“And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) and continues the narrative from Genesis. Exodus primarily focuses on the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. This verse is part of the detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them in the wilderness.
The Breastplate of the High Priest:In Exodus 39, the focus is on the priestly garments, which included the breastplate. The breastplate was a significant piece of the high priest’s attire. It was an intricate piece of craftsmanship designed to be worn over the ephod, which was another part of the high priest’s attire. The breastplate was connected to the ephod by golden chains and was worn on the front of the high priest’s vestments.
Cunning Work:The verse describes the breastplate as a “cunning work.” This phrase refers to the skillful craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating this piece. The high priest’s garments were not just functional but were also intended to be visually stunning, reflecting the majesty and holiness of God.
Materials Used:The breastplate was made of various materials, each carrying symbolic significance:
- Gold:Symbolizes the divine nature of God, His glory, and His majesty. It represents purity and holiness.
- Blue:Represents heavenly or spiritual things. It points to the divine origin of the law and God’s authority.
- Purple:A colour associated with royalty and kingship. It symbolizes the kingship of God and His reign over His people.
- Scarlet:Represents sacrifice, blood, and atonement. It foreshadows the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- Fine Twined Linen:This fabric is known for its purity and was commonly used in priestly garments. It symbolizes righteousness and holiness.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Excellence in Worship:The attention to detail and the use of the finest materials in crafting the breastplate show the importance of offering our best to God in worship. It reminds us to give our utmost in serving Him, not out of obligation but out of love and reverence.
- Representing God:The high priest wore the breastplate as a representation of the people before God. As believers, we are called to be representatives of God on Earth, living in a way that reflects His character and love to others.
- The Atonement:The colours used in the breastplate, especially scarlet, point to the atonement for sin. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins and became our High Priest forever.
- Holiness and Righteousness:The use of fine twined linen, symbolizing purity and righteousness, reminds us of God’s call for holiness in our lives. We are called to be set apart for God’s purposes and to pursue righteous living.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 39:8, we can examine our own lives and see how we approach worship, service, and representing God to the world. Are we offering our best to God in all aspects of our lives? Do we understand the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins? Are we striving to live holy and righteous lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit?
Remember, the breastplate of the high priest was just one element of the tabernacle, and each piece had its unique purpose and symbolism. The entire tabernacle system pointed forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and became the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. As we study the Old Testament, we can see God’s plan unfolding throughout history, ultimately leading to the redemption and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
