Meaning of Exodus 39:20

This verse details a specific step in the meticulous construction of the high priest's ephod, a garment central to his service in the Tabernacle. The gold rings, placed strategically on the lower part of the shoulder pieces and near the waistband, served a crucial function: they were the attachment points for the breastpiece, which itself contained the twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. This precise placement underscores the importance of order, craftsmanship, and divine instruction in all aspects of worship, emphasizing that every detail, no matter how small, was significant in representing God's people before Him and in facilitating the sacred duties of the priesthood.

Context and Background

Exodus 39 is the culmination of detailed instructions given in chapters 25-31 and revisited in chapters 35-38 regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This particular verse is part of the description of the ephod, a vestment worn by the high priest. The ephod was a finely woven garment, adorned with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and gold thread. The shoulder pieces, described here, were integral to its structure, and the rings were essential for connecting it to the breastpiece, which housed the Urim and Thummim and bore the names of the twelve tribes. The meticulous attention to detail in these verses highlights the sacredness of the priestly office and the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands in establishing a means for His presence among His people.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes emerge from this verse. Firstly, it emphasizes divine instruction and obedience. God Himself dictated the precise specifications for the priestly garments, and the Israelites, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, executed these commands with great care. Secondly, it highlights unity and representation. The rings served to connect the ephod and the breastpiece, symbolizing the high priest's role as a representative of all twelve tribes of Israel. The breastpiece, with its inscribed stones, physically carried their names, making them present before God through the high priest. Thirdly, the use of gold signifies divine glory, purity, and immense value, reflecting the sacred nature of the office and the heavenly origin of the instructions.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the ephod and its attached breastpiece, secured by these gold rings, serve as a profound metaphor for Christ's High Priestly ministry. Jesus, our High Priest, is divinely appointed and perfectly obedient to God's will. He bears the names of all believers (represented by the tribes) on His heart, as He intercedes for us before the Father. The gold rings represent the secure and unbreakable connection between Christ and His church, a connection established by divine decree and sealed by His sacrifice. Our access to God is made possible through His perfect mediation, and just as the breastpiece was an integral part of the ephod, so too are believers intimately connected to Christ in His heavenly ministry.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This detailed account of the ephod's construction is foundational to understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system and the role of the priesthood. It sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling the types and shadows of the Old Testament. The meticulous craftsmanship and adherence to divine specifications in the Tabernacle serve as a prefigurement of the perfect order and holiness of God's heavenly dwelling and the perfection of Christ's atoning work. The verse contributes to the overarching narrative of God's desire for communion with His people and His provision for bridging the gap created by sin through a divinely appointed mediator.

Analogies

One analogy for the gold rings and their function is the secure clasp on a precious locket. The locket contains something of immense value – photographs of loved ones, perhaps. The clasp, though small, is essential for keeping the locket closed and its contents safe and accessible. Similarly, the gold rings, though seemingly minor details, were essential for securely attaching the breastpiece, ensuring the representation of Israel remained in its proper place, symbolizing the secure connection and representation facilitated by the high priest. Another analogy is the foundation stones of a magnificent building. While the ornamental facade is what is most visible, the hidden foundation stones are critical for the structure's stability and integrity. The rings, though not as outwardly prominent as the precious stones on the breastpiece, were crucial structural elements in the divine design.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with numerous other passages. For instance, Exodus 28:15-29 provides the original, detailed instructions for the breastpiece and its attachment, highlighting the consistency of God's design. Leviticus 8:7 describes Aaron putting on the ephod and breastpiece as part of his consecration, demonstrating the practical application of these instructions. In the New Testament, Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of Jesus as our great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, assuring us that we have a sympathetic and accessible mediator. 1 Peter 2:9 refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," echoing the Old Testament priestly role and pointing to our access to God through Christ. The emphasis on precious stones in the breastpiece also connects to Revelation 21:19-20, which describes the foundations of the New Jerusalem adorned with various precious stones, symbolizing the beauty and perfection of God's redeemed people.