Exodus 39:17 kjv
And they put the two wreathed chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 39:17 nkjv
And they put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 39:17 niv
They fastened the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece,
Exodus 39:17 esv
And they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece.
Exodus 39:17 nlt
They tied the two gold cords to the rings on the chestpiece.
Exodus 39 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exo 28:22 | "And you shall make chains of twisted work of pure gold..." | Describes the creation of these gold chains. |
| Exo 28:23 | "And you shall make two rings of gold, and put the two rings..." | Details the rings on the breastpiece. |
| Exo 28:24 | "And you shall put the two chains of gold on the two rings..." | Prescribes the attachment of the chains. |
| Exo 39:2 | "...he made the ephod of gold..." | Context of gold as primary material for ephod. |
| Exo 39:8 | "...he made the breastpiece, woven like the work of the ephod..." | Description of the breastpiece's construction. |
| Exo 39:21 | "...They bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod..." | Shows how chains connect breastpiece to ephod. |
| Exo 25:9 | "According to all that I show you... so shall you make it." | Divine pattern for all sanctuary items. |
| Exo 25:40 | "And see that you make them after the pattern for them..." | Emphasis on precise divine blueprint. |
| Exo 35:30-35 | "...Bezaleel...filled him with the Spirit of God...to work all manner..." | Divine enablement for skilled craftsmen. |
| Exo 39:32 | "Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished..." | Completion of the entire Tabernacle project. |
| Exo 39:42-43 | "According to all that the LORD had commanded Moses, so the people... did." | Reinforces obedience to God's commands. |
| Heb 8:5 | "...who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses..." | Tabernacle as a shadow of heavenly realities. |
| Heb 9:23-24 | "...pattern of things in the heavens..." | Heavenly template for earthly sanctuary. |
| Zec 6:11 | "...make crowns...and set them upon the head of Joshua the high priest..." | Garments for the high priest represent dignity. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | "...proof of your faith, being more precious than gold..." | Purity of gold symbolic of faith's refinement. |
| Rev 1:13 | "...one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and golden sash..." | Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, dressed royally. |
| Rev 3:18 | "...buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich..." | Gold represents true spiritual wealth/purity. |
| Job 23:10 | "...when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold." | Metaphor for refinement and purity. |
| Isa 52:1 | "...put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem..." | Symbolic of holy adornment. |
| 1 Kgs 6:21 | "...Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold..." | Gold symbolizes holiness and divine presence. |
| Rev 21:18 | "...the city was pure gold, like clear glass." | New Jerusalem characterized by pure gold. |
| Ps 45:13 | "The King's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold." | Imagery of kingly/royal adornment. |
Exodus 39 verses
Exodus 39 17 Meaning
Exodus 39:17 describes a specific step in the intricate construction of the high priestly breastpiece, detailing how two pure gold chains were attached to the breastpiece's two upper rings. This action ensured the proper securing and positioning of the breastpiece on the ephod, underscoring the meticulous adherence to divine instructions for the sacred priestly garments.
Exodus 39 17 Context
Exodus 39 forms part of the final section of the Book of Exodus, meticulously detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its associated sacred objects, including the priestly garments. Chapters 25-31 record God's commands and detailed blueprints given to Moses on Mount Sinai, while Chapters 35-40 describe the faithful execution of these commands by skilled artisans, primarily Bezaleel and Oholiab. Verse 17 is situated within the account of constructing the high priestly garments, specifically the "breastpiece of judgment" (Exo 28:15). This breastpiece, adorned with twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel, was crucial to the high priest's role in standing before God on behalf of the people. The entire endeavor—from raw materials to final assembly—emphasizes God's precise standards for worship, the sanctity of His presence, and the importance of meticulous obedience to His divine blueprint. The highly organized and pure materials contrast sharply with the often chaotic and corrupt practices of surrounding pagan religions, where deities were frequently depicted as grotesque, capricious, or confined to man-made idols rather than a holy, transcendent God whose presence was manifest yet guarded.
Exodus 39 17 Word analysis
- And they put (וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ vayyittənu): This verbal form indicates action by multiple agents, signifying that the skilled craftsmen carried out the task. It emphasizes the collective obedience and collaborative effort in fulfilling the divine commands, not merely a single person's action. This echoes the precise execution detailed repeatedly throughout Exodus 39.
- two chains (שְׁתֵּ֣י שַׁרְשֹׁרֹת֒ shte šaršorot): The Hebrew sharshorot refers to twisted or linked cords. These were not mere loose pieces but intricately crafted, likely woven or braided elements. Chains symbolize connection, security, and sometimes, binding or strength. In this context, they denote the essential function of securely fastening a crucial garment.
- of pure gold (זָהָ֣ב טָהֹ֗ור zahav tahor): Zahav is gold; tahor means clean, pure, refined. The purity signifies ultimate quality, preciousness, and freedom from alloy or blemish. The consistent use of "pure gold" for tabernacle elements underscores God's absolute holiness, worth, and the sacredness required in His service. Gold in scripture often represents divine glory, unblemished quality, and spiritual value that endures.
- on the two rings (עַל־שְׁתֵּ֖י הַטַּבְּעֹ֑ת ‘al-shte hattaḇā‘oṯ): Ṭabba‘at means ring or signet ring. These were attachment points designed into the breastpiece's structure. Rings symbolize wholeness, perpetuity, or connection. Their presence indicates forethought and meticulous planning in the divine design.
- on the ends of the breastpiece (עַל־קְצֹ֣ות הַחֹ֑שֶׁן ‘al-qətsot haḥoshen): Qetsot refers to extremities or ends. Hoshen is the "breastpiece," specifically the choshen mishpat or "breastpiece of judgment." The precise placement of these chains and rings highlights the extreme precision and exactness of God's instructions. The breastpiece itself was the most prominent garment worn by the High Priest, carrying the Urim and Thummim, representing divine judgment, light, and guidance for Israel. Its secure fastening was critical for the High Priest's proper intercessory function.
Words-group analysis
- "And they put two chains of pure gold": This phrase emphasizes the valuable and divinely specified materials, crafted with utmost quality by Spirit-filled artisans. The use of gold speaks to God's glory and the preciousness of what relates to His worship, demanding the best.
- "on the two rings on the ends of the breastpiece": This highlights the structural integrity and precise attachment system for a highly significant part of the high priestly garments. Every detail, down to the securing mechanism, was predetermined by divine command, ensuring that the breastpiece, carrying the tribes of Israel and symbolizing God's judgment and guidance, was perfectly aligned and fastened.
Exodus 39 17 Bonus section
The craftsmanship involved in creating such items was considered a divine endowment, as individuals like Bezaleel and Oholiab were "filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship" (Exo 35:31). This signifies that human artistic ability, when submitted to divine purpose, can be divinely inspired and consecrated for sacred service. The continuous reiteration that all work was performed "as the LORD commanded Moses" (Exo 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42-43) serves as a profound theological emphasis throughout Exodus 39, cementing the principles of divine authority, human fidelity, and the absolute perfection of God's plan. The intricate securing of the breastpiece speaks to the non-negotiable sanctity of the Urim and Thummim, contained within it, which represented God's communication and judgment, pivotal to Israel's life and destiny.
Exodus 39 17 Commentary
Exodus 39:17 is a succinct detail within a much larger narrative of divine command and human obedience in the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred implements. This verse highlights the absolute precision demanded by God for His dwelling place and worship. The "pure gold" emphasizes divine glory, value, and freedom from corruption in all matters pertaining to God. The secure attachment of the breastpiece with "chains" to its "rings" on its "ends" symbolizes the steadfastness and stability required for the high priest's role as intercessor. It illustrates that every minute component, even those seeming insignificant, held symbolic meaning and functional necessity within God's grand design. The careful work reflects not only the craftsmen's skill but, more profoundly, their faithful adherence to God's precise blueprint, establishing a pattern for reverence and submission in His service. This attention to detail speaks to God's orderly nature and the gravity of the high priest's intercessory and judicial role for the whole nation of Israel, where every connection had to be pure and steadfast.