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 provides meticulous details regarding the dimensions and construction of the high priestly breastplate, specifying its "foursquare" shape and "double" layering, with each side measuring "a span." This precise instruction highlights 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 serves as the practical culmination of the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments given earlier in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood"). This chapter, along with [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35-40 "Exodus 35-40 - The Construction of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments"), meticulously records the faithful execution of God's blueprint. Specifically, verses 1-8 describe the crafting of the ephod, the ornate garment to which the breastplate would be attached. The breastplate itself, previously detailed in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"), was designed to hold twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel, and to contain the Urim and Thummim, instruments for discerning God's will. Thus, Exodus 39:9 is a specific technical detail within the broader narrative of Israel’s obedient response to God’s precise commands for worship, emphasizing the sacredness and symbolic weight of each component.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly vestments took place during Israel's formative period of wilderness wandering, a time crucial for establishing their identity as God's covenant people. In the ancient Near East, priestly attire often conveyed status and symbolic meaning, but Israel's garments were unique due to their divine origin and specific function within a monotheistic cult. The meticulousness of God's instructions, down to the "span" measurement and "foursquare" design, underscores a divine standard of holiness and order that sharply contrasted with the often chaotic and syncretistic practices of surrounding pagan cultures. The artisans, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were not merely skilled craftsmen; they were divinely gifted, "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"). Their work was an act of worship and obedience, and the breastplate's function of bearing the names of the tribes before God was a powerful symbol of intercession and divine remembrance, vital for a nomadic people solidifying their unique relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, highlights several key themes. First, it underscores God's **divine precision and order**, demonstrating that every detail of worship and service is divinely ordained and significant. This meticulousness reflects God's holy character and His expectation of excellence in approaching Him. Second, it emphasizes **representation and intercession**, as the breastplate, bearing the names of the tribes, symbolized the High Priest carrying the entire nation into God's presence, a foundational concept for understanding the role of mediation. Third, the "foursquare" design and "doubled" construction point to themes of **stability, completeness, and security**, suggesting the steadfastness of God's covenant and the secure standing of His people when represented before Him. These themes are not merely aesthetic but deeply theological, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where every element of the Tabernacle served to facilitate their holy encounter with Him, as seen throughout [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions and Construction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foursquare (Hebrew, _râbaʻ'_):** From H7251, this term describes a perfectly square shape, indicating symmetry, stability, and completeness. In biblical symbolism, the "foursquare" often signifies divine perfection, wholeness, and integrity, as also 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, reflecting God's perfect order.
* **Span (Hebrew, _zereth'_):** From H2239, this is an ancient 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. It underscores the divine attention to detail.
* **Double (Hebrew, _kâphal'_):** From H3717, this term indicates that the fabric of the breastplate was folded over, creating two layers or 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, protection, and profound weight of the High Priest's representative role and the sacred items it contained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It was foursquare":** This initial clause immediately establishes the fundamental geometric shape of the breastplate, emphasizing its perfect symmetry and balanced design. This shape was not arbitrary but held profound symbolic significance, conveying ideas of completeness, stability, and divine order in its construction.
* **"they made the breastplate double":** This describes the specific construction method, indicating that the fabric (likely fine linen, interwoven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as per earlier instructions) was folded over. This doubling created two layers, providing the necessary strength and durability, and forming a secure pocket for the Urim and Thummim.
* **"a span [was] the length thereof":** This specifies the first dimension of the breastplate, indicating that one side of the square measured approximately 9 inches. This precise, human-scale measurement underscores the exactness required in the divine blueprint.
* **"and a span the breadth thereof":** This confirms the second dimension, reiterating that the breastplate was indeed a perfect square, with both its length and width being identical. The repetition of "a span" emphasizes the perfect symmetry and the precise adherence to God's detailed design.
* **"[being] doubled":** This final phrase reinforces the earlier statement about the breastplate's construction, emphasizing its layered nature. It serves as a concluding affirmation of its robust and secure design, highlighting both its practical strength and its symbolic capacity to hold sacred elements and represent the people securely before God.

#### 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, reinforcing the divine demand for exactitude.

### 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/28-15-30 "Exodus 28:15-30 - Instructions for the Breastplate of Judgment")
* [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, knowing that His plans for us are perfectly crafted and secure.

#### 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, knowing that His character is unwavering?**
* **Considering the breastplate's function of bearing the tribes, how can I better bear the concerns and needs of others in prayer and intercession, reflecting Christ's heart?**
* **What does God's meticulousness in these ancient instructions teach me about His character and His expectations for my spiritual discipline and faithfulness today?**

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

Answer: The "foursquare" (Hebrew: _râbaʻ_) shape of the breastplate was highly significant, symbolizing 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 powerfully echoed in the [foursquare dimensions of the New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Foursquare Dimensions") in Revelation, which also signifies divine completeness and security.

**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, as well as the profound weight and importance of the High Priest's mediatorial role. "A span" (Hebrew: _zereth_) 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, bringing their concerns directly before the divine throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:9, in its precise description of the high priestly breastplate, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The "foursquare" perfection and "doubled" strength of the breastplate, meticulously designed to bear the names of Israel before God, powerfully foreshadow Christ's perfect, unwavering, and eternally secure intercession for His people. Just as the Old Testament High Priest carried the tribes into the Holy Place, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, has entered the true 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 and revelation, points to Christ as the ultimate source of all wisdom and knowledge, 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 and righteous 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 sacred 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.