Exodus 39:9

KJV

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span [was] the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, [being] doubled.

KJV (with Strong's)

It was foursquare {H7251}; they made {H6213} the breastplate {H2833} double {H3717}: a span {H2239} was the length {H753} thereof, and a span {H2239} the breadth {H7341} thereof, being doubled {H3717}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When folded double, the breastplate was square -doubled, it was a hand-span by a hand-span.

Berean Standard Bible

It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.

American Standard Version

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being double.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:9 meticulously details the dimensions and construction of the high priestly breastplate, specifying its "foursquare" shape and "double" layering, each side measuring "a span." This precise instruction underscores the divine demand for order, perfection, and symbolic integrity in the sacred garments, which were central to Aaron's role as Israel's representative before God in the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39 is the culmination of the detailed instructions given in Exodus 25-31 and their subsequent execution in Exodus 35-40. Specifically, Exodus 39 focuses on the actual fabrication of the Tabernacle's components and the priestly garments, mirroring the divine blueprint provided to Moses on Mount Sinai. Verses 1-8 describe the skilled artisans (Bezalel and Oholiab, and others) crafting the ephod, a highly ornate garment upon which the breastplate was to be attached. The breastplate itself, described in detail in Exodus 28, was designed to hold twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, and to contain the Urim and Thummim, instruments for discerning God's will. This verse, therefore, is a specific technical detail within the broader narrative of faithful obedience to God's precise architectural and sartorial commands for worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly vestments occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period foundational to their identity as God's chosen people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, priestly garments often conveyed status, authority, and symbolic meaning, but Israel's garments were unique in their divine origin and specific function within a monotheistic cult. The meticulousness of the instructions, down to the "span" measurement and "foursquare" design, reflects a divine standard of holiness and order contrasting with the often chaotic and arbitrary nature of pagan worship. The act of making these items was not merely craftsmanship but an act of worship and obedience, performed by individuals "filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts" as described in [Exodus 35:31](/exodus/35-31 "Exodus 35:31 - Bezalel's Divine Endowment"). The breastplate's function of bearing the names of the tribes before God was a powerful symbol of intercession and divine remembrance, crucial for a nomadic people establishing their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foursquare (רָבוּעַ, _ravua'_):** This Hebrew term describes a perfect square, indicating symmetry, stability, and completeness. In biblical architecture and symbolism, the "foursquare" shape often signifies divine perfection and wholeness, as seen in the dimensions of the [New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Foursquare City"). For the breastplate, it ensured balanced representation of the tribes and provided a stable foundation for the precious stones and the Urim and Thummim.
* **Span (זֶרֶת, _zeret'_):** A unit of measurement derived from the human hand, specifically the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when extended, roughly 9 inches or 22 centimeters. This specific, human-scale measurement highlights the practicality and exactitude of God's instructions, ensuring the breastplate was of a manageable size for the High Priest while still being substantial enough for its symbolic and functional elements.
* **Double (כָּפוּל, _kaful'_):** Derived from the verb _kafal_ (to fold, double), this term indicates that the fabric of the breastplate was folded over, creating a pouch-like structure. This served both practical and symbolic purposes: practically, it provided strength and durability to hold the heavy stones and the Urim and Thummim securely; symbolically, it could suggest the security and protection found in God's presence and the profound weight of the High Priest's representative role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It was foursquare":** This clause immediately establishes the fundamental shape of the breastplate, emphasizing its perfect symmetry and balanced design. This shape was not arbitrary but held deep symbolic significance for completeness and divine order.
* **"they made the breastplate double":** This describes the construction method, indicating that the fabric (likely linen, as per earlier instructions) was folded over to create two layers. This doubling provided the necessary strength and a secure pocket for the Urim and Thummim.
* **"a span [was] the length thereof":** Specifies the first dimension, indicating that one side of the square breastplate measured approximately 9 inches.
* **"and a span the breadth thereof":** Confirms the second dimension, reiterating that the breastplate was indeed a perfect square, with both length and width being identical. The repetition underscores the exactness required.
* **"[being] doubled":** This final phrase reinforces the earlier statement about the breastplate's construction, emphasizing its layered nature and the resulting strength and capacity. It reiterates the practical and symbolic importance of its robust design.

