and a span [shall be] the breadth thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Foursquare {H7251} it shall be being doubled {H3717}; a span {H2239} shall be the length {H753} thereof, and a span {H2239} shall be the breadth {H7341} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

When folded double it is to be square - a hand-span by a hand-span.

Berean Standard Bible

It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.

American Standard Version

Foursquare it shall be and double; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:16 meticulously describes the dimensions and construction of the High Priest's breastplate, specifying it as "foursquare" and "doubled," with a length and breadth of "a span." This verse is a crucial detail in the divine instructions for the sacred garments, highlighting God's demand for precision and holiness in priestly service. The breastplate, a central piece of the High Priest's attire, was not merely ornamental but deeply symbolic, designed to carry the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord and to house the Urim and Thummim for discerning divine judgment and guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 28:16 is situated within a larger block of text (Exodus 25-31) detailing God's precise instructions to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments for the priests. Specifically, chapter 28 is dedicated to the High Priest's sacred vestments, designed "for glory and for beauty" ([Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Garments for Glory and Beauty")). The preceding verses describe the ephod, a foundational garment to which the breastplate would be attached, while the verses immediately following 28:16 elaborate on the breastplate's twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel ([Exodus 28:17-21](/exodus/28-17 "Exodus 28:17-21 - Stones on the Breastplate")). The detailed instructions for each component underscore the sanctity and symbolic weight of the High Priest's role as mediator between God and His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments were given to Moses at Mount Sinai, immediately after the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant. This period marked the formal constitution of Israel as God's covenant people, necessitating a structured system of worship and mediation. In the ancient Near East, priests often wore distinctive garments, but Israel's priestly attire was unique in its divine origin and specific symbolic meaning, particularly concerning the representation of the twelve tribes. The "doubled" nature of the breastplate, as mentioned in this verse, was functionally critical for holding the Urim and Thummim ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")), objects used for discerning God's will, which highlights the unique access the High Priest had to divine counsel on behalf of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foursquare (Hebrew, _rabua'_):** This term denotes a perfectly square shape. In biblical symbolism, a square often represents stability, completeness, and balance. For the breastplate, it suggests the unwavering and complete representation of the twelve tribes of Israel before God, signifying a perfect, divinely ordained order. It also subtly foreshadows the foursquare dimensions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, symbolizing ultimate divine order and perfection.
* **Doubled (Hebrew, _kaful'_):** This refers to the breastplate being folded over to form a pouch or pocket. This was not merely a construction technique but a functional requirement. The doubled nature of the breastplate was essential for holding the Urim and Thummim, the sacred objects used by the High Priest for divining God's will and judgment, thereby emphasizing the High Priest's unique role as a channel for divine guidance.
* **Span (Hebrew, _zeret'_):** A "span" is an ancient unit of measurement, typically defined as the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, roughly equivalent to 9 inches or 23 centimeters. The specification of "a span" for both length and breadth underscores the precise, compact, and divinely ordained dimensions of the breastplate, highlighting God's meticulous attention to detail in matters of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Foursquare it shall be":** This clause specifies the fundamental shape of the breastplate. The square form signifies stability, completeness, and a divinely established order. It implies that the representation of Israel before God, carried by the High Priest, was to be complete and unwavering, reflecting God's perfect design.
* **"[being] doubled":** This describes the construction method, indicating that the breastplate was to be folded over, creating a pouch. This pouch was not merely for structural integrity but served a crucial functional purpose: to hold the Urim and Thummim, which were instruments for discerning God's will and judgment, thus linking the breastplate directly to divine guidance and revelation.
* **"a span [shall be] the length thereof, and a span [shall be] the breadth thereof":** These dimensions precisely define the size of the breastplate as a compact, square object. The use of "a span" emphasizes the divine precision required in its construction, underscoring the sacredness and importance of every detail in the High Priest's attire and, by extension, in all aspects of worship and service to God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 28:16 is **Precision** and **Detail**, which serve to emphasize the divine authorship and meticulousness of the instructions. The exact measurements ("a span") and specific construction method ("foursquare," "doubled") leave no room for human improvisation, underscoring the sacredness and importance of adhering to God's revealed will in worship. This detailed prescription also employs **Symbolism**, where the physical attributes of the breastplate convey deeper theological truths. The "foursquare" shape symbolizes stability, completeness, and divine order, mirroring the perfect representation of the twelve tribes. The "doubled" nature, while a practical instruction, symbolizes the High Priest's unique function as a bearer of divine judgment and guidance through the Urim and Thummim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:16, with its precise description of the breastplate, powerfully communicates God's demand for order, excellence, and intentionality in worship and service. The meticulous detail reflects the character of a God who is sovereign, purposeful, and holy, desiring His people to approach Him with reverence and according to His revealed will. The breastplate's function of representing the twelve tribes before God, coupled with its role in holding the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance, highlights the critical themes of intercession, representation, and the seeking of God's wisdom. It underscores the truth that true worship is not arbitrary but is shaped by divine command, pointing to a God who is intimately involved in the details of His covenant relationship with humanity.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Bearing the Names of Israel")
* [Leviticus 8:8](/leviticus/8-8 "Leviticus 8:8 - Urim and Thummim in Breastplate")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem as Foursquare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine precision evident in Exodus 28:16 serves as a profound reminder that God values order, excellence, and intentionality in all aspects of our lives, especially in our worship and service to Him. While we no longer live under the Old Covenant's ceremonial law, the underlying principles of reverence and obedience remain timeless. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our own spiritual offerings: Do we approach God with casual indifference, or with the thoughtful preparation and diligence that reflects His holiness? The High Priest's role in bearing the names of Israel before God also prompts us to reflect on our own calling as believers to intercede for others and to represent Christ faithfully in the world. Just as the breastplate was designed for a specific function, our lives are purposed by God to reflect His glory and to be channels of His grace and truth to those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's demand for precision in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of worship and service today?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, "bear" others before God, similar to the High Priest carrying the names of Israel?**
* **What does the "doubled" nature of the breastplate, holding the Urim and Thummim, teach us about seeking and trusting divine guidance in our lives?**

