Exodus 39:19

KJV

And they made two rings of gold, and put [them] on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which [was] on the side of the ephod inward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H6213} two {H8147} rings {H2885} of gold {H2091}, and put {H7760} them on the two {H8147} ends {H7098} of the breastplate {H2833}, upon the border {H8193} of it, which was on the side {H5676} of the ephod {H646} inward {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They also made 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

They made two more gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod.

American Standard Version

And they made two rings of gold, and put them upon the two ends of the breastplate, upon the edge thereof, which was toward the side of the ephod inward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:19 meticulously details the creation and precise placement of two gold rings on the High Priest's breastplate, a critical step in securely attaching this sacred garment to the ephod. This verse highlights the unwavering obedience of the artisans, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, in executing God's intricate divine blueprint for the Tabernacle's furnishings and priestly vestments. The secure fastening ensured that the breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, remained perpetually positioned over the High Priest's heart as he ministered before the Lord, symbolizing his role in bearing the people before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:19 is situated within the extensive and highly detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction and the crafting of the priestly garments, which spans from [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Offerings and Workers") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"). This section serves as the fulfillment of the divine instructions given earlier, particularly those concerning the High Priest's attire in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"). Specifically, verse 19 follows the description of the breastplate's construction, including the setting of its twelve precious stones (Exodus 39:8-18), and immediately precedes the final steps of attaching the breastplate to the ephod (Exodus 39:20-21). It underscores a crucial functional detail—the mechanism for securing the breastplate—thereby demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's commands and the Israelites' faithful adherence to every minute specification. The narrative's emphasis on "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - The Priestly Garments Made") reinforces the theme of perfect obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the High Priest held a unique and indispensable role as the primary mediator between God and His covenant people. His garments were not merely ceremonial attire but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning and spiritual significance. The breastplate, specifically referred to as the "breastplate of judgment" (Hebrew: _choshen mishpat_), was exceptionally vital, as it bore the engraved names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolized the High Priest carrying the entire nation before God's presence. The ephod was the High Priest's principal outer garment, and the secure attachment of the breastplate to it was paramount. This ensured that the representation of Israel was continually positioned over the High Priest's heart as he entered the Holy Place, signifying his intercessory function. The exclusive use of gold for these rings, consistent with other elements of the Tabernacle and priestly vestments, underscores the preciousness, sanctity, and divine honor associated with the materials designated for sacred service, reflecting the reverence due to God and the holy nature of the priestly office.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it exemplifies the theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Obedience**, showcasing the meticulous execution of God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred objects. Every detail, no matter how small, was to be followed exactly "as the LORD commanded Moses" (e.g., [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Exodus 39:1 - Obedience in Crafting Vestments")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Sacred Space**, as the materials (gold) and the craftsmanship (meticulous rings) contribute to the overall sanctity of the priestly garments, which were essential for approaching a holy God. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Representation and Mediation**, as the rings facilitate the secure placement of the breastplate, symbolizing the High Priest's role in bearing the people of Israel before God's presence, a concept central to the priestly function as seen in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Bearing the Names of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rings (Hebrew, _ṭabbaʻath'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sink" or "to seal," this term properly refers to a signet ring, but generally denotes any kind of ring. In Exodus 39:19, these are circular fasteners, specifically crafted from gold. Their function was crucial for the secure and proper wearing of the breastplate, serving as attachment points that would link it to the ephod. Their inclusion, even as seemingly minor components, underscores the divine attention to every detail of the priestly garments, emphasizing that all elements, from the grandest to the smallest, were to be made of the finest materials according to God's precise specifications, signifying their value and sacredness.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this word refers to the precious metal, gold. Figuratively, it can describe something gold-colored or bright. In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, gold consistently symbolizes purity, divine glory, incorruptibility, and immense value. Its use for the rings, as for many other sacred items, was not merely for aesthetic appeal but conveyed the holiness and enduring nature of God's presence and the sacred service performed in His sanctuary. It signifies that only the best was fitting for the Lord's work.
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, _chôshen'_):** This term, likely from a root meaning "to contain" or "to sparkle," refers specifically to the gorget of the High Priest, often translated as "breastplate." More fully known as the "breastplate of judgment" (_choshen mishpat_), it was a folded pouch designed to hold the Urim and Thummim, and it was adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The rings described in this verse were integral to its proper wearing, ensuring it was always positioned over the High Priest's heart. This placement was central to his symbolic role of bearing the people of Israel continually before God's presence for judgment and intercession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made two rings of gold":** This initial clause establishes the specific items being crafted—two rings—and their material—gold. The verb "made" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) emphasizes the skilled craftsmanship and the act of creation in accordance with divine instructions. The quantity "two" (H8147, _shᵉnayim_) and the precious material "gold" (H2091, _zâhâb_) highlight the precise nature of God's commands and the high value placed on every component of the sacred vestments, signifying purity, glory, and divine origin.
* **"and put [them] on the two ends of the breastplate":** This clause specifies the action of placing the rings and their precise location. The verb "put" (H7760, _sûwm_) indicates deliberate and careful placement. The "two ends" (H7098, _qâtsâh_) refer to the upper corners or extremities of the breastplate. This strategic positioning was essential for the breastplate's functionality, ensuring it could be securely linked to the ephod and remain stable during the High Priest's movements, preventing any shifting or displacement.
* **"upon the border of it, which [was] on the side of the ephod inward":** This final clause provides further meticulous detail regarding the rings' attachment and orientation. "Upon the border" (H8193, _sâphâh_) indicates that the rings were affixed to the edge or rim of the breastplate. The phrase "which was on the side of the ephod inward" (H5676, _ʻêber_ and H1004, _bayith_ for "inward") clarifies their precise orientation: they were positioned on the inner side of the breastplate, facing the ephod. This ensured a seamless, secure, and aesthetically integrated connection, demonstrating God's concern for both the functional integrity and the orderly beauty of the sacred garments.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:19, like much of the Tabernacle narrative, primarily employs **Precision** as its dominant literary device. The verse's highly specific language regarding the material ("gold"), quantity ("two rings"), and exact placement ("on the two ends... upon the border... on the side... inward") exemplifies the meticulous detail inherent in God's instructions and the Israelites' faithful execution. This precision underscores the divine demand for exact obedience in worship and service, emphasizing that every component, no matter how small, has its divinely appointed place and purpose. Additionally, there is an element of **Symbolism**, as these small gold rings are part of a larger symbolic system. They facilitate the secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod, symbolically representing the unbreakable bond between God's chosen High Priest and the people he bears before the Lord, ensuring their constant representation. The broader narrative also utilizes **Repetition** of the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," implicitly reinforcing that every detail, including the crafting of these rings, was made in perfect accordance with divine will, highlighting the theme of faithful obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:19, in its minute detail, powerfully illustrates God's demand for meticulous obedience and His profound concern for order, beauty, and perfection in worship. The precise crafting and placement of the gold rings for the breastplate, ensuring its secure attachment to the ephod, speaks to the divine intentionality behind every aspect of the Tabernacle and priestly service. It highlights the interconnectedness of the priestly garments, where each piece served a vital function and contributed to the High Priest's unified role as the representative of Israel before God. This attention to detail teaches us that God values not just the grand acts of worship, but also the seemingly small, functional elements that enable faithful service. It underscores the principle that true worship involves diligent adherence to God's revealed will, reflecting His own character of order and holiness. The integrity of the High Priest's office, and thus his ability to mediate effectively, depended on the flawless execution of these divine commands.

