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 details the meticulous craftsmanship involved in constructing the High Priest's sacred garments, specifically describing the creation and placement of two gold rings on the breastplate. These rings were essential for securely attaching the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring 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. This verse underscores the unwavering obedience of the artisans to God's precise and intricate divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:19 is embedded within the extensive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction and the crafting of the priestly vestments, spanning chapters [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Offerings and Workers") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"). Following the detailed instructions given in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments") for the High Priest's attire, chapter 39 meticulously recounts the execution of these commands. This particular verse follows the description of the breastplate's construction (Exodus 39:8-18), including the setting of its twelve stones, and immediately precedes the final steps of attaching the breastplate to the ephod (Exodus 39:20-21). It highlights a crucial functional detail—the means of securing the breastplate—demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the divine instructions and the Israelites' faithful adherence to every specification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the High Priest served as the primary mediator between God and His people, and his garments were not merely ceremonial but deeply symbolic. The breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment" (Hebrew: _choshen mishpat_), was particularly significant as it bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the High Priest carrying the people before God. The ephod was the High Priest's principal outer garment, and the secure attachment of the breastplate to it was vital, ensuring that the representation of Israel was continually positioned over the High Priest's heart as he entered the Holy Place. The use of gold for these rings underscores the preciousness and sanctity of the materials designated for divine service, reflecting the honor and reverence due to God and the sacred nature of the priestly office.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rings (Hebrew, טַבְּעֹת, _ṭabʿōt_):** These were circular fasteners, crucial for the functionality of the priestly garments. In this context, they served as attachment points, allowing the breastplate to be securely fastened to the ephod. Their creation from gold signifies the value and sacredness of every component of the High Priest's attire, emphasizing that even seemingly minor elements were to be made of the finest materials according to divine specification.
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, חֹשֶׁן, _ḥōšen_):** More fully, the "breastplate of judgment," this was a pivotal piece of the High Priest's vestments. It was a folded pouch containing the Urim and Thummim and 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, symbolizing his role in bearing the people before God.
* **Ephod (Hebrew, אֵפוֹד, _ʾēfōd_):** This was a distinctive outer garment worn by the High Priest, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. It had two shoulder pieces with onyx stones bearing the names of the tribes. The breastplate was designed to be worn over the ephod, and the rings facilitated this essential connection, making the two garments function as a unified whole, representing the High Priest's complete identification with and representation of the people of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made two rings of gold":** This phrase emphasizes the material (gold) and quantity (two) of the rings, indicating precise adherence to God's instructions. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, signifies the divine origin and sacred purpose of these components. The act of "making" highlights the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, and their teams, who faithfully executed every detail of the divine blueprint.
* **"and put [them] on the two ends of the breastplate":** This specifies the exact placement of the rings on the breastplate. The "ends" refer to the upper corners, indicating the strategic points where the breastplate would be linked to the ephod. This placement was critical for ensuring the breastplate hung correctly and securely, preventing it from shifting during the High Priest's movements.
* **"upon the border of it, which [was] on the side of the ephod inward":** This clause provides further precise details regarding the rings' attachment. "Upon the border of it" suggests they were affixed to the edge or rim of the breastplate. The phrase "which was on the side of the ephod inward" clarifies their orientation—they were positioned on the side of the breastplate that would face the ephod, ensuring a seamless and hidden connection. This meticulous detail underscores the divine concern for both the functionality and the aesthetic integrity of the sacred garments, ensuring they were not only effective but also beautiful and orderly in their design.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 39:19, and indeed throughout the construction narratives, is **Precision**. 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 found in God's instructions and the Israelites' faithful execution. This precision underscores the divine demand for exact obedience in worship and service. Additionally, there is an element of **Symbolism**, as these rings, though small, are part of a larger symbolic system where every component of the High Priest's garments contributes to his role as a representative and intercessor. The secure attachment they facilitate symbolically represents the unbreakable bond between God's chosen High Priest and the people he bears before the Lord. The narrative also employs **Repetition** of the theme of "as the LORD commanded Moses," implicitly reinforcing that every detail, including these rings, was made in perfect accordance with divine will.

### 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 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, each piece serving a vital function and contributing 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.

* [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) 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.

#### 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.

**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 ensured that the breastplate, which held the Urim and Thummim and the 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.

### 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")).

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.