“And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Context:In the book of Exodus, we find the account of the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to their eventual establishment as a nation. During their time in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to construct the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where the Israelites would worship Him. This verse is part of the description of the priestly garments and the high priest’s attire for ministering in the tabernacle.
The Breastplate:The breastplate was an integral part of the high priest’s attire. It was a significant piece of the priestly garments, and it served as a symbol of judgment and intercession. The breastplate was made of finely woven material, likely embroidered with various precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). It was worn on the priest’s chest, close to his heart, and it signified the high priest’s role as a mediator between God and the people.
The Ephod:The ephod was another critical element of the high priest’s clothing. It was a sleeveless garment made of beautiful fabrics, adorned with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. On the ephod’s shoulder pieces, there were two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12). The ephod represented the high priest’s authority and his duty to bear the responsibility of the people before God.
The Binding of the Breastplate:Exodus 39:21 describes how the breastplate was attached to the ephod. It was bound by rings on the breastplate that were connected to rings on the ephod. The connection was secured with a lace of blue. This linkage was essential to ensure that the breastplate remained securely in place, just above the “curious girdle” (the sash or woven band) of the ephod.
Obedience to God’s Command:The verse emphasizes that the way the breastplate was bound to the ephod was done “as the LORD commanded Moses.” Throughout the construction of the tabernacle and the priestly garments, Moses followed God’s specific instructions, leaving no room for deviation or personal preference. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s directives in fulfilling His purposes and serving in the role He has assigned.
Spiritual Lessons:
- The Role of the High Priest:The high priest’s attire and the binding of the breastplate symbolize the role of the high priest as a representative and intercessor for the people before God. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) who intercedes on our behalf and bridges the gap between humanity and God.
- Obedience to God’s Word:Just as Moses followed God’s instructions to the letter in constructing the tabernacle and the priestly garments, we should also seek to obey God’s Word and follow His guidance in our lives. Obedience demonstrates our love for God and our trust in His wisdom.
- Unity and Connection:The binding of the breastplate to the ephod with a lace of blue symbolizes unity and connection among God’s people. We, as Christians, are part of the body of Christ, and we are called to be united in love, serving one another, and supporting each other in our walk with God.
Conclusion:Exodus 39:21 reminds us of the significance of the priestly garments and the meticulous obedience to God’s commands in constructing them. It points to Jesus as our ultimate High Priest and serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and obedience in our relationship with God and one another.
