Exodus 28 22

Exodus 28:22 kjv

And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathed work of pure gold.

Exodus 28:22 nkjv

"You shall make chains for the breastplate at the end, like braided cords of pure gold.

Exodus 28:22 niv

"For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope.

Exodus 28:22 esv

You shall make for the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold.

Exodus 28:22 nlt

"To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, make braided cords of pure gold thread.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 22 Meaning

Exodus 28:22 provides specific divine instructions for constructing two chains of pure gold, crafted by twisting or braiding them like cords. These meticulously fashioned chains were designed to connect the breastpiece of the high priest securely to its designated gold settings on the ephod's shoulder pieces. This ensured the breastpiece, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, would be kept in constant alignment with the high priest's heart and shoulders as he ministered before the Lord.

Exodus 28 22 Context

Exodus 28 describes in intricate detail the garments ordained by God for Aaron and his descendants to serve as high priests. These garments were not merely functional; they were designed "for glory and for beauty" (Exo 28:2), signifying the sacredness and dignity of their office. Verse 22 focuses on a specific element of the high priest's attire: the gold chains that connected the breastpiece to the ephod. This instruction is part of a broader pattern of meticulous commands regarding the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings (Exo 25-31), all designed to establish God's holy dwelling place among His people and a proper way for them to approach Him. The historical context reflects a nomadic people, recently delivered from slavery, learning to live in covenant relationship with a holy God who demands precise obedience in worship. These details emphasize the distinction between Yahweh and the gods of the surrounding pagan nations, where priestly garments were often arbitrary or linked to humanistic aesthetic.

Exodus 28 22 Word analysis

• וְעָשִׂיתָ֙ (və-'asîta): "And you shall make." A divine imperative, highlighting that the instruction is a direct command from God, demanding meticulous execution rather than human innovation. This verb is foundational to the creation of all Tabernacle elements.
• עַל־ (al-): "for/on." Indicates the direct object or the intended purpose/placement; here, for the breastpiece.
• הַחֹ֔שֶׁן (ha-chošen): "the breastpiece." Refers to the "breastpiece of judgment" (Exo 28:15), a crucial garment embedded with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of an Israelite tribe. It signifies the priest carrying the people's names and concerns before God.
• שְׁתֵּ֧י (shətê): "two." Specifies quantity, indicating balance, symmetry, and likely attachment to both shoulders of the ephod, demonstrating comprehensive coverage for the people.
• שַׁרְשֹׁרֹ֣ת (sharshōrōt): "chains." Derived from a root suggesting "to be linked." Chains imply connection, stability, and enduring support, symbolically binding the people to the high priest's intercession.
• גַּבְּלֻ֗ת (gabblut): "twisted/plaited." From the verb "to twist, to braid." This describes the intricate method of crafting, emphasizing strength, durability, and a highly refined workmanship. It suggests solidity formed through intertwining, not a single, fragile strand.
• מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה עֲבֹתֹת֙ (ma'aseh 'abōtōt): "work of cords/ropes." This phrase reinforces the "twisted" nature, specifying that the chains are to be made in the style of strong, braided cords. It highlights the purposeful and expert craftsmanship required.
• זָהָ֣ב טָה֔וֹר (zāhāb ṭāhôr): "pure gold." Gold symbolizes divine glory, preciousness, permanence, and majesty. "Pure" (ṭāhôr) denotes unalloyed, refined gold, symbolizing absolute holiness, perfection, and the absence of blemish, essential for objects consecrated to God.
• וְנָתַתָּ֧ (və-nāṯattā): "And you shall put/place." Another imperative for proper placement, underscoring the divine order for assembly and function.
• הַגַּבְּלֹ֥ת (hagabblōt): "the twisted/plaited (ones)." Repetition of "twisted" reinforces the specific method of making these strong chains.
• הַמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֖ת (hammišbəṣōt): "the settings/clasps." These are the specific, probably ornamental, gold sockets or filigree holders designed to receive and secure the chains on the ephod's shoulder pieces (Exo 28:13).

• "And you shall make... for the breastpiece": This initial command places the instruction firmly within the context of crafting the High Priest's primary vestment for bearing the tribes of Israel. It sets the stage for an essential component of the priestly service.
• "two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords": This phrase details the material, quantity, and craftsmanship. "Pure gold" underscores the divine nature, holiness, and permanence required for anything connected to God's presence. "Two" implies balance and connection to the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, representing a complete carrying of the people. "Twisted like cords" highlights the strength and integrity of the construction, emphasizing durability and security, vital for the breastpiece bearing Israel's representation.
• "and you shall put the chains on the clasps of the ephod": This final instruction defines the practical purpose of the chains—to connect the breastpiece to the ephod securely. It completes the assembly, ensuring that the priest effectively carries the "judgment" of the people on his heart and shoulders before the Lord.

Exodus 28 22 Bonus section

The intricate design and specific material ("pure gold, twisted like cords") for these chains highlight that nothing less than the highest quality and most durable construction was acceptable for the Lord's service. This speaks to God's inherent value and majesty. The repeated emphasis on "pure gold" throughout the Tabernacle instructions serves as a constant reminder that any aspect of approaching God requires absolute holiness and a separation from worldly impurities. Furthermore, the intertwining nature of the chains, created from multiple strands, symbolizes the strength and integrity that comes from unity and specific design—a metaphor for the community of faith being knit together, with Christ as the ultimate High Priest who binds us securely to the Father.

Exodus 28 22 Commentary

Exodus 28:22 provides a seemingly minute detail in the extensive blueprint for the high priest's garments, yet it carries profound theological significance. The instruction for "two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords," linking the breastpiece to the ephod, highlights principles of divine perfection, holiness, and secure representation. The material, pure gold, speaks to God's unblemished nature and the demand for ultimate purity in His service. The craftsmanship, "twisted like cords," emphasizes strength and unity, signifying that the priest's carrying of the names of Israel was a robust and unshakeable responsibility, divinely enabled. These chains ensured that the tribes, borne on the breastpiece (symbolizing the heart's concern and intercession) and connected to the ephod (symbolizing strength and bearing burden on the shoulders), were continually and securely presented before the Lord. This elaborate system of interconnection foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Just as the chains securely fastened Israel to Aaron's heart and shoulders, Christ perfectly bears His people on His heart and by His strength (Heb 4:14, 7:25). His intercession for us is based on His "pure" and holy nature, eternally valid, binding believers to Him in a permanent, divinely ordained relationship.