Exodus 39:16

KJV

And they made two ouches [of] gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H6213} two {H8147} ouches {H4865} of gold {H2091}, and two {H8147} gold {H2091} rings {H2885}; and put {H5414} the two {H8147} rings {H2885} in the two {H8147} ends {H7098} of the breastplate {H2833}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also for the breastplate they made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and they put the two rings at the two ends of the breastplate.

Berean Standard Bible

They also made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the two rings to the two corners of the breastpiece.

American Standard Version

And they made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:16 details a precise step in the construction of the high priest's breastplate, specifically the creation and attachment of gold "ouches" or settings, and gold rings. These components were essential for securely fastening the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring its stability and proper placement as the high priest ministered before the Lord. This verse, though seemingly minor, underscores the divine demand for meticulous craftsmanship and faithful adherence to God's intricate instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:16 is situated within the concluding chapters of the book of Exodus, specifically [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Completion of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments"), which narrates the actual construction and completion of the Tabernacle and its sacred articles by Bezalel, Aholiab, and other skilled artisans. This section, beginning in [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle Begins"), meticulously details the fulfillment of the divine commands given earlier in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"). Chapter 39 focuses entirely on the fabrication of the holy garments for the high priest, as previously commanded in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"). Verse 16 specifically describes the final elements designed to secure the breastplate of judgment (mentioned in [Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")) to the ephod, highlighting the intricate interconnections of these sacred vestments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments took place in the wilderness shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. This period marked a foundational stage in Israel's identity as God's covenant people, establishing their unique system of worship and their relationship with Yahweh. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, including the high priest's garments, were not merely architectural blueprints but divine mandates intended to teach Israel about God's holiness, His presence among them, and the necessity of atonement. The use of precious materials like gold, fine linen, and skillfully crafted jewels, as seen in the breastplate (described in [Exodus 28:15-21](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-21 - Description of the Breastplate")), reflected the supreme value and sacredness attributed to God's dwelling place and the ministry performed within it. The meticulous adherence to these specifications, as evidenced throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Completion of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments"), was an act of profound obedience and worship, demonstrating Israel's commitment to the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ouches (Hebrew, מִשְׁבְּצֹת, _mishbetsot'_):** This term refers to settings, sockets, or frames, typically made of gold, designed to hold precious stones or to serve as decorative, intricate mountings. In the context of the breastplate, these "ouches" were not merely functional but were likely elaborate, woven, or interlaced goldwork. They served as the points from which the gold chains would extend to connect the breastplate to the ephod's shoulder pieces, as described in subsequent verses ([Exodus 39:17-18](/exodus/39-17 "Exodus 39:17-18 - Attachment of the Breastplate")). The use of "ouches" emphasizes the high level of artistry and the secure, yet beautiful, integration of the breastplate's components.
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, חֹשֶׁן, _choshen'_):** More fully known as the "breastplate of judgment" (_choshen mishpat_), this was a pivotal component of the high priest's vestments. It was a square, folded pouch worn over the ephod, containing twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel ([Exodus 28:15-21](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-21 - Description of the Breastplate of Judgment")). The breastplate symbolized the high priest bearing the tribes of Israel "on his heart" before the Lord, representing them in his mediatorial role. Its secure attachment, facilitated by the ouches and rings, was crucial for the integrity of the priestly garments and the symbolic weight they carried.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made two ouches [of] gold":** This clause indicates the fabrication of two specific gold settings or frames. The "they" refers to Bezalel, Aholiab, and the skilled craftsmen empowered by God's Spirit ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Aholiab Appointed")). The material, gold, signifies purity, divinity, and immense value, consistent with the sacred nature of the Tabernacle furnishings. The "ouches" were designed to be intricate and secure, likely forming part of the elaborate front-facing structure of the breastplate.
* **"and two gold rings;":** Following the ouches, two gold rings were also fashioned. These rings were distinct from the ouches but worked in conjunction with them. Their purpose was to provide attachment points for the gold chains that would ultimately secure the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it remained firmly in place during the high priest's movements. The repetition of "gold" reinforces the preciousness and sacredness of every component.
* **"and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.":** This final clause describes the precise placement of the newly made gold rings. They were affixed to the "ends" of the breastplate, referring to its upper corners. This strategic placement allowed for the breastplate to be suspended from the ephod's shoulder pieces via chains, ensuring it rested properly over the high priest's heart. This detail underscores the meticulous planning and execution required for every element of the Tabernacle and its associated articles.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:16, though brief, employs several literary devices that underscore its significance. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the exact enumeration ("two ouches," "two gold rings") and specific placement ("in the two ends of the breastplate"). This precision reflects the divine mandate for absolute accuracy in the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing God's demand for order and excellence in worship. **Repetition** of the word "gold" highlights the preciousness and sacredness of the materials used, reinforcing the idea that only the finest was suitable for God's service. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Symbolism** present. The gold itself symbolizes purity, divinity, and enduring value. The breastplate, secured by these components, symbolizes the high priest bearing the twelve tribes of Israel before God, a representation of God's people held close to the mediating heart of their representative. The intricate details, even down to the rings and settings, contribute to the overall **Holistic Design** of the sacred space, where every minute part serves a larger theological purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:16, a seemingly small detail in the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, powerfully illustrates several profound theological themes. It speaks to God's demand for meticulous obedience and excellence in worship, demonstrating that every aspect of service to Him, no matter how minute, is significant. The divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its furnishings was not merely a suggestion but a precise command, underscoring God's sovereignty and His right to dictate the terms of His encounter with humanity. The use of precious gold and intricate craftsmanship also highlights the sacredness and value God places on His dwelling place and the priestly ministry, reminding us that true worship involves offering our very best. The secure attachment of the breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, further emphasizes the high priest's role as a mediator, bearing the people before God, a theme that resonates deeply throughout redemptive history.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Tabernacle a Copy of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 39:16, with its focus on the precise construction of the breastplate's attachments, offers a profound lesson on the nature of our service and devotion to God. It reminds us that God is a God of order, beauty, and meticulous detail, and He expects nothing less than our best in all things, especially in matters pertaining to Him. Just as the smallest gold ring was essential for the proper functioning and symbolism of the high priest's garments, so too are the seemingly insignificant details of our lives and ministries important in God's eyes. Our faithfulness in the small things often reflects the depth of our reverence and obedience. This verse challenges us to consider whether our worship, our work, and our daily lives are characterized by the same level of care, precision, and dedication that God commanded for the Tabernacle. It calls us to move beyond mere functionality to embrace excellence, understanding that every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan and reflects His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to overlook "small" details, and how might this verse challenge me to approach them with greater precision and excellence?**
* **How does the meticulous craftsmanship described in Exodus 39:16 inform my understanding of God's character and His expectations for His people?**
* **Considering the symbolism of the breastplate, how can I, like the high priest, more intentionally "bear" others before God in prayer and intercession?**

