TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
Complete Jewish Bible
attach the other two ends of the twisted chains to the front of the shoulder-pieces of the ritual vest.
Berean Standard Bible
and fasten the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.
American Standard Version
And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod in the forepart thereof.
World English Bible Messianic
The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the other two endes of the two wrethen cheines, thou shalt fasten in ye two embossements, and shalt put them vpon the shoulders of the Ephod on the foreside of it.
Young's Literal Translation
and the two ends of the two thick bands thou dost put on the two embroidered things, and thou hast put them on the shoulders of the ephod over-against its face.
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In the KJVVerse 2,319 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 15–30
15 ¶ And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
22 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
23 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24 And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
25 And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
29 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, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
The most considerable of the ornaments of the high priest was this breast-plate, a rich piece of cloth, curiously wrought with gold and purple, etc., two spans long and a span broad, so that, being doubled, it was a span square, Exo 28:16. This was fastened to the ephod with wreathen chains of gold (Exo 28:13, Exo 28:14, Exo 28:22, etc.) both at top and bottom, so that the breast-plate might not be loosed from the ephod, Exo 28:28. The ephod was the garment of service; the breast-plate of judgment was an emblem of honour: these two must by no means be separated. If any man will minister unto the Lord, and do his will, he shall know his doctrine. In this breast-plate,
I. The tribes of Israel were recommended to God's favour in twelve precious stones, Exo 28:17-21, Exo 28:19. Some question whether Levi had a precious stone with his name or no. If not, Ephraim and Manasseh were reckoned distinct, as Jacob had said they should be, and the high priest himself, being head of the tribe of Levi, sufficiently represented that tribe. If there was a stone for Levi, as is intimated by this, that they were engraven according to their birth (Exo 28:10), Ephraim and Manasseh were one in Joseph. Aaron was to bear their names for a memorial before the Lord continually, being ordained for men, to represent them in things pertaining to God, herein typifying our great high priest, who always appears in the presence of God for us. 1. Though the people were forbidden to come near, and obliged to keep their distance, yet by the high priest, who had their names on his breast-plate, they entered into the holiest; so believers, even while they are here on this earth, not only enter into the holiest, but by faith are made to sit with Christ in heavenly places, Eph 2:6. 2. The name of each tribe was engraven in a precious stone, to signify how precious, in God's sight, believers are, and how honourable, Isa 43:4. They shall be his in the day he makes up his jewels, Mal 3:17. How small and poor soever the tribe was, it was a precious stone in the breast-plate of the high priest; thus are all the saints dear to Christ, and his delight is in them as the excellent ones of the earth, however men may esteem them as earthen pitchers, Lam 4:2. 3. The high priest had the names of the tribes both on his shoulders and on his breast, intimating both the power and the love with which our Lord Jesus intercedes for those that are his. He not only bears them up upon his heart, as the expression here is (Exo 28:29), carries them in his bosom (Isa 40:11), with the most tender affection. How near should Christ's name be to our hearts, since he is pleased to lay our names so near his! and what a comfort it is to us, in all our addresses to God, that the great high priest of our profession has the names of all his Israel upon his breast before the Lord for a memorial, presenting them to God as the people of his choice, who were to be made accepted in the beloved! Let not any good Christians fear that God has forgotten them, nor question his being mindful of them upon all occasions, when they are not only engraven upon the palms of his hands (Isa 49:16), but engraven upon the heart of the great intercessor. See Sol 8:6.
