Keraia
Exodus 28

Exodus 28:27

The Breastpiece · Exodus 28:15–30
Read Exodus 28

Translations

Modern
Make two additional gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near its seam just above its woven waistband.
Traditional
And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
Literal
And you shall make two rings of gold and you shall put them on the two shoulders of the ephod from below, toward its face, right at the seam above the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod.
Latin
Necnon et alios duos annulos aureos, qui ponendi sunt in utroque latere superhumeralis deorsum, quod respicit contra faciem juncturæ inferioris, ut aptari possit cum superhumerali,

Original

Hebrew
English
Make two additional gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near its seam just above its woven waistband.

Notes

Exodus 28:15–30

The breastpiece receives more attention than any other item. This suggests the breastpiece was very important.

The breastpiece symbolized the priest's representation of Israel (28:17–21, 29). It held the Urim and Thummim, objects through which God revealed his will (28:30).

The high priest had two main tasks. First, he brought the people to God. He represented them before the Lord.

Second, he brought God’s word to the people. He spoke to them on God’s behalf.

The chestpiece stood for both of these duties. It showed that the high priest served as a bridge between God and the people.

Exodus 28:1–43

These holy garments for Aaron were to distinguish him as a priest set apart (Hebrew qadash, “consecrated”) for the Lord's service (28:2, 3). The beauty of these garments matched the beauty of the Tent of Meeting, which was God's portable earthly palace (or tabernacle).

One day, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, would enter the Most Holy Place once for all. Then the difference between priests and people would disappear (Hebrews 10:11–22). Until then, human mediators represented how Christ would fulfill the types of wonderful things God accomplishes for his people.

Events

Parallels

Exodus 39:8–21

Glossary

Aaron Beauty Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Ephod (Garment) History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Memorial Tabernacle Temple

Topics

Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Breastplate: Inseparably United to the Ephod Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Breastplate Attached To Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of The Ephod for the High Priest: Breastplate of Judgment Inseparably United To The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate