Lexical Summary chesheb: Band, woven work, artistic design Original Word: חֵשֶׁב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance curious girdle From chashab; a belt or strap (as being interlaced) -- curious girdle. see HEBREW chashab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chashab Definition ingenious work NASB Translation artistic band (1), skillfully woven band (5), woven band (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֵ֫שֶׁב noun masculine ingenious work, name of the girdle or band of the ephod (cunningly woven band, RV), only P; always in combination, האפ(ו)ד ׳ח Exodus 28:27,28; Exodus 29:5; Exodus 39:20,21; Leviticus 8:7; אֲפֻדָּתוֺ ׳ח Exodus 28:8; Exodus 39:5. Topical Lexicon Placement in the Priestly Garments חֵשֶׁב (chesheb) designates the artistically woven waistband that was integral to the ephod of Israel’s high priest. Formed of the same gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen threads as the ephod itself, it lay across the high priest’s chest and back, binding the two shoulder pieces together and providing anchor points for the breastpiece (Exodus 28:8). In Exodus 28:27-28 and 39:20-21 the band’s gold-ring connections demonstrate how every part of the priestly vestments functioned as a unified whole. Occurrences in the Pentateuch Exodus 28:8; 28:27-28; 29:5; 39:5; 39:20-21; and Leviticus 8:7 record all eight uses. Each reference concerns either the original instructions, the actual construction, or the formal investiture of Aaron. Outside these contexts the term never appears, underscoring its exclusive link to the high priestly office. Historical and Craftsmanship Significance The chesheb exemplifies the tabernacle’s demand for meticulous artistry. Israelite weavers blended metallic threads with dyed linen to produce a flexible yet ornate band able to bear the weight of the breastpiece studded with gemstones representing the tribes. The waistband’s careful placement “above its woven waistband” (Exodus 28:8) speaks to ancient tailoring practices that balanced beauty, durability, and symbolic function. Symbolism within Israel’s Worship 1. Unity and Support. By fastening the breastpiece to the ephod, the chesheb held the twelve-stone memorial “over Aaron’s heart” (Exodus 28:29). The waistband therefore pictures both solidarity among the tribes and the sustaining role of the high priest. Christological Foreshadowing Hebrews 7–10 portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest who unites His people to God. Just as the chesheb joined the memorial stones to the ephod, so Christ binds believers to Himself, carrying their names “onto His heart” as He intercedes (Hebrews 7:25). The ornate yet functional nature of the waistband anticipates the seamless integration of Christ’s beauty and strength in redeeming His church. Ministry Implications for the Church • Excellence in Service. The Spirit’s gifting (Exodus 28:3) that produced the chesheb sets a precedent for skilled craftsmanship in every sphere of Christian ministry. Conclusion Though a small component of the high priest’s attire, the chesheb embodies deep theological currents—order, unity, remembrance, and mediation. Its eight appearances cluster around moments when God establishes, fashions, and consecrates priestly service, pointing ultimately to the perfect High Priest who forever secures His people before the Father. Forms and Transliterations בְּחֵ֖שֶׁב בְּחֵ֙שֶׁב֙ בחשב וְחֵ֤שֶׁב וְחֵ֨שֶׁב וחשב חֵ֣שֶׁב חשב לְחֵ֖שֶׁב לחשב bə·ḥê·šeḇ beCheshev bəḥêšeḇ Cheshev ḥê·šeḇ ḥêšeḇ lə·ḥê·šeḇ leCheshev ləḥêšeḇ veCheshev wə·ḥê·šeḇ wəḥêšeḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:8 HEB: וְחֵ֤שֶׁב אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר NAS: The skillfully woven band, which KJV: And the curious girdle of the ephod, INT: the skillfully of the ephod which Exodus 28:27 Exodus 28:28 Exodus 29:5 Exodus 39:5 Exodus 39:20 Exodus 39:21 Leviticus 8:7 8 Occurrences |
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