Exodus 28:28

And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that [it] may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.

And they shall bind {H7405} the breastplate {H2833} by the rings {H2885} thereof unto the rings {H2885} of the ephod {H646} with a lace {H6616} of blue {H8504}, that it may be above the curious girdle {H2805} of the ephod {H646}, and that the breastplate {H2833} be not loosed {H2118} from the ephod {H646}.

Then bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the vest with a blue cord, so that it can be on the vest's decorated belt, and so that the breastplate won't swing loose from the vest.

The rings of the breastpiece shall be tied to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece is above the waistband of the ephod and does not swing out from the ephod.

And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.

Commentary

Exodus 28:28 provides meticulous instructions for securing the breastplate to the ephod, two central components of the High Priest's sacred attire in the Tabernacle. This verse underscores the divine emphasis on precision and stability in the priestly service.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed section in Exodus (chapters 28-29) outlining the design and construction of the holy garments for Aaron, the first High Priest, and his successors. The breastplate of judgment (Hebrew: choshen mishpat) was a square, folded pouch adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. It held the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for divine guidance. The ephod was a sleeveless vest-like garment, intricately woven, to which the breastplate was attached. The instruction to "bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue" highlights the critical need for these two pieces to function as a unified whole, ensuring the breastplate would "not be loosed from the ephod" during the High Priest's sacred duties in the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: God's explicit and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments reveal His nature as a God of order and holiness, demanding exactness in worship and service.
  • Security and Stability: The emphasis on binding the breastplate firmly signifies the importance of stability in the High Priest's role and the reliability of the divine judgment and guidance sought through the Urim and Thummim.
  • Interconnectedness of Priestly Functions: The firm attachment of the breastplate to the ephod symbolizes the inseparable link between the representation of the tribes (on the breastplate) and the High Priest's ministry before God (through the ephod).
  • Symbolism of Blue: The "lace of blue" (Hebrew: techelet) was a costly dye, often associated with heaven, divinity, and purity, reinforcing the sacred and heavenly nature of the priestly office and its functions.

Significance and Application

Exodus 28:28, though specific to ancient Israelite worship, carries enduring significance. The meticulousness in the construction of the priestly garments reflects God's desire for reverence and excellence in all aspects of worship and service. The secure attachment of the breastplate ensured that the High Priest, bearing the names of the tribes, remained steadfastly connected to the instruments of divine revelation. This foreshadows the perfect and secure ministry of our ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who holds an unchangeable priesthood and provides us with sure access to God's presence. For believers today, this verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual integrity and the secure foundation we have in Christ, whose work is never "loosed" or incomplete, ensuring our secure standing before God.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 15:38 (3 votes)

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

  • Exodus 28:37 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.

  • Exodus 28:31 (2 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all [of] blue.

  • Exodus 39:30 (2 votes)

    And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

  • Exodus 39:31 (2 votes)

    And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten [it] on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.