Exodus 28:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} two {H8147} rings {H2885} of gold {H2091}, and thou shalt put {H7760} them upon the two {H8147} ends {H7098} of the breastplate {H2833} in the border {H8193} thereof, which is in the side {H5676} of the ephod {H646} inward {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make two gold rings and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, at its edge, on the side facing in toward the vest.

Berean Standard Bible

Make two more gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate, upon the edge thereof, which is toward the side of the ephod inward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:26 precisely details the divine instruction for attaching two gold rings to the upper corners of the high priestly breastplate, specifically where its border met the ephod's inward side. This meticulous directive underscores God's absolute emphasis on order, holiness, and the seamless integration of the sacred vestments, ensuring the breastplate of judgment—bearing the names of the tribes of Israel—remained securely positioned over the High Priest's heart as he ministered in the Lord's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 28:26 is situated within the highly detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, as well as the elaborate vestments for the Aaronic priesthood, found in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle and Priestly Instructions") and [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-40 - Tabernacle Construction"). Specifically, [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments") is dedicated entirely to describing the garments for Aaron and his successors, which were designed for "glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2). The breastplate of judgment (Hebrew: _choshen mishpat_), detailed from [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15-30 "Exodus 28:15-30 - The Breastplate of Judgment"), was the most significant of these garments, intended to perpetually bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord. Verse 26, along with [Exodus 28:23-25](/exodus/28-23-25 "Exodus 28:23-25 - Attaching the Breastplate"), specifies the intricate system of chains and rings by which this crucial breastplate was to be securely fastened to the ephod (described in [Exodus 28:6-14](/exodus/28-6-14 "Exodus 28:6-14 - The Ephod")), preventing any separation during the High Priest's sacred ministry. The meticulousness of these instructions highlights the divine precision required for approaching a holy God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments were given to Moses at Mount Sinai, following Israel's miraculous exodus from Egypt and the establishment of their covenant with God. This period marked the formalization of Israel's identity as a priestly nation and the institution of a structured, divinely ordained system of worship. In the ancient Near East, priestly attire often conveyed status, power, and function, but Israel's priestly garments were unique due to their divine origin and profound symbolic depth. The High Priest, Aaron, served as the primary mediator between God and Israel, representing the entire nation before the divine presence in the Tabernacle's Holy Place. The breastplate, with its embedded stones representing the tribes, was central to this representative function, and its secure attachment was paramount. The consistent use of gold—a precious, incorruptible, and highly valued metal—throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments, signified divine glory, purity, and enduring value, setting Israel's worship apart from the often crude or idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. The very act of God providing such detailed blueprints for worship underscored His sovereignty and His desire for a holy, ordered relationship with His people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Divine Holiness and Order**, emphasizing that God's presence demands absolute precision and adherence to His revealed will in worship. The intricate design of the priestly garments, including the specific placement of the rings, reflects God's meticulousness and His desire for a structured, reverent approach. Another key theme is **Representation and Mediation**, as the High Priest, bearing the names of the tribes on the breastplate, served as the sole mediator for the entire nation before God. The secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod underscores the integrity and inseparability of this representative role. Furthermore, the use of precious materials like gold points to the theme of **Glory and Beauty in Worship**, signifying the honor and reverence due to God. Finally, the entire system of the Tabernacle and priesthood, including these detailed instructions, foreshadows the theme of **Atonement and Access to God**, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, who provides true access to God's presence, as detailed in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rings (Hebrew, _ṭabbaʻath'_):** This term (H2885) refers to a circular fastener, properly a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind. In the context of the Tabernacle, rings were commonly used for connection or suspension, demonstrating their functional importance in securing elements of the sacred structure and its furnishings. Here, the rings are specifically made of gold (H2091, _zâhâb_), emphasizing their preciousness, durability, and the divine glory associated with the priestly garments. Their purpose was to provide a secure and lasting link between the breastplate and the ephod.
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, _chôshen'_):** This term (H2833) refers to the gorget of the high priest, perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich (as containing gems). More fully known as the "breastplate of judgment" (_choshen mishpat_), it was a square, folded pouch that contained the Urim and Thummim ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")) and bore twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel ([Exodus 28:17-21](/exodus/28-17-21 "Exodus 28:17-21 - The Twelve Stones")). It was worn over the High Priest's heart, symbolizing his role in bearing the names of the people before God and in discerning divine judgment. The _choshen_ was not merely decorative but was central to the High Priest's mediatorial and representative functions.
* **Inward (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While the KJV translates "inward" from H1004, _bayith_, which primarily means "house" or "within," here it functions adverbially to denote placement "from within," "on the inside," or "inwardly." Its use here emphasizes that the rings were positioned on the side of the ephod that faced the High Priest's body, ensuring a snug, integrated, and perhaps less visible connection. This inward placement contributed to the overall stability and integrity of the priestly ensemble, signifying a deep and secure bond between the breastplate (representing the people) and the ephod (representing the priestly office).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make two rings of gold":** This command specifies the material and quantity of the connecting elements. Gold, being a pure and valuable metal, signifies the divine origin and sacredness of the garments. The number two suggests balance and symmetry, ensuring a secure attachment on both sides of the breastplate. The verb "make" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) denotes the careful craftsmanship required for these sacred objects.
* **"and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate":** This indicates the precise location for attaching these rings. They were to be placed at the extremities or corners (H7098, _qâtsâh_) of the breastplate, which would then allow for its connection to the ephod. This placement ensured the breastplate hung correctly and was properly aligned. The verb "put" (H7760, _sûwm_) emphasizes the deliberate and exact placement.
* **"in the border thereof, which [is] in the side of the ephod inward":** This clause provides the crucial detail of how the breastplate was to be secured to the ephod. The rings on the breastplate were to connect to corresponding elements (likely other rings or chains) located on the "side" (H5676, _ʻêber_) or "edge" (H8193, _sâphâh_) of the ephod (H646, _ʼêphôwd_), specifically on its "inward" (H1004, _bayith_) or inner surface. This "inward" connection ensured the breastplate was held firmly and closely against the ephod, preventing it from swinging loosely and maintaining the integrity of the High Priest's sacred attire.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 28:26, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle instructions, is **Precision/Meticulous Detail**. The verse exemplifies God's exacting standards for worship and service, leaving no room for human improvisation regarding the sacred. This minute level of detail highlights the profound **Symbolism** inherent in every component of the priestly garments. The gold rings symbolize divine glory, purity, and the enduring nature of the covenant. The breastplate itself is a powerful symbol of the people of Israel, borne on the High Priest's heart, while the ephod symbolizes the High Priest's office and authority. The secure, "inward" connection between the two garments is a symbolic representation of the inseparable bond between the High Priest's representative role and his official function, ensuring the people were always "before the Lord." This meticulous design also points to **Typology**, subtly foreshadowing the perfect and complete work of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who perfectly integrates His divine nature with His human representation of us, fulfilling all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:26, with its minute instruction for the breastplate's attachment, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, holiness, and intentional design. The secure connection of the breastplate to the ephod underscores the inseparable nature of the High Priest's representative role (bearing the names of Israel) and his mediatorial function (ministering before God). It speaks to the divine imperative for integrity and unity in sacred service, ensuring that the High Priest always carried the people's identity and needs before the Lord. This meticulousness also foreshadows the perfection required for true atonement and access to God, a perfection ultimately found only in Christ. The detailed craftsmanship and use of precious materials signify the immense value God places on His covenant relationship with His people and the sanctity of approaching His presence.