### FAQ
**What was the "breastplate of judgment" and why was it important?**

Answer: The breastplate of judgment (also called the breastpiece) was a central component of the High Priest's sacred garments, described in [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-30 - The Breastplate of Judgment"). It was a richly embroidered, square piece of cloth, folded to form a pouch, and adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its importance lay in its symbolic function: the High Priest literally "bore the names of the sons of Israel on his heart" ([Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Bearing the Names of Israel")) when he entered the holy place, signifying his role as the representative and intercessor for the entire nation before God. Furthermore, it housed the Urim and Thummim, objects used for discerning God's will and judgment, making it a conduit for divine guidance.

**What is a "span" in biblical measurements?**

Answer: A "span" (Hebrew: _zeret_) is an ancient unit of linear measurement. It typically corresponds to the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, or roughly half a cubit. In modern equivalents, a span is approximately 9 inches (about 23 centimeters). The specification of "a span" for the breastplate's length and breadth in [Exodus 28:16](/exodus/28-16 "Exodus 28:16 - Breastplate Dimensions") highlights the precise and compact dimensions required by God for this sacred item.

**Why was the breastplate "doubled"?**

Answer: The instruction that the breastplate "shall be doubled" meant it was constructed as a folded pouch rather than a flat piece of cloth. This "doubled" construction was crucial because it provided a pocket or receptacle for the Urim and Thummim. As described in [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim"), these were mysterious objects used by the High Priest to inquire of the Lord and receive divine guidance or judgment on behalf of the Israelites. Thus, the doubled nature of the breastplate was integral to its function as a means of seeking and conveying God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:16, with its meticulous description of the High Priest's breastplate, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The breastplate's function of representing the twelve tribes before God foreshadows Jesus, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who perfectly and perpetually intercedes for His people. Unlike the Old Testament High Priest who bore the names of Israel on his heart, Jesus bears not just our names but our very being, our sins, and our burdens, having fully identified with humanity in His incarnation ([Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Jesus Made Like His Brothers")). The "foursquare" perfection of the breastplate, symbolizing completeness and stability, points to the finished work of Christ on the cross, a sacrifice that is utterly complete and eternally stable, requiring no further offerings ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - One Sacrifice Forever Perfects")). Furthermore, the "doubled" breastplate housing the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance is fulfilled in Christ, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate revelation of God's will and wisdom. He is our perfect guide, the source of all truth, and through Him, we have direct access to the Father, no longer needing a human mediator or symbolic objects for divine counsel ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.