What is the meaning of Exodus 28:37?

fasten to it

“Fasten to it…” (Exodus 28:37) refers to the gold plate just engraved “Holy to the LORD” (v. 36). The verb signals non-negotiable obedience.

• Exodus 39:30-31 shows the craftsmen doing exactly that “as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

• Exodus 25:9 reminds Israel to build everything “according to the pattern” God revealed.

• The firm attachment keeps the plate in place so Aaron can “bear the guilt of the holy things” continually (Exodus 28:38).

---

a blue cord

The plate is tied on with “a blue cord.” Blue threads saturate tabernacle worship: curtains (Exodus 26:1), the priestly robe “all of blue” (Exodus 28:31), and the tassels that remind every Israelite to obey God (Numbers 15:38-40). Blue recalls the sapphire-like pavement under God’s feet (Exodus 24:10), linking heaven’s realm with earthly service.

---

to mount it on the turban

The cord’s purpose is “to mount it on the turban.” The turban is a key priestly garment (Exodus 28:4).

• Mounting the plate lifts the declaration of holiness above every other piece.

• It harmonizes with the breastpiece, which is also secured by blue cords (Exodus 28:28).

• Zechariah 3:5 pictures a clean turban placed on Joshua the high priest, echoing this Exodus pattern of restored worship.

---

it shall be on the front of the turban

Placement matters: “it shall be on the front of the turban.”

• Visible to all, the inscription faces both God and the worshipers as Aaron ministers “before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites” (Exodus 28:12).

• Verse 38 stresses that the plate “will always be on his forehead” so the people’s offerings are accepted.

• Revelation 22:4 looks ahead to believers bearing God’s name on their foreheads, a privilege secured by Jesus, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

---

summary

Exodus 28:37 reveals God’s precise concern for holiness. A blue cord securely fastens the gold plate to the high priest’s turban and displays it front-and-center. Every detail—firm attachment, heavenly color, elevated placement—announces that only through a holy mediator can people approach God. Christ fulfills this picture perfectly, enabling us to draw near with confidence.