### FAQ
**What are "ouches" in the context of the high priest's breastplate?**

Answer: In Exodus 39:16, "ouches" (from the Hebrew _mishbetsot_) refer to intricate gold settings or frames. These were not just simple rings but likely elaborate, woven, or interlaced gold mountings designed to securely hold other components or to serve as decorative points of attachment. For the breastplate, these ouches were crucial for connecting the breastplate to the ephod via gold chains, ensuring the entire sacred garment was properly assembled and worn by the high priest. They highlight the detailed and artistic craftsmanship involved in the Tabernacle's construction, as described throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Completion of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments").

**Why was such precise detail necessary for the Tabernacle and priestly garments?**

Answer: The precise details for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, including the specific instructions for the ouches and rings in [Exodus 39:16](/exodus/39-16 "Exodus 39:16 - Construction of the Breastplate's Ouches and Rings"), were necessary for several reasons. Firstly, they underscored God's absolute holiness and sovereignty, dictating that His dwelling place and the means of approaching Him must conform exactly to His divine will. Secondly, the precision ensured the functional integrity of these sacred objects, which carried profound symbolic meaning. For instance, the breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, needed to be securely worn as the high priest mediated for Israel. Thirdly, the meticulous instructions tested and demonstrated Israel's obedience and reverence for God, teaching them the importance of faithful adherence to His commands, as seen in the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Completion of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:16, with its focus on the meticulous construction and secure attachment of the high priest's breastplate, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolized the high priest carrying God's people on his heart before the Lord, interceding on their behalf. This foreshadows Jesus, our Great High Priest, who not only bears His people on His heart but perfectly represents them before God. Unlike the Levitical priests, who ministered in an earthly tabernacle and offered repeated sacrifices (as discussed in [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - Earthly Sanctuary and its Services")), Christ entered the true, heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The secure attachment of the breastplate, ensuring it would not be dislodged, speaks to the unwavering efficacy of Christ's mediatorial work. He is eternally able to save those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood and Intercession")). Every intricate detail of the Tabernacle pointed to the flawless and comprehensive work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills every requirement of God's holiness and brings His people into an unbreakable covenant relationship with the Father.

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.