What does the use of "blue cord" symbolize in Exodus 39:20? The Passage “They made two gold rings and fastened them to the bottom corners of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue, so that the breastpiece was held against the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” What the Blue Cord Was • A finely twisted wool dyed “tekhelet,” an expensive blue extracted from sea snails. • Physically linked the high priest’s breastpiece (bearing the twelve tribes) to the ephod (bearing their names on his shoulders). • Positioned over the heart and shoulders—places of remembrance and responsibility. Layers of Symbolism • Heaven’s Color – Blue consistently pictures what is above (Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26). – The cord reminds that priestly ministry is rooted in heaven’s authority, not human preference. • Covenant Obedience – Numbers 15:38-40 commands every Israelite to add a blue cord to tassels “so that you will remember all My commandments … and do them.” – On the high priest, the blue cord visibly declares his submission to all God has spoken. • Unity of Intercession – The breastpiece (intercession for people) must never drift from the ephod (service to God). – The blue cord binds the two, teaching that true ministry holds heaven and earth together—carrying people on the heart while bearing them on the shoulders. • Royal Priesthood – Blue garments mark royalty (Esther 8:15). The cord highlights the priest’s regal dignity, anticipating the believer’s identity as “a kingdom and priests” (Revelation 1:6). Pointers to Christ • Jesus, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), came “from heaven” (John 6:38)—the living embodiment of the heavenly blue. • He perfectly fulfilled every command, the reality behind the blue reminder (Matthew 5:17). • On the cross He carried our names on His shoulders and heart, uniting God and sinners forever (1 Timothy 2:5). Living the Picture Today • Keep heaven’s perspective tied to every earthly responsibility. • Let obedience to God’s Word hold every part of life together. • Remember that Christ’s finished work secures our place on His heart; we now intercede for others with the same confidence. |
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