* [Exodus 39:21](/exodus/39-21 "Exodus 39:21 - Construction of the Breastplate Rings")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions in Exodus 28:26, though seemingly small in scope, remind us that God cares deeply about the specifics of our worship and service. Just as the breastplate needed to be securely fastened to the ephod, our spiritual lives should be firmly connected to Christ, our Great High Priest, ensuring our identity in Him is integrated with our daily walk and service. This verse encourages us to approach our faith with diligence, reverence, and an understanding that even seemingly minor acts of obedience contribute to a larger, divine purpose. It challenges us to consider the "inward" connections in our spiritual lives – the hidden disciplines that strengthen our faith, the unseen motives that drive our actions, and the secure bond with God that sustains our outward expressions of faith. We are called to live lives of integrity, where our identity in Christ is seamlessly woven into our actions, always bearing the needs of others before God in prayer, just as the High Priest bore the names of Israel. Our service should be marked by intentionality and a commitment to God's standards, reflecting His own meticulous care for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulousness in Exodus 28:26 inform our approach to worship and service today, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what ways can we ensure our "spiritual breastplate" (our identity and calling in Christ) is securely connected to our "ephod" (our walk with Christ and our priestly function as believers)?**
* **What does the "inward" connection signify for our hidden spiritual life and our integrity before God and others? How can we cultivate this "inward" strength?**

### FAQ

**Why are the details of the priestly garments, like the rings in Exodus 28:26, so specific?**

Answer: The extreme specificity in the instructions for the priestly garments, including the rings, serves multiple crucial purposes. First, it underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for precision in approaching Him. Every detail was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human innovation or error in sacred service. Second, these details were rich in symbolism, each element pointing to theological truths about God, His covenant, and His plan of redemption. The gold, the stones, and the very connection points all conveyed profound meaning. Third, the meticulous design ensured the garments functioned correctly, enabling the High Priest to perform his mediatorial duties effectively and securely. Finally, these precise instructions served as a foreshadowing, preparing God's people for the perfect, unblemished High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill all these types in His flawless ministry and sacrifice, as explored in [Hebrews 8-10](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8-10 - Christ's Superior Priesthood").

**What is the significance of the "inward" connection of the breastplate to the ephod?**

Answer: The instruction for the rings to be placed "inward" on the side of the ephod ([Exodus 28:26](/exodus/28-26 "Exodus 28:26 - Inward Connection of Breastplate")) carries significant meaning. Practically, it ensured a secure and stable attachment for the breastplate, preventing it from swinging or becoming dislodged during the High Priest's movements. Symbolically, this "inward" connection suggests a deep, integrated, and perhaps less visible bond. It speaks to the integrity of the High Priest's office and his representative role; the people (represented by the breastplate) were not merely superficially attached but were intimately and securely borne by the High Priest as he ministered before God. This hidden strength and unity are vital, reflecting how God's work often involves unseen foundations and internal coherence, much like the secure bond between Christ and His church, described in [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing in Christ in Love"). It emphasizes that true spiritual security comes from a deep, internal connection, not just an outward display.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:26, with its meticulous detail concerning the secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, our Great High Priest. The breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes of Israel, symbolized the High Priest's role in carrying the people before God's presence. Jesus, as our ultimate High Priest, does not merely symbolize this but perfectly embodies it. He truly bears His people, not just on a garment, but within His very being, having taken on human flesh to represent us fully before the Father ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14-17 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Christ's Incarnation and Priesthood")). The secure, "inward" connection of the breastplate to the ephod foreshadows the unbreakable union between Christ's perfect humanity and His divine priestly office. His sacrifice on the cross, a once-for-all offering ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), perfectly fulfilled the need for atonement, and His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")) ensures that we are always securely and perpetually presented before the Father. Just as the High Priest's garments were divinely designed for glory and beauty, Christ's perfect work brings us into the glory and beauty of God's presence, securing our access through His own righteous perfection and enabling us to draw near with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). He is the true and enduring link, holding us fast in His eternal covenant.

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.