Exodus 28:23 kjv
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 28:23 nkjv
And you shall make two rings of gold for the breastplate, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 28:23 niv
Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece.
Exodus 28:23 esv
And you shall make for the breastpiece two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece.
Exodus 28:23 nlt
Then make two gold rings and attach them to the top corners of the chestpiece.
Exodus 28 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 28:22 | "And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains..." | Connecting point for these rings. |
| Exod 28:24 | "And thou shalt put the two wreathed chains of gold in the two rings..." | Specifies how these rings are used. |
| Exod 28:25 | "...on the two ends of the two wreathed chains, and put them on the two settings..." | Attachment to the ephod's shoulder pieces. |
| Exod 28:26 | "And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two ends..." | Lower rings for further security. |
| Exod 28:28 | "And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings..." | How the breastplate is kept close to the ephod. |
| Exod 28:29 | "And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate..." | High priest bears Israel before God. |
| Exod 28:30 | "And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim..." | Instruments of divine guidance. |
| Exod 39:16 | "And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate..." | Fulfillment of the instruction. |
| Lev 8:8 | "And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim." | Moses clothing Aaron, signifying his role. |
| Num 27:21 | "And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim..." | Divine counsel via the high priest. |
| Deut 33:8 | "And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one..." | Tribal blessing emphasizing priestly role. |
| 1 Sam 23:9-12 | "And David said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod..." | David inquiring of the Lord through the priest. |
| Isa 9:6 | "For unto us a child is born...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor..." | Christ as the ultimate source of counsel. |
| Matt 5:17 | "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." | Christ fulfills the Old Covenant. |
| John 14:6 | "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." | Christ is the ultimate High Priest and means to access God. |
| Heb 4:14-16 | "Seeing then that we have a great high priest...let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace..." | Christ as our perfect High Priest. |
| Heb 9:11-12 | "But Christ being come an high priest...by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place..." | Christ's superior priesthood and atonement. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood..." | Believers as a spiritual priesthood. |
| Rev 1:6 | "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father..." | Believers' priestly role in the new covenant. |
| Col 2:17 | "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." | Priestly garments as a shadow of Christ. |
| Eph 2:19-22 | "Now therefore ye are no more strangers...but are fellowcitizens...an holy temple in the Lord..." | Believers are built into a dwelling place for God. |
| Exod 25:9 | "According to all that I show thee...even so shall ye make it." | Emphasizes precise divine instruction. |
| Exod 35:30-35 | "And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name..." | Skilled craftsmanship by divine anointing. |
| Rev 21:19-20 | "And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones..." | Connection between the breastplate stones and New Jerusalem. |
Exodus 28 verses
Exodus 28 23 Meaning
Exodus 28:23 describes a specific detail in the construction of the high priestly breastplate: the placement of two gold rings on its upper corners. These rings served as attachment points, essential for securely fastening the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it would not become dislodged during the priest's service. This instruction highlights the meticulous precision demanded by God for sacred service and the garments worn for His worship, emphasizing their functional and symbolic significance.
Exodus 28 23 Context
Exodus 28 is part of a detailed section (Exod 25-31) where God gives Moses specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and for the garments of the priests who would serve within it. Chapters 28-29 focus specifically on the garments for Aaron and his sons, designed for "glory and for beauty" (Exod 28:2). The high priestly breastplate, described from verse 15 onwards, is central to these garments, carrying the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on precious stones (Exod 28:21) and containing the Urim and Thummim (Exod 28:30). Verse 23 is a meticulous directive within this broader context, ensuring the proper attachment and secure placement of this significant breastplate, highlighting the divine insistence on order, precision, and adherence to specific patterns in worship. Historically, such precise instructions stood in stark contrast to the often haphazard and syncretistic religious practices of surrounding nations, affirming the unique, holy, and sovereign nature of Israel's God.
