“And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is a continuation of the narrative that started in Genesis. It details the history of the Israelites, particularly their liberation from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. In this passage, we find a description of the priestly garments being made for Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his sons, as they are consecrated as priests before God.
The Ephod:The ephod was an essential part of the high priest’s attire. It was a sleeveless garment made of fine linen and skillfully woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. The ephod symbolized the priestly office and represented the dignity and honor of the priestly role. It had two shoulder pieces, each with an onyx stone engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel.
Golden Rings:In this verse, we see that two additional golden rings were made and attached to the two sides of the ephod underneath, near the front of the garment. These rings would serve as receptacles for the ephod’s shoulder pieces to pass through. It allowed the ephod to be securely fastened to the priest’s shoulders, keeping it in place during their priestly duties.
Curious Girdle of the Ephod:The “curious girdle” mentioned here refers to a finely crafted belt or sash made of the same materials as the ephod. The girdle was used to tie the ephod firmly around the priest’s waist, ensuring that it did not come loose or fall during their service.
Spiritual Lessons:
Consecration and Holiness:The detailed instructions for the priestly garments in Exodus reflect the importance God places on holiness and consecration. As God’s chosen representatives, the priests were to be set apart from the rest of the people and maintain a high standard of purity and dedication to their sacred duties. It reminds us that God desires us to be consecrated and set apart for His service in our lives.
Attention to Detail:The meticulous craftsmanship involved in making the priestly garments highlights the significance of attention to detail in serving God. It shows that God values excellence and dedication in all aspects of our service to Him, whether in worship, prayer, or ministering to others.
The Mediator Between God and Man:The high priest, wearing the ephod with its shoulder stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, symbolized the role of a mediator between God and the people of Israel. In the New Testament, we find the ultimate mediator in Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf before the Father, having been both God and man.
Being Firmly Rooted:The rings and girdle emphasize the importance of being firmly rooted and secure in our faith and commitment to God. We are called to hold on tightly to our beliefs and values, just as the ephod was securely fastened to the priest’s shoulders and waist. This helps us stay steady in our walk with God and withstand the challenges we may face.
Symbolism of Gold:Gold, being a precious metal, is often associated with purity and value. In the context of the priestly garments, it represents the holiness and dignity of the priestly office. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to seek spiritual purity and value the things of God above all else.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 39:20 and the priestly garments, we can draw several practical applications for our lives as believers:
Dedication to God:Let us strive to live lives that are consecrated and dedicated to God’s service. In whatever roles we have in the body of Christ, may we do everything as unto the Lord with excellence and commitment.
Holiness in Service:Just as the priests were set apart for sacred service, we are called to pursue holiness and purity in our thoughts, actions, and speech. God calls us to be a holy people, reflecting His character in all that we do.
Being Prayerful Intercessors:The priestly role of interceding for the people points to the importance of prayer in our lives. Let us be fervent intercessors, praying for others and standing in the gap on their behalf.
Steadfastness and Faithfulness:The rings and girdle remind us to stay firmly rooted in our faith and committed to God. In times of trials or temptations, may we stand firm, relying on God’s strength and promises.
Valuing the Things of God:The symbolism of gold encourages us to treasure the spiritual riches found in God’s Word and the life of faith. Let us prioritize our relationship with God above material pursuits and value the eternal over the temporary.
In conclusion, Exodus 39:20 provides us with valuable insights into the significance of the priestly garments and the principles they represent. As we apply these lessons to our lives, may we grow in our walk with God, becoming more dedicated, holy, and steadfast in our service to Him.
