Exodus 28 24

Exodus 28:24 kjv

And thou shalt put the two wreathed chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.

Exodus 28:24 nkjv

Then you shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate;

Exodus 28:24 niv

Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece,

Exodus 28:24 esv

And you shall put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece.

Exodus 28:24 nlt

Tie the two gold cords to the two rings on the chestpiece.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 24 Meaning

Exodus 28:24 instructs on a specific detail concerning the high priest's breastpiece: two chains, crafted from pure gold, were to be securely attached to two rings located at the upper corners of the breastpiece. This arrangement was integral to securing the breastpiece, particularly the Urim and Thummim within it, to the ephod, ensuring it remained positioned over the high priest's heart as he served before the Lord. It signifies meticulous divine design for sacred worship and the priest's role in mediation.

Exodus 28 24 Context

Exodus 28 details the specifications for the sacred garments of Aaron and his successors, the high priests of Israel. This chapter describes each component of the priestly attire, from the ephod to the robe, turban, and breastpiece, emphasizing their sacred nature and their function in facilitating Israel's worship and divine revelation. The breastpiece, known as the "breastpiece of judgment" (Ex 28:15), was central to this attire, housing the Urim and Thummim and bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Verse 24 is a specific instruction within the meticulous blueprint for securing this vital breastpiece to the ephod. Historically, this level of detailed design reflected God's holy presence among His people, the necessity for order and beauty in worship, and highlighted the mediatorial role of the priest. While there's no direct polemic in this verse, the specificity and sanctity of God's design implicitly contrasted with pagan worship practices that often involved unpredictable and chaotic rituals or idol garments. The meticulous attachment method ensured stability and sacred order, a stark contrast to any chaotic or improvised pagan practices.

Exodus 28 24 Word analysis

• וְנָתַתָּ֤ה (ve'natatta): "And you shall put/give." This is a strong verb indicating an imperative or definite instruction, underscoring the divine command. It signifies action and responsibility given directly to Moses regarding the crafting of sacred items. The verb "natan" (to give/put) is foundational to covenants and instructions throughout the Pentateuch, showing divine initiative.
• אֶת־ (et-): This is a direct object marker, generally untranslated into English, serving to indicate that the following noun is the direct object of the verb. Its presence highlights "the two chains" as the specific object of the divine instruction.
• שְׁתֵּי֙ (sh'tei): "Two." This emphasizes duality and balance in the design. The symmetrical application of two chains and two rings speaks to a structured and deliberate creation, reinforcing the idea of a complete and ordered system for the priest's service.
• שַׁרְשֻׁ֣ת (sharshut): "Chains." From the singular "sharsha," meaning a chain or string. In this context, it refers to the twisted cord-like chains made of pure gold mentioned in Exodus 28:22. These were not merely decorative but functional, signifying strength, purity, and connection. Their golden nature links to divinity and preciousness.
• הַזָּהָ֔ב (hazahav): "The gold." The definite article 'ha-' indicates "the specific gold." This specifies the material as gold, connoting purity, enduring value, and divine glory. In the Tabernacle, gold often symbolized God's holy presence and heavenly origin.
• עַל־ (al-): "Upon/on." A preposition indicating placement, direct contact, and often, authority or responsibility when applied to objects worn on a person. Here, it defines the secure attachment of the chains.
• שְׁתֵּ֛י (sh'tei): "Two." Again, reinforcing the dual and symmetrical nature of the components.
• הַטַּבָּעֹ֖ת (hattaba'ot): "The rings." From the singular "tabba'at," a ring or signet ring. These were specially crafted golden rings designed for specific attachment purposes. Rings in the Bible can symbolize connection, authority, or unbroken relationship.
• קְצ֥וֹת (q'tzot): "Ends/corners." From "qatzeh," meaning an end, border, or extremity. In this context, it refers to the upper corners of the breastpiece, ensuring a secure attachment at its outermost points. This highlights precision and the strategic placement necessary for stability.
• הַחֹֽשֶׁן׃ (hachochen): "The breastpiece." Also known as the "breastpiece of judgment" (Ex 28:15). This was a crucial garment worn over the ephod, containing the twelve engraved gemstones representing the tribes of Israel, and importantly, the Urim and Thummim. Its stability was paramount because of its representational and revelatory function.

Words-group analysis:

• "שְׁתֵּי שַׁרְשֻׁת הַזָּהָב" (sh'tei sharshut hazahav): "Two chains of the gold." This phrase specifies the precise golden cords that were intricately twisted, emphasizing the precious material and the ordered duplication of components, critical for both function and beauty. This detail connects to Exodus 28:22, which described their making.
• "עַל־שְׁתֵּי הַטַּבָּעֹת עַל־קְצ֥וֹת הַחֹֽשֶׁן" (al-sh'tei hattaba'ot al-q'tzot hachochen): "Upon the two rings upon the ends of the breastpiece." This repeated preposition 'al-' emphasizes direct and secure attachment. The 'rings' provide the pivot points for the connection, and their placement 'at the corners' of 'the breastpiece' specifies the precise location on this highly significant priestly garment. This whole phrase underscores the engineering exactitude required for the sacred vestments, vital for the orderly and divinely approved service in the Tabernacle. The secure fastening ensured the breastpiece (with the Urim and Thummim, and the tribes' names) was firmly situated "over the heart" (Ex 28:29) of the high priest, signifying Israel's constant presence before God.

Exodus 28 24 Bonus section

The breastpiece was not merely a decorative item; it was specifically called the "breastpiece of judgment" (Ex 28:15). This functionality meant it played a role in divine decision-making through the Urim and Thummim housed within it (Lev 8:8; Deut 33:8). Therefore, the security of its attachment, as described in verse 24 and subsequent verses, was not just about aesthetics but about maintaining the integrity and efficacy of this sacred implement for divine revelation. The detailed connection system involving chains, rings, and various attachment points (Ex 28:24-28) speaks to the stability and reliability God intended for His guidance to Israel through the priesthood. It also hints at the interconnectedness of all elements within God's worship design—each part serving a specific purpose and contributing to the overall spiritual functionality.

Exodus 28 24 Commentary

Exodus 28:24, though a minute detail in the grand design of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, reveals God's meticulousness and the integral importance of precision in all aspects of sacred service. The command to attach two pure gold chains to two rings at the breastpiece's corners ensured the "breastpiece of judgment," holding the Urim and Thummim and bearing the tribes of Israel, would remain firmly situated over the high priest's heart. This stability was crucial for the high priest's representative role, carrying the names of God's people before Him continually (Ex 28:29-30). The gold symbolizes purity and divine glory, indicating that every aspect of approaching God must be sacred and undefiled. The exactitude of this instruction teaches us about God's order, the necessity of obeying divine commands without deviation, and the reverence required in approaching a holy God. This foundational Old Testament principle of diligent obedience in worship finds its fulfillment in Christ, our Great High Priest, who perfectly fulfilled all requirements through His perfect life, death, and resurrection, establishing a new covenant not dependent on earthly rituals but on His complete and permanent sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14, 7:26-28). The detail speaks to how even the smallest parts of God's plan are essential and meaningful for the whole.