* [Exodus 28:28](/exodus/28-28 "Exodus 28:28 - Original Command for Breastplate Attachment")
* [Leviticus 8:8](/leviticus/8-8 "Leviticus 8:8 - Aaron's Ordination and the Breastplate")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail found in Exodus 39:19, concerning the gold rings that secured the breastplate to the ephod, serves as a profound reminder of God's character and His expectations for our service. Just as every component of the High Priest's garments was essential and precisely crafted, so too are the seemingly small details of our lives and ministries significant in God's eyes. This passage challenges us to consider whether we approach our spiritual walk, our acts of worship, and our service to God with the same level of care, diligence, and obedience that was demonstrated in the Tabernacle's construction. It prompts us to reflect on the interconnectedness of our faith—how our private devotion (like the ephod, the inner garment) should be inextricably linked to our public representation of Christ (like the breastplate bearing the tribes), ensuring that our lives are a unified and authentic expression of our faith. God's attention to these minute details assures us that He is sovereign over all things, and He desires our wholehearted and precise obedience in every area, knowing that even the smallest act of faithfulness contributes to the greater tapestry of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulousness in commanding the construction of the priestly garments challenge my own approach to "small" details in my spiritual life or service?**
* **What does the secure and integrated connection between the breastplate and the ephod symbolize about the relationship between my personal faith and my public witness?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of precision and obedience in my daily walk with God, knowing that He values even the seemingly minor aspects of our devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why were these rings of gold, and not another material?**

Answer: The use of gold for these rings, like many other components of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, signifies the divine origin, preciousness, and sacredness of the items. Gold is a noble, incorruptible metal, symbolizing purity, glory, and enduring value. By divine command, only the finest materials were to be used for God's sanctuary and the vestments of His High Priest, emphasizing the honor and reverence due to Him. The gold rings were not merely functional but also conveyed the sanctity and glory associated with the High Priest's office and his ministry before the Lord, reflecting the perfection and holiness of God Himself.

**What was the practical purpose of these rings?**

Answer: The practical purpose of these two gold rings was to provide secure attachment points for the breastplate to the ephod. As described in [Exodus 28:28](/exodus/28-28 "Exodus 28:28 - How the Breastplate was Secured"), blue cords were passed through these rings and then tied to the gold rings on the ephod's shoulder straps. This intricate system ensured that the breastplate, which held the Urim and Thummim and the engraved names of the twelve tribes, remained firmly in place over the High Priest's heart while he ministered. This secure connection was crucial for the symbolic representation of the High Priest bearing the people of Israel continually before God, ensuring that their names were always present in the Holy Place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise crafting and secure attachment of the breastplate to the ephod through these gold rings in Exodus 39:19 beautifully foreshadow the perfect and enduring connection between Christ, our great High Priest, and His people. Just as the breastplate, bearing the names of Israel, was inextricably linked to the ephod worn by the High Priest, so too are believers eternally united with Christ. He bears us, His Church, not merely symbolically but actually, on His heart before the Father. The meticulousness of the rings' design and placement speaks to the divine perfection of Christ's mediatorial work. Unlike the Old Testament High Priest, whose service was temporary and imperfect, Jesus has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). He is our permanent and perfectly connected High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The secure attachment of the breastplate symbolizes the unbreakable bond forged by Christ's finished work on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")), ensuring that we are always presented before God, perfectly represented and eternally secure in Him ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")). Through Him, we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God Through Christ")), because He perfectly fulfills the High Priestly office.

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.