Exodus 28 23 Word analysis
- And thou shalt make: This imperative verb ("וְעָשִׂ֖יתָ" - və‘āśîṯā) signifies a direct divine command from God to Moses, indicating the non-negotiable nature and divine origin of these instructions. It highlights God's sovereignty and authority over the details of worship.
- two rings: The specific number "two" ("שְׁתֵּ֣י" - šətê) emphasizes precise replication. Rings ("טַבְּע֖וֹת" - ṭabbə‘ōwṯ) function as points of connection or attachment, suggesting the linking of one sacred object to another. This detail underscores the interrelationship and precise fit of the various components of the priestly garments.
- of gold: The material, "gold" ("זָהָ֔ב" - zāhāḇ), signifies purity, value, divinity, and enduring quality in biblical symbolism. It elevates the sacredness of the object and implies the unblemished nature required in God's presence. Gold also conveys permanence and worthiness for God's holy dwelling.
- and put the two rings: Another imperative, stressing the exact placement of these newly crafted gold rings.
- on the two ends: This refers to the uppermost corners or edges of the breastplate. The "ends" or "extremities" ("שְׁנֵ֖י הַקְּצוֹת֙" - šənê haqqəṣôṯ) denote precise positional accuracy, crucial for the breastplate's secure and proper suspension.
- of the breastplate: The "breastplate" ("הַחֹ֤שֶׁן" - hachōšen) refers to the "breastplate of judgment" or "breastpiece." Its name (ḥōšen mišpāṭ) indicates its function in obtaining divine judgment or counsel. Its secure attachment signifies the constant bearing of Israel before God and the high priest's role in seeking God's will for His people.
- above: This adverbial phrase ("מִמַּ֙עַל֙" - mīmma‘al) clarifies the vertical positioning. The rings are placed on the upper part of the breastplate, allowing it to be hung from the ephod. This specific detail ensures the breastplate would be suspended high and centrally, resting over the high priest's heart as he performed his duties.
- "And thou shalt make two rings of gold": This phrase stresses the divine imperative and the sacredness of the materials. The use of gold points to the holiness and perfection required in all aspects of service to God.
- "put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate above": This precise instruction for placement emphasizes functional design guided by divine wisdom. The breastplate was to be firmly integrated with the ephod, ensuring the names of Israel remained close to the high priest's heart, symbolic of his intercessory and representative role. This level of detail highlights God's comprehensive oversight of all aspects of worship and representation before Him.
Exodus 28 23 Bonus section
The structural integrity and symbolic weight of the priestly garments depended heavily on seemingly small elements like these gold rings. The placement of these rings "above" (i.e., at the top) was critical, as they were designed to connect to gold chains coming from the ephod's shoulder pieces (Exod 28:24-25), thereby securing the breastplate directly over the high priest's heart. This careful suspension meant the breastplate, bearing the tribal stones and the Urim and Thummim, would consistently rest upon Aaron as he served, embodying the idea that he bore the children of Israel "on his heart" before the Lord for a memorial continually (Exod 28:29). This physical placement served as a powerful visual and symbolic representation of the high priest's intercessory role and Christ's ultimate priestly work in always interceding for His people, carrying them on His heart before God.
Exodus 28 23 Commentary
Exodus 28:23, while seemingly a minor architectural detail, is foundational to understanding the design and function of the high priestly garments. The instruction for specific gold rings placed on the upper corners of the breastplate underscores the meticulous precision with which God commanded every element of the Tabernacle and its sacred service to be prepared. This detail ensures the stability and correct positioning of the breastplate, which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exod 28:29) and housed the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance (Exod 28:30). The use of pure gold points to the preciousness, sanctity, and divine origin of these garments, symbolic of God's perfect glory. Every aspect of these instructions, from the grand design to the smallest attachment, highlights that divine worship is not to be arbitrary but must adhere to God's revealed will, perfectly accomplished in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest (Heb 4:14-16), who perfectly bears His people before God.