What is the meaning of Exodus 39:20? They made two additional gold rings – God had already prescribed two sets of rings for linking the breastpiece to the ephod (Exodus 28:23-24), yet here “two additional” rings are fashioned. • The builders are obeying God’s exact instructions given earlier in Exodus 28:26-27; nothing is left to guesswork. • The extra pair safeguards the connection between breastpiece and ephod, underscoring the theme of secure mediation (cf. Hebrews 7:24-25). • Gold—pure, enduring, valuable—mirrors the holiness expected of the priest who wears the garment (Revelation 1:12-13). And attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod – Placement “on the bottom” of each shoulder piece means the rings sit just where breastpiece cords meet the ephod (Exodus 28:25). • Shoulders symbolize bearing the tribes before God; the rings stabilize that load (Exodus 28:12). • The exact attachment shows that even unseen parts of ministry must honor God’s pattern (Colossians 3:23-24). On its front – The rings face outward, not hidden on the back. • The priest’s service is public; Israel can see that their names are carried openly before the LORD (Exodus 28:29). • Christ likewise bears believers “before the throne of God” openly (Hebrews 9:24). Near the seam – A seam marks the join between front and back panels of the ephod (Exodus 28:7). • Placing rings “near the seam” spreads the weight evenly, preventing tear or imbalance—an image of balanced, orderly worship (1 Corinthians 14:40). • The seam itself reminds us that unity is intentional; pieces are stitched together to create one garment, just as the body of Christ is “knit together” in love (Colossians 2:2). Just above its woven waistband – The waistband (or “girdle”) cinches the ephod close to the body (Exodus 28:8). • Rings set “just above” the band ensure the breastpiece rests precisely over the heart (Exodus 28:30), highlighting intercession from the heart, not merely ritual. • A tightened waistband speaks of readiness and service (Luke 12:35), prefiguring the faithful ministry of our High Priest. summary Exodus 39:20 records meticulous obedience to God’s blueprint: extra gold rings, precisely placed, secure the breastpiece to the ephod. Each detail—material, location, alignment—points to holiness, order, and the priest’s dependable representation of Israel before God. In turn, these earthly patterns foreshadow the perfect, enduring ministry of Jesus, our great High Priest, who publicly, securely, and lovingly bears His people before the Father for all time. |
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