“And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.”
The Priestly Garments:Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions for creating the garments of the High Priest, which include the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and other accessories. These garments were not merely for aesthetic purposes; they held symbolic and spiritual significance, representing the priestly role and the importance of holiness in serving God.
The Breastplate:The breastplate was one of the essential elements of the High Priest’s attire. It was a square piece of fabric, folded double to create a pouch-like container. It contained twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). The breastplate was worn over the ephod and was attached to it by rings and golden chains (Exodus 28:22-25).
The Rings of Gold:The verse specifies that two rings of gold were to be made and attached to the two ends of the breastplate’s border on the side of the ephod inward. These rings served a functional purpose, as they allowed the breastplate to be securely fastened to the ephod.
Spiritual Lessons:While the verse’s primary focus is on the practical aspect of attaching the breastplate to the ephod, there are several spiritual lessons we can draw from this passage:
Attention to Detail in God’s Service:The intricate details given in the instructions for the priestly garments show God’s desire for precision and order in His worship. This reminds us of the importance of paying attention to details in our own service to God. God cares about how we worship Him and serve others, and He desires our wholehearted dedication and commitment.
The Unity of God’s People:The twelve stones on the breastplate, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolize the unity and oneness of God’s chosen people. The High Priest carried the tribes on his heart as he approached God, highlighting the priestly role of interceding for the people before God. This teaches us the significance of unity and intercessory prayer within the body of believers.
Holiness and Access to God:The garments of the High Priest signified the separation and holiness required to approach God. The breastplate being fastened to the ephod indicates the close relationship between the priestly ministry and the overall priestly attire. It reminds us that access to God comes through a proper approach, recognizing His holiness and seeking forgiveness through the sacrificial system that pointed to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest.
Symbolic Representation of Christ:As we study the role of the High Priest and the symbolism in the Old Testament priesthood, we can see how it foreshadows the perfect and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ. Jesus serves as our mediator and intercessor before God, and His sacrifice provides us access to the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16).
In conclusion, Exodus 28:26 teaches us valuable lessons about attention to detail, unity, holiness, and the role of Christ as our eternal High Priest. By understanding the symbolism and significance of the priestly garments, we can gain deeper insights into God’s plan of redemption and our own approach to worship and service.