#### Literary Devices
The description in Exodus 39:9 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Precision** and **Detailing** are paramount, as the verse meticulously specifies the exact dimensions ("a span the length... and a span the breadth") and construction ("foursquare," "double") of the breastplate. This intense focus on minutiae reflects the divine authorship of the design and the importance God places on exact obedience in worship. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, particularly in the "foursquare" shape, which universally connotes stability, completeness, and perfection, aligning the breastplate with divine order and the ultimate perfection of God's plan. The act of "doubling" the fabric also carries symbolic weight, suggesting strength, security, and the capacity to hold sacred items (the Urim and Thummim) that conveyed divine guidance. The **Repetition** of "a span" for both length and breadth serves to emphasize the perfect squareness and the precise adherence to the divine blueprint.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:9, in its meticulous detail, speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people. It highlights His demand for holiness, order, and excellence in all matters of worship and service. The precise dimensions and construction of the breastplate underscore the truth that God is a God of detail, for whom every component of His plan and every act of obedience matters. This attention to detail is not arbitrary but serves a profound theological purpose: to ensure that the High Priest, as Israel's representative, perfectly embodies the divine standard of intercession and carries the people’s identity securely before the Lord. The breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Christ, who bears His people in His heart before the Father.

* [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-30 - Instructions for the Breastplate")
* [Leviticus 8:8](/leviticus/8-8 "Leviticus 8:8 - Aaron Consecrated with Urim and Thummim")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Foursquare Dimensions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the breastplate in Exodus 39:9 serve as a profound reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. His attention to every detail, from the grand design of the Tabernacle to the specific dimensions of a priestly garment, teaches us that our worship and service to Him should be marked by diligence, excellence, and obedience. This doesn't imply a legalistic adherence to rituals, but rather a heart attitude that values God's commands and seeks to honor Him in every aspect of life. Just as the breastplate was designed to bear the names of Israel before God, we are called to live as His representatives in the world, bearing His name and His truth. The security and strength provided by the "doubled" construction can also remind us of the spiritual protection and stability found in faithfully following God's revealed will and trusting in His providential care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to overlook "small" details, and how might a greater attention to precision honor God?**
* **How does the "foursquare" symbolism of stability and completeness encourage me in my walk with God?**
* **Considering the breastplate's function of bearing the tribes, how can I better bear the concerns and needs of others in prayer and intercession?**
* **What does God's meticulousness in these ancient instructions teach me about His character and His expectations for my spiritual discipline today?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the breastplate being "foursquare"?**

Answer: The "foursquare" (Hebrew: _ravua'_) shape of the breastplate was highly significant. It symbolized stability, balance, and completeness. In biblical thought, a perfect square often represents divine perfection, wholeness, and integrity. For the breastplate, this ensured that the representation of the twelve tribes of Israel, whose names were engraved on its stones, was perfectly balanced and complete before God. This geometric perfection underscored the divine order and the High Priest's perfect presentation of the people before the Lord, a theme echoed in the [foursquare dimensions of the New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Foursquare Dimensions") in Revelation.

**Why was the breastplate "double" and what was "a span" in measurement?**

Answer: The breastplate was made "double" by folding the fabric over, creating a pouch or pocket. This served two primary purposes: practically, it provided increased strength and durability to support the weight of the twelve precious stones and to securely hold the Urim and Thummim, which were instruments used for discerning God's will (see [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). Symbolically, the doubling could represent the security and protection found in God's presence. "A span" (Hebrew: _zeret_) was an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, approximately 9 inches or 22 centimeters. This specific measurement ensured the breastplate was of a manageable size for the High Priest to wear comfortably while still being large enough to fulfill its symbolic and functional requirements.

**What was the overall purpose of the High Priest's breastplate?**

Answer: The breastplate, also known as the Breastplate of Judgment, was a crucial component of the High Priest's sacred garments. Its primary purpose was representative and intercessory. It bore twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, signifying that the High Priest carried the entire nation into God's holy presence. This act underscored his role as an intercessor, bearing the burdens and identity of the people before the Lord. Additionally, it contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divine guidance and judgment, making it a means through which God's will could be discerned for the nation. Thus, the breastplate symbolized God's remembrance of His people and the High Priest's unique function as their mediator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:9, in its precise description of the high priestly breastplate, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The "foursquare" perfection and "doubled" strength of the breastplate, designed to bear the names of Israel before God, powerfully foreshadow Christ's perfect and enduring intercession for His people. Just as the High Priest carried the tribes into the Holy Place, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, has entered the heavenly sanctuary, bearing the names of all who believe in Him into the very presence of God (see [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Priesthood")). The breastplate's capacity to hold the Urim and Thummim, instruments of divine guidance, points to Christ as the ultimate source of all wisdom and revelation, through whom God perfectly communicates His will to us (see [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). He is the one who perfectly represents us, bears our burdens, and intercedes for us without ceasing, ensuring our secure standing before God (see [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The meticulous detail of the breastplate's construction speaks to the divine precision of God's redemptive plan, perfectly executed in Christ, who is the flawless and complete embodiment of all that the Old Testament priesthood and its garments symbolized.

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.