Exodus 39 18

Exodus 39:18 kjv

And the two ends of the two wreathed chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

Exodus 39:18 nkjv

The two ends of the two braided chains they fastened in the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front.

Exodus 39:18 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 39:18 esv

They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree. Thus they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

Exodus 39:18 nlt

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

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 18 Meaning

Exodus 39:18 describes the continuation of the construction of the high priest's ephod and breastplate, specifically focusing on the elaborate method of attaching the breastplate. It details the creation of two intricately braided gold chains, which were fastened to the gold settings of the onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces. These chains served to securely suspend the breastplate in its proper position on the priest's chest, ensuring the stability and integrity of these vital sacred garments. The meticulous detail emphasizes the precision and faithfulness required in following God's divine pattern for the Tabernacle and its service.

Exodus 39 18 Context

Exodus 39 belongs to the latter section of the book of Exodus, which details the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Chapters 25-31 record the divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai, while Chapters 35-40 describe the diligent and skillful execution of these plans by Bezalel, Oholiab, and other inspired craftsmen. Verse 18 is part of the meticulous account of making the sacred vestments for the high priest, specifically focusing on the "breastplate of judgment" (Exod 28:15). This breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, was designed to be worn over the ephod and connected to it. The careful descriptions underscore the sacredness and functional significance of each element. The historical context places this as a pivotal moment for the nascent nation of Israel, as they prepared for formal worship and the manifest presence of God among them through the Tabernacle. This construction also subtly distinguishes Israel's worship from contemporary pagan practices, which often involved elaborate cultic attire but lacked the precise, divinely ordained structure and moral-redemptive purpose found in Israel's Tabernacle.

Exodus 39 18 Word analysis

• And they made: Refers to Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other skilled artisans. The Hebrew `asah (עָשָׂה) means "to do, to make, to perform." It emphasizes the execution of God's command, demonstrating obedience and faithful craftsmanship. This stands in contrast to common human tendencies to improvise or neglect specific instructions, reinforcing the principle of adhering precisely to divine mandates.
• two chains: Hebrew sharshrōṯ (שַׁרְשְׁרוֹת), plural of sharsherah, denoting a series of linked units, specifically chains. The duality ("two") corresponds to the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, highlighting symmetry and balance in divine design.
• of gold: Hebrew zāhāḇ (זָהָב). Gold symbolizes purity, divine glory, permanence, and immense value in biblical contexts (e.g., Tabernacle furnishings, New Jerusalem foundations). Its use here signifies the preciousness and sanctity of the high priestly office and its functions before God. It implies both intrinsic value and uncorrupted quality, reflecting God's character.
• of wreathed work: Hebrew ʿăḇōṯ (עֲבֹת), meaning "twisted, braided, plaited work." This indicates an intricate and specialized weaving or braiding technique, producing a strong, durable, yet elegant structure. It suggests the high level of artistry and skill imbued by the Holy Spirit (Exod 31:3-5), transforming raw materials into sacred objects of exquisite beauty and strength.
• at the ends: Hebrew qāṣōṯ (קָצוֹת), meaning "extremities" or "ends." This indicates the precise points of attachment, emphasizing the exactitude required in the Tabernacle's construction.
• of the two settings: Hebrew mishbəṣōṯ (מִשְׁבְּצֹת), referring to the gold frames or mounts for the stones. These settings provided a secure encasement for the precious onyx stones. They represent a supportive, protective element designed to hold and present something valuable.
• of onyx stones: Hebrew shōham (שֹׁהַם). These are the precious stones set on the ephod's shoulder pieces (Exod 28:9-12), each engraved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel. The inclusion of the "onyx stones" explicitly links this verse to the ephod and its role in the high priest bearing the tribes before the Lord.
• and put them: Refers to the action of fastening the chains. This continues the theme of meticulous assembly according to the pattern.
• on the settings of the breastplate: Hebrew mishbəṣōṯ (מִשְׁבְּצֹת) again, indicating the gold settings that were on the breastplate itself, distinct from those on the onyx stones of the ephod. This describes the final connection point, illustrating how the breastplate was firmly secured to the ephod by these chains, symbolizing the unbreakable link between the priest's office, the represented people, and the divine will expressed through the Urim and Thummim.

Words-group analysis:

• "And they made two chains of gold, of wreathed work": This phrase highlights the skill and value of the craftsmanship. The "wreathed work" signifies strength and ornamental beauty, crucial for an object of such importance and heavy materials (breastplate with 12 stones). It emphasizes the sacred artistry guided by God's Spirit (Exod 31:3).
• "at the ends of the two settings of onyx stones": This connects the breastplate directly to the ephod. The onyx stones, bearing the names of the tribes of Israel, meant the high priest continually carried the representation of God's people before Him. The chains establish the physical and symbolic link between the priest's burden and his ability to intercede and seek divine guidance. This arrangement visually confirmed the breastplate's prominent placement upon the priest’s heart.
• "and put them on the settings of the breastplate": This describes the specific attachment point on the breastplate, ensuring its stability. The intricate system of chains and settings underscored the vital importance of the breastplate for revelation and judgment (Exod 28:15, 30), preventing it from being loose or insecure, much as the priest's connection to the tribes and to God needed to be firm and steadfast.

Exodus 39 18 Bonus section

• The sharshrōṯ (chains) and ʿăḇōṯ (wreathed work) were distinct from typical chains, implying a woven or plaited effect, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and their strength to bear the weight of the breastplate. This highlights that divine ordinances often combine beauty with functionality.
• The connection of the breastplate to the ephod was twofold: these gold chains from the shoulders and a blue cord from the breastplate's lower rings to the ephod's waistband (Exod 28:28). This provided ultimate security, symbolizing the holistic nature of the priest's representation—from heart to action.
• The meticulous detailing in this chapter reinforces the divine insistence on the exact implementation of sacred objects. This speaks to the principle of "sola Scriptura" and adherence to divine revelation, emphasizing that human creativity must be submitted to God's precise will in worship and service.
• The skill shown by the craftsmen was a spiritual gift, illustrating that even manual labor, when dedicated to God's purposes, can be sanctified and divinely enabled.
• The gold's unyielding nature further stresses the unchanging character of God and the permanence of His covenant with Israel.

Exodus 39 18 Commentary

Exodus 39:18, though a detailed descriptive verse, carries significant theological weight by showcasing the unwavering obedience and meticulous craftsmanship in creating the high priestly garments. The construction of the chains of "wreathed work" from "pure gold" symbolizes not only the richness and value of God's design but also the inherent strength and beauty required for priestly service. These chains served as the vital connection between the breastplate (bearing the twelve tribes of Israel and containing the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance) and the ephod's shoulder pieces (also bearing the tribes' names on onyx stones). This attachment system signifies the unbreakable bond between the high priest and the people he represents before God, emphasizing that he carried their burdens and identity. Every detail, down to these connecting chains, was precisely as God commanded (Exod 28:22-25), reflecting God's order, holiness, and the necessity of complete faithfulness in His service. This earthly pattern prefigures the perfect order and the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies our identity before God (Heb 4:14-16) and upholds us eternally through His flawless mediatorial work. The precision of the "settings" and the intricate "wreathed work" serves as a reminder that every part of God's plan is purposeful, durable, and reflective of His glory.