Lexical Summary sharshah: Root, foundation Original Word: שַׁרְשָׁה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chain From sharash; a chain (as rooted, i.e. Linked) -- chain. Compare sharahrah. see HEBREW sharash see HEBREW sharahrah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as sharsherah, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs [שַׁרְשָׁה] Exodus 28:22 see following. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The term appears once, in Exodus 28:22: “Then you are to make braided chains of pure gold, like cords, for the breastpiece.” It belongs to the detailed divine instructions given to Moses for the making of the high priest’s garments. The chainwork linked the Breastpiece of Judgment to the ephod, ensuring that the twelve stones bearing the tribes’ names rested securely over Aaron’s heart whenever he ministered before the LORD. Craftsmanship and Sanctity The chain was to be “braided…of pure gold,” underscoring both durability and holiness. Gold, the most precious and incorruptible metal known to Israel, visually proclaimed the purity and eternal worthiness required for approach to God (Exodus 28:36; Revelation 21:18). The braided design added strength, preventing separation between the breastpiece and the ephod. This meticulous artistry testified that God is worthy of man’s finest skill offered in obedient worship (Exodus 31:1-11). Symbolic Significance within Priestly Vestments 1. Permanence of Covenant Representation – The chain ensured that the engraved stones representing the tribes were never displaced. Thus Israel’s covenant relationship was symbolically unbreakable (Exodus 28:29). Role in Sanctuary Worship During daily ministry and on the Day of Atonement, every movement of the high priest was guarded by this gold chain. The unbroken attachment affirmed that the sacred names on the stones were continually “over his heart before the LORD” (Exodus 28:30). In public perception it communicated assurance that God remembered each tribe, even when individual sin might threaten that confidence (Numbers 14:11-19). Theological Implications • Divine Initiative – The design originated with God, not human creativity (Exodus 25:40). Salvation and mediation are likewise divine provisions (Romans 11:36). Practical Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Excellence in Worship – Just as Israel’s artisans lavished care on a hidden piece of chainwork, modern ministry should honor God with excellence even in unseen details (Colossians 3:23-24). Christological Fulfillment The chain’s role finds its culmination in Jesus Christ, the true High Priest whose deity (symbolized by gold) and humanity (symbolized by the breast-carried stones) are eternally joined. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). Nothing can sever the believer from His mediatorial care (Romans 8:38-39). New Testament Echoes • Hebrews 8:5 recognizes the tabernacle garments as “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven,” grounding their ongoing instructional value. Summary Though appearing only once, the golden braided chain of Exodus 28:22 conveys enduring truths: the steadfastness of divine covenant, the unity of God’s people, the beauty demanded in worship, and the absolute security provided by a flawless High Priest. What was literally forged in gold now lives spiritually in every believer who is “in Christ,” linked forever to God by a bond that cannot break. Forms and Transliterations שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת שרשת šar·šōṯ šaršōṯ sharShotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:22 HEB: עַל־ הַחֹ֛שֶׁן שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה KJV: upon the breastplate chains at the ends INT: on the breastpiece chains of twisted work 1 Occurrence |
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