Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 28:22 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 28:22 is part of a larger section of Scripture that provides detailed instructions regarding the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, the first priests of Israel. This particular verse is found within the broader context of the instructions for the garments of the high priest, specifically the breastplate, which held significant symbolism and meaning in the religious practices of the Israelites. Understanding this verse requires a deep dive into the historical context, the meaning of the text itself, its application to Christian life today, and how it relates to other biblical passages. This article aims to explore these aspects thoroughly.
The Context on Exodus 28:22 KJV
To understand Exodus 28:22, we must first grasp the broader context of Exodus 28. This chapter is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. In this chapter, God provides Moses with specifications for the garments of the priests, who were to serve in the Tabernacle.
Exodus 28:1-5 provides an introduction to the concept of the priesthood, describing the role of Aaron and his sons as priests who would mediate between God and the people of Israel. In Exodus 28:6-30, God instructs Moses on the design of the priestly garments. These included the ephod, the breastplate, the robe, the tunic, the turban, and the sash, each of which had specific details meant to represent various aspects of Israel’s relationship with God.
Exodus 28:15-30 focuses on the breastplate of judgment, a key part of the high priest’s attire. The breastplate was to be a square piece of cloth with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was to be worn over the heart of the high priest, symbolizing his role in carrying the people before God.
Exodus 28:22 specifically addresses the cords of blue that were to be attached to the breastplate. This detail forms part of the broader discussion on the breastplate’s construction and the materials used in its creation. To understand its significance, we need to explore the verse in its entirety.
The Exodus 28:22 Meaning
Exodus 28:22 states:“And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.” (KJV)
The breastplate, as mentioned earlier, was a crucial element of the high priest’s attire. It contained twelve stones, one for each of the tribes of Israel, and was worn by the high priest to represent his connection to the nation. Exodus 28:22 speaks of the golden chains attached to the breastplate. These chains were to be woven from pure gold, a material symbolizing purity and divine value. The chains themselves had a function — they were used to fasten the breastplate to the ephod, a type of outer garment worn by the high priest.
There are several key elements to focus on in this verse:
Chains of Gold: Gold in the Bible is often used to signify divine holiness, purity, and the preciousness of God’s work. The golden chains here are indicative of the precious nature of the high priest’s office and his role in mediating between God and His people.
Wreathen Work: The term “wreathen work” refers to a braided or twisted form of construction, implying something that is tightly bound together. This could symbolize the unity of Israel and the bond between God and His people, as the priest carried the weight of the tribes over his heart.
Breastplate of Judgment: The breastplate was not just a piece of clothing; it was meant to represent the judgment of Israel, with the twelve stones acting as a reminder of each tribe’s importance before God. The golden chains ensured the breastplate remained securely attached, symbolizing God’s unbreakable covenant with His people.
Exodus 28:22 Application in Life
While Exodus 28:22 is part of the Old Covenant and speaks to a specific set of instructions for the Israelites, there are several principles and lessons that Christians can draw from this passage today.
The Significance of Holiness and Purity: The use of pure gold in the breastplate’s chains symbolizes the holiness of God’s work. For Christians, this calls us to reflect on the purity of our own spiritual lives. Just as the priest was to be holy in his service to God, so too are believers called to be holy in their conduct, as the Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:16, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
The Role of Mediators: The high priest was a mediator between God and His people, carrying the tribes on his chest into the presence of God. Today, Christians understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest who mediates between God and humanity. Hebrews 4:14-16 emphasizes Christ’s role as the high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. Christians can draw strength from the fact that Jesus is continually interceding on their behalf.
Unity and Intercession: The wreathen (woven) chains represent the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel, just as believers today are united in Christ. This unity calls for believers to intercede for one another, praying for each other and standing in the gap. The high priest’s role was to intercede for Israel, and in the same way, Christians are called to intercede for others in prayer, as seen