Exodus 28:25

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.

And the other two {H8147} ends {H7098} of the two {H8147} wreathen {H5688} chains thou shalt fasten {H5414} in the two {H8147} ouches {H4865}, and put {H5414} them on the shoulderpieces {H3802} of the ephod {H646} before {H6440} it {H4136}.

attach the other two ends of the twisted chains to the front of the shoulder-pieces of the ritual vest.

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.

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.

Commentary

Exodus 28:25 details a specific instruction for the construction of the sacred priestly garments, particularly how the breastplate of judgment was to be attached to the ephod. This verse, though seemingly minor, underscores the meticulous precision God required in the Tabernacle's design and priestly service.

Context

Chapter 28 of Exodus is dedicated to God's detailed instructions for the garments of Aaron, the High Priest, and his sons. These garments were not merely ceremonial attire but were integral to their sacred duties, designed "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2). The breastplate, which held twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:21), was to be worn over the ephod. Verse 25 describes the final step of securing the breastplate's gold chains to the shoulder pieces of the ephod, ensuring it remained firmly in place when the High Priest ministered before the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its service were incredibly detailed, emphasizing His desire for order, holiness, and a specific way of approaching Him. Every component, no matter how small, had a purpose and a designated place, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands (Exodus 39:43).
  • Interconnectedness and Unity: The way the breastplate was intricately connected to the ephod symbolizes the inseparable link between the High Priest's ministry and his representation of the twelve tribes of Israel. He bore their names physically before God, signifying a profound spiritual union and his role as intercessor.
  • Symbolism of Gold: The "twisted chains of gold" signify purity, value, and the enduring, unchangeable nature of God's covenant and the High Priest's mediatorial role. Gold is consistently used in the Tabernacle to denote divine presence and sacredness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ouches" (Hebrew: shabtzot) refers to the intricate settings or sockets, typically made of gold, into which the chains were fastened. These were not simple rings but carefully crafted fixtures designed to hold the chains securely. The phrase "twisted chains" (Hebrew: sharsh'rot gavlut) highlights that these were not flimsy links but strong, braided cords of gold, ensuring the breastplate's stability and integrity during the High Priest's movements.

Practical Application

This verse, part of a larger narrative of meticulous divine instruction, reminds us that God cares about the details of our service and devotion. Just as every part of the priestly garments had its place and purpose, so too do we, as believers, have a unique role within the body of Christ. Our spiritual "garments" – our character, actions, and service – should be prepared with diligence and precision, reflecting the holiness of God. It also speaks to the importance of being securely "fastened" to Christ, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), ensuring our walk is stable and our representation of Him is true in the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:15

    And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, [of] wreathen work [of] pure gold.

  • Exodus 39:4

    They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple [it] together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

  • Exodus 28:14

    And two chains [of] pure gold at the ends; [of] wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.