II. The urim and thummim, by which the will of God was made known in doubtful cases, were put in this breast-plate, which is therefore called the breast-plate of judgment, Exo 28:30. Urim and thummim signify light and integrity; many conjectures there are among the learned what they were; we have no reason to think they were any thing that Moses was to make more than what was before ordered, so that either God made them himself, and gave them to Moses, for him to put into the breast-plate, when other things were prepared (Lev 8:8), or no more is meant than a declaration of the further use of what was already ordered to be made. I think the words may be read thus, And thou shalt give, or add, or deliver, to the breast-plate of judgment, the illuminations and perfections, and they shall be upon the heart of Aaron; that is, "He shall be endued with a power of knowing and making known the mind of God in all difficult doubtful cases, relating either to the civil or ecclesiastical state of the nation." Their government was a theocracy: God was their King, the high priest was, under God, their ruler, the urim and thummim were his cabinet-council; probably Moses wrote upon the breast-plate, or wove into it, these words, Urim and Thummim, to signify that the high priest, having on him this breast-plate, and asking counsel of God in any emergency relating to the public, should be directed to take those measures, and give that advice, which God would own. If he was standing before the ark (but without the veil) probably he received instructions from off the mercy-seat, as Moses did (Exo 25:22); thus, it should seem, Phinehas did, Jdg 20:27, Jdg 20:28. If he was at a distance from the ark, as Abiathar was when he enquired of the Lord for David (Sa1 23:6, etc.), then the answer was given either by a voice from heaven or rather by an impulse upon the mind of the high priest, which last is perhaps intimated in that expression, He shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart. This oracle was of great use to Israel; Joshua consulted it (Num 27:21), and, it is likely, the judges after him. It was lost in the captivity, and never regained after, though, it should seem, it was expected, Ezr 2:63. But it was a shadow of good things to come, and the substance is Christ. He is our oracle; by him God in these last days makes known himself and his mind to us, Heb 1:2; Joh 1:18. Divine revelation centres in him, and comes to us through him; he is the light, the true light, the faithful witness, the truth itself, and from him we receive the Spirit of truth, who leads into all truth. The joining of the breast-plate to the ephod denotes that his prophetical office was founded in his priesthood; and it was by the merit of his death that he purchased this honour for himself and this favour for us. It was the Lamb that had been slain that was worthy to take the book and to open the seals, Rev 5:9.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–30. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 28:25 meticulously details the final, crucial step in assembling the high priestly garments: the secure fastening of the golden, wreathen chains of the breastplate of judgment to the golden ouches on the ephod's shoulderpieces. This seemingly minor instruction underscores the divine insistence on absolute precision, structural integrity, and symbolic interconnectedness in the Tabernacle's design and the sacred service of the priesthood. It ensures the breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, remained immovably positioned over the High Priest's heart as he ministered before the Lord, symbolizing his unwavering role as the people's representative.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 28 is entirely dedicated to the divine blueprint for the sacred garments of Aaron and his sons, setting them apart "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2). The chapter systematically describes the ephod (Exodus 28:6-14), the breastplate (Exodus 28:15-21), and the various methods for their attachment. Verses 22-24 specifically detail the creation of the "wreathen chains of pure gold" that were to extend from the breastplate. Therefore, Exodus 28:25 serves as the culminating instruction for these chains, providing the precise method by which they, and consequently the breastplate itself, were to be permanently secured to the ephod. This sequential, highly detailed instruction reflects God's profound emphasis on order, stability, and the sacredness of the priestly office, ensuring the entire ensemble functioned as a unified, divinely ordained representation.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, priestly attire often conveyed status, authority, and cultic function, but Israel's priestly garments, as described in Exodus 28, were unique in their divine origin and profound symbolic richness. They were not products of human ingenuity but God-given designs, emphasizing the holiness and precision required for approaching a holy God. The Tabernacle itself was a portable sanctuary, a tangible representation of God's dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8). Every component, from the largest curtain to the smallest fastening, was specified by divine command, reflecting a cosmic order and the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh. The meticulous instructions for the high priest's garments, including the secure fastening described in Exodus 28:25, ensured that the priest, as the representative of the entire nation, could minister without flaw or instability, upholding the sanctity and gravity of the divine encounter. This level of detail also served as a constant reminder to the priests and the people of the solemnity and sacredness of their covenant relationship with God.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Order and Precision. God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments, are characterized by exhaustive detail, emphasizing His demand for exact adherence to His blueprint. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Holiness and Consecration. The garments were "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2), setting Aaron apart as holy for his unique mediatorial role. The secure fastening ensures the integrity of this holy service. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of Representation and Intercession. The breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes, was to be securely positioned over the High Priest's heart, symbolizing his constant bearing of the people before God. This foreshadows the ultimate intercessory work of Christ. Finally, the meticulous craftsmanship and use of precious materials like gold speak to the theme of God's Glory and Majesty, as the Tabernacle and its service were designed to reflect His transcendent nature.