Exodus 28 25

Exodus 28:25 kjv

And the other two ends of the two wreathed chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.

Exodus 28:25 nkjv

and the other two ends of the two braided chains you shall fasten to the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front.

Exodus 28:25 niv

and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.

Exodus 28:25 esv

The two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings of filigree, and so attach it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

Exodus 28:25 nlt

Tie the other ends of the cords to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 25 Meaning

Exodus 28:25 provides specific instructions for securing the breastpiece of judgment to the ephod of the high priest. It mandates the creation of two gold rings positioned at the ends of the breastpiece, on its inner edge where it would adjoin the ephod, indicating a precise and crucial attachment point to ensure the breastpiece remained in its intended place on the high priest's chest, signifying the inseparable nature of the priest's mediatorial and representative roles before God.

Exodus 28 25 Context

Exodus chapter 28 details God's precise instructions for the holy garments to be made for Aaron and his sons, consecrating them for priestly service in the Tabernacle. This chapter transitions from the Tabernacle's structure to the sacred attire essential for the priests who minister within it. The garments symbolize holiness, honor, and the mediating role of the priesthood. Verses 15-30 specifically describe the "breastpiece of judgment," an elaborate square piece affixed with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the high priest bearing the tribes before God. Verse 25, within this detailed description, ensures the structural integrity and proper attachment of this crucial breastpiece to the ephod, underscoring the interconnectedness and functionality of these elements as commanded by God for a holy and ordered service. Historically, such precise garment design distinguished Yahweh's priesthood from pagan counterparts, emphasizing divine authority and purpose.

Exodus 28 25 Word analysis

• Then (וְעָשִׂ֖יתָ - ve'asita): A temporal and sequential connector, indicating the next step in the detailed instructions for making the high priest's garments. It shows God's methodical and step-by-step divine design.
• you (referring to the craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab): Implicit subject from Ex 31:2-6, emphasizing human responsibility in executing divine commands. The task is specifically given to skilled artisans, reflecting God's callings and equipping for service.
• shall make (עָשִׂ֖יתָ - asita, Qal perfect with waw-consecutive): A divine imperative, a direct command. It highlights God's sovereignty and His demand for exactitude in the Tabernacle's construction and its elements.
• two (שְׁתֵּ֣י - shettei): Specifies a precise number, crucial for symmetry and balance in attachment, emphasizing God's meticulousness and order.
• rings (טַבְּעֹת֙ - tabba‘ot): Literal translation is "rings" or "seals." These are essential for connecting the breastpiece, acting as secure fasteners. In ancient contexts, rings were symbols of authority and covenant (e.g., signet rings). Here, they ensure the structural integrity of the garment vital for divine service.
• of gold (זָהָ֣ב - zahav): Gold signifies purity, preciousness, divine glory, durability, and kingship. Its use underscores the sanctity and high value of the priestly garments and the office they represent, setting them apart as belonging to God.
• and put them (וְנָתַתָּ֙ - venatatta, waw-consecutive with Qal perfect): Another directive, emphasizing placement and action. The precise placement is key to the functionality and symbolic meaning.
• on the two ends (עַל־שְׁתֵּ֖י קְצוֹת֙ - 'al-shtei qeṣot): Specifies the exact location – the outer edges of the breastpiece. This detail ensures proper balance and secure attachment, preventing displacement.
• of the breastpiece (הַחֹ֔שֶׁן - ha'choshen): Refers to the "breastpiece of judgment" (Ex 28:15). It represents the high priest bearing the names of Israel before God, embodying judgment, and prayer. Its secure placement is vital for the proper function of the Urim and Thummim contained within it.
• on its inner edge (עַל־שְׂפָתֹו֙ הַפְּנִימִ֔ית - 'al-sefato ha'penimit): Literally, "on its inner lip/border." This specifies that the rings were on the side facing the ephod, ensuring a hidden and direct connection, making the two garments appear as a unified piece during the High Priest's ministry.
• next to the ephod (אֶל־מוּל֙ הָאֵפֹ֖ד - el-mul ha'ephod): "Towards the ephod," indicating adjacency and direct contact. This reinforces the unbreakable bond between the breastpiece, bearing Israel's judgment and names, and the ephod, on which the names of the tribes were borne on the shoulders, signifying responsibility and carrying the burden of the people before God.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Two rings of gold": This phrase signifies both a quantitative and qualitative command. "Two" indicates symmetry and specific positioning for balance and attachment. "Rings" denote a practical, functional connector. "Gold" imbues the connector with sacredness, permanence, and royal/divine significance, setting these priestly items apart from common articles and elevating them to God's standard of holiness. This combination points to divine workmanship and intrinsic value.
• "On the two ends of the breastpiece": This precise spatial instruction for placing the gold rings. The "ends" refer to the top two corners of the breastpiece, indicating where it would most logically be connected for stability and appearance. It highlights the divine attention to structural detail.
• "On its inner edge next to the ephod": This further clarifies the specific placement. "Inner edge" refers to the border facing the wearer and thus facing the ephod. "Next to the ephod" confirms the intimate connection, ensuring the breastpiece (bearing Israel's judgment/representation) was firmly attached and integrated with the ephod (bearing Israel on the shoulders/mediating role), symbolizing that the high priest's actions in judgment were directly related to his carrying of the people before God, reflecting integrity and inseparable divine intention. This secure attachment visually and functionally represented the unity of purpose in the high priest's ministry.

Exodus 28 25 Bonus section

The exact adherence to these specifications (including the gold rings and their placement) as recorded in Exodus 39:2-21 demonstrates the Israelites' obedience to God's intricate divine blueprint. This obedience was crucial not merely for aesthetic or practical reasons but for spiritual effectiveness. Any deviation would signify a disregard for God's holiness and His precise will. The breastpiece being permanently attached ("not be separated" as per Ex 28:28) underscores the idea that the priest could not undertake his role of discerning God's will (via the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece) without continually carrying the representation of Israel. This prefigures the New Covenant where Christ, our High Priest, permanently bears our names before the Father (Heb 8:2, 9:24), fulfilling the very purpose symbolized by these garments. The secure fastening ensured that as the High Priest moved, the breastpiece with its vital components remained fixed and in its intended place of honor and responsibility on his chest.

Exodus 28 25 Commentary

Exodus 28:25 illustrates the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred services. The detail of creating two gold rings, their material, and their precise placement on the "inner edge" of the breastpiece "next to the ephod," emphasizes divine order, precision, and the holiness required in approaching God. The rings were not mere ornaments but essential functional components, linking the breastpiece of judgment to the ephod. This connection was critical because the breastpiece contained the Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God's will and making judgments concerning Israel, while the ephod bore the names of the twelve tribes on its shoulder pieces.

The unbreakable bond between the breastpiece and the ephod signifies that the High Priest's acts of judgment and intercession were inextricably linked to his representative capacity for the entire nation. It implies that any divine judgment or guidance rendered through the priest would be made with the people constantly "on his heart" (breastpiece) and "on his shoulders" (ephod), signifying his responsibility and the burden of his people before God. The use of gold symbolizes the enduring, divine quality of this connection and the holy nature of the priest's office. This level of detail highlights God's standard of perfection and how His service must be conducted with the utmost care, reflecting a profound reverence for His divine majesty. This foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who bears us perfectly before God's presence, interceding on our behalf, with an enduring and righteous judgment (Heb 4:14, 7:25).