What is the meaning of Exodus 28:23? You are also - The LORD continues His detailed instructions to Moses, showing that every element of tabernacle worship matters (Exodus 28:1, 28:3). - “Also” signals addition, not option—obedience is cumulative. Israel cannot choose which parts to keep and which to ignore (James 2:10). - God’s voice here stresses that worship is God-directed, not man-invented (John 4:24). to make two gold rings - Gold, repeatedly used in the sanctuary (Exodus 25:11; Revelation 21:18), speaks of purity, value, and glory. - Rings are small, yet essential connectors. Hidden or humble pieces still carry divine purpose (1 Corinthians 12:22-23). - “Two” keeps the breastpiece balanced; God values order (1 Corinthians 14:40). - Craftsmen were filled with God-given skill for such work (Exodus 31:1-5), reminding us that abilities are stewardship opportunities (1 Peter 4:10). and fasten them - Worship items were secured, not loosely attached; faithfulness requires firmness (1 Corinthians 15:58). - Fastening prevents shifting during ministry. In Christ we are “held together” (Colossians 1:17) and called to hold fast to our confession (Hebrews 10:23). - The verb joins preparation (“make”) with action (“fasten”), illustrating how belief must lead to obedience (James 1:22). to the two corners - Placement matters. The breastpiece had four corners (Exodus 28:25-26); the top two needed rings for chains that anchored it to the ephod, keeping it upright over the heart. - Corners symbolize boundaries and completeness (Isaiah 11:12). God frames our lives so that worship stays centered and secure (Psalm 16:6). - Exact positioning shows God’s concern for detail, just as He numbers our hairs (Luke 12:7). of the breastpiece - This “breastpiece of judgment” displayed twelve stones for Israel’s tribes (Exodus 28:15-21). Each time the high priest entered, he carried the people on his heart before the LORD (28:29). - The breastpiece pointed to Jesus, our great High Priest, who “always lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25). - Connecting rings ensured the breastpiece remained close, picturing how Christ’s love securely binds us to Himself (Romans 8:38-39). - Its beauty and weight reminded the priest of both privilege and responsibility—an image for believers called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). summary Every phrase in Exodus 28:23 reveals God’s heart for ordered, wholehearted worship. He commands, we obey; He specifies, we follow. Two humble gold rings, perfectly placed, kept the precious breastpiece steady over the priest’s heart, foreshadowing the unbreakable bond Christ now secures between Himself and His people. Detail by detail, the passage encourages us to value purity, craftsmanship, obedience, balance, and the constant remembrance of those we carry before the Lord. |
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