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs significant Symbolism. The gold itself symbolizes purity, divinity, and enduring value, reflecting the sacredness of the priestly office and the eternal nature of God's covenant. The "wreathen chains" symbolize strength, security, and the unbreakable bond between God, the High Priest, and the people. The breastplate, securely fastened to the ephod, is a powerful symbol of Representation, as the High Priest literally bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his heart before God. The meticulous detail in this verse, like many others in the Tabernacle instructions, exemplifies Precision as a literary and theological theme, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for holiness and order in worship. The entire description functions as a form of Typology, foreshadowing a greater reality in Christ, the ultimate High Priest and perfect fulfillment of all these symbolic elements.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:25, though seemingly a technical construction detail, profoundly illustrates God's demand for divine order, holiness, and the interconnectedness of His covenant people. The secure fastening of the breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, to the ephod, signifies the High Priest's unwavering role as the representative and intercessor for Israel. This meticulous design emphasizes that every aspect of approaching God, even the smallest detail, must align with His perfect will and design, ensuring stability and integrity in sacred service. It speaks to the unity of God's people, borne on the heart and shoulders of their mediator, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with them. The stability of the breastplate underscores the unchanging nature of God's commitment to His people, even as they are represented before Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate instructions for the priestly garments, culminating in the secure fastening of the breastplate, offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, was firmly secured to the High Priest, so too are we, as members of the body of Christ, securely "fastened" to our Great High Priest, Jesus. This security provides stability and confidence in our spiritual walk and service, knowing that our High Priest continually bears us before the Father. The divine precision highlights that God cares about the details of our lives and our worship; our "spiritual garments"—our character, integrity, and service—should be prepared with diligence and intentionality, reflecting the holiness of God. We are called to live lives that are not haphazard but ordered and purposeful, securely connected to Christ, so that our representation of Him in the world is true, stable, and effective. This passage encourages us to embrace a life of intentional discipleship, where every aspect of our being is securely anchored in our relationship with God, allowing us to bear His name faithfully before a watching world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What were the "ouches" and why were they important?
Answer: The "ouches" (Hebrew: mishbᵉtsâh) were specially crafted gold settings or sockets, often intricately designed, that were located on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. Their importance lay in their function: they were the precise points where the golden, wreathen chains of the breastplate were securely fastened. This ensured that the breastplate, which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, remained firmly and prominently positioned over the High Priest's heart as he ministered before the Lord. They were critical for both the structural integrity of the priestly garments and the symbolic stability of the High Priest's representative role, ensuring that the people's names were always securely presented before God.
Why did God require such meticulous detail in the construction of the Tabernacle and priestly garments?
Answer: God's requirement for meticulous detail, as seen throughout Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31 and Exodus 35, Exodus 36, Exodus 37, Exodus 38, Exodus 39, Exodus 40, served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscored His absolute holiness and the sacredness of His presence. Approaching a holy God demanded perfection and adherence to His divine standard, not human invention. Secondly, it emphasized divine order and precision, reflecting the perfect order of creation and God's sovereign control over all things. Thirdly, every detail was imbued with rich symbolism, teaching profound theological truths about redemption, atonement, and God's covenant relationship with His people. Finally, the exactness ensured that the Tabernacle and its services functioned as a perfect type and shadow, meticulously pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and perfect sanctuary (Hebrews 8:5).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:25, with its emphasis on the secure fastening of the breastplate to the ephod, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Just as the High Priest bore the names of Israel on his heart and shoulders, perfectly representing them before God, so Jesus, in His perfect humanity and divinity, bears His elect—His church—securely on His heart before the Father. The "wreathen chains" and "ouches" speak of an unbreakable bond, a security that is fully realized in Christ's mediatorial work. Unlike the Levitical priests, who ministered in garments of gold and linen and offered perishable sacrifices, Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of goats and calves, nor with the perishable garments of the Old Covenant, but with His own precious blood and the garment of His perfect righteousness (Hebrews 9:11-12). He is the one who perfectly fulfills the symbolic representation of the breastplate, for He truly knows His sheep by name (John 10:3) and intercedes for them eternally, being able to save completely those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). The secure fastening of the breastplate foreshadows the eternal security of believers, who are "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:4), held fast by His finished work and continuous intercession, ensuring their unwavering and permanent position before the throne of grace, never to be plucked from His hand (John 10:28-29).