Exodus 39:20

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.

Exodus 39:20 (KJV)

Context

Exodus records how God freed Israel from slavery and made them His covenant people. This verse appears in the closing chapters, where the tabernacle and its furnishings are built exactly as the LORD commanded Moses. Here the craftsmen make the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, who serve as priests before God.

The ephod was a sleeveless garment worn by the high priest, woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. It had two shoulder pieces, each set with an onyx stone engraved with six tribal names. This verse describes two golden rings placed on the ephod’s underside, near the seam, above the woven waistband, called the “curious girdle.” That girdle was a finely crafted belt of the same materials, tying the ephod firmly around the priest’s waist.

Meaning

These rings were not decorative. They served as fastening points to connect the breastpiece to the ephod. Exodus 39:21 explains that the rings of the breastpiece were tied to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so the breastpiece would not swing out. The careful placement shows that every detail had a purpose. The ephod had to stay secure during service, and the breastpiece had to remain firmly over the priest’s heart.

The word “curious” here means skillfully woven, not strange. The girdle was part of the ephod’s design, made from the same precious materials. Together, the rings, cords, and girdle kept the garments properly arranged. This precision reflects the order and beauty of God’s design for worship. Nothing was left to chance or human preference.

Biblical connections

The high priest, wearing the ephod with the twelve tribes on his shoulders, acted as mediator between God and Israel. He carried the people before the LORD and represented them in the sanctuary. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate mediator, being both God and man, who intercedes for believers. The secure connection between the breastpiece and the ephod points to Christ, our great High Priest, who perfectly joins His people to God.

Gold in Scripture often represents purity and value. In the priestly garments, it signifies the holiness and dignity of the priestly office. The detailed instructions remind believers that God cares about the details of worship and that service to Him should be marked by careful obedience and reverence.

Application

The tabernacle’s construction was a communal effort by skilled workers using materials freely offered by the people. This verse teaches that faithful obedience matters in every detail, even in things that seem small or hidden. Believers today are called to serve God with the same care, treating worship, work, and daily life as sacred duties.

The secure fastening of the ephod illustrates staying firmly connected to God. Just as the rings and cords held the priestly garments in place, believers are to remain steadfast in faith, rooted in Christ and committed to His service. Practical points include dedication to God, holiness in service, prayerful intercession for others, and valuing spiritual riches over material pursuits.

Reflection

This verse may seem like a simple list of materials, but it reveals a deeper truth. God is a God of order and precision, and He values excellence in worship. The golden rings, blue cord, and woven girdle all worked together to keep the priest properly dressed for his sacred task. In the same way, every part of a believer’s life, when offered to God, can keep them faithful and ready to serve.

May these lessons encourage growth in dedication, holiness, and steadfastness, knowing that He who called His people to worship also equips them to serve Him faithfully.