Meaning of Exodus 39:17

This verse describes a crucial step in the construction of the high priest's vestments, specifically the breastpiece, a richly decorated garment that held the Urim and Thummim and symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel. The act of fastening the gold chains to the rings signifies the secure and integral connection between the high priest and the divine, as well as his representation of the people before God. This meticulous craftsmanship, detailed in Exodus 39, underscores the importance of order, beauty, and divine instruction in the worship of the Lord, highlighting that even the smallest details of sacred attire were divinely ordained and served a profound theological purpose.

Context and Background

Exodus 39 details the completion of the tabernacle furnishings and priestly garments, following the detailed instructions given to Moses in Exodus 25-31. The breastpiece (Hebrew: hoshen) was a separate, square piece of embroidered fabric, two handbreadths square, attached to the ephod, a sleeveless outer garment. It was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel, and it housed the Urim and Thummim, which were used to discern God's will. The fastening of the gold chains was the final step in securing this vital piece to the ephod, ensuring its stability and symbolic integrity.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Ordination and Precision: The detailed instructions for crafting the breastpiece and its fastenings emphasize that worship and priestly service were not to be based on human innovation but on God's specific commands. Every element, including the gold chains, was to be made "exactly as the LORD commanded Moses" (Exodus 39:1, 5).
• Unity and Representation: The breastpiece, with its twelve stones, symbolized the unity of the twelve tribes of Israel. The chains, by firmly attaching it to the ephod, represent the high priest's role as a mediator, carrying the tribes collectively before God.
• Divine Presence and Authority: The Urim and Thummim, contained within the breastpiece, were instruments for seeking and receiving God's direct guidance. The secure fastening of the breastpiece thus signifies the reliable and authoritative connection between God and His appointed representative.
• The Beauty and Glory of God's Worship: The use of precious materials like gold and gemstones, along with intricate craftsmanship, points to the glory and majesty of God, and the desire to offer Him worship that is both reverent and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting His own perfection.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The breastpiece and its chains offer several layers of spiritual significance. For the ancient Israelites, it was a constant reminder of God's covenant with them, their identity as a people, and the accessibility of God's guidance through their high priest. In a broader sense, it prefigures the mediatorial role of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who bears us all (represented by the twelve tribes) on His heart before the Father. The secure fastening speaks to the unshakeable nature of Christ's intercession and the certainty of His representation of believers.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is integral to the unfolding narrative of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The construction of the tabernacle and its accouterments, including the high priest's garments, is a tangible manifestation of God dwelling among His people and establishing a system of worship and mediation. The breastpiece, with its symbolic weight, anticipates future priestly figures and ultimately points to Christ. The emphasis on precise execution of divine commands sets a precedent for obedience that runs throughout Scripture.

Analogies

• A Royal Seal: The breastpiece, with its precious stones and secure attachment, can be likened to a royal seal that signifies authority and legitimacy. The high priest, wearing it, acted with God's authority.
• A Family Crest: The twelve stones representing the tribes are akin to a family crest, identifying and uniting the members of God's covenant family.
• A Shepherd's Bag: The breastpiece, containing the means to discern God's will (Urim and Thummim), can be seen as a shepherd's bag, from which the shepherd draws the tools necessary to guide and protect his flock.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 28:15-28: This is the foundational passage detailing the instructions for the breastpiece, including the Urim and Thummim and the rings for attachment.
• Leviticus 8:7-8: This passage describes Aaron, the first high priest, being clothed with the garments, including the breastpiece, in obedience to God's command.
• Hebrews 4:14-16: This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus Christ as our great High Priest who has passed through the heavens and encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, highlighting Christ's perfect mediation.
• Revelation 21:12-14: The description of the New Jerusalem, with its twelve gates bearing the names of the tribes of Israel and twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles, echoes the symbolic representation of God's people found in the high priest's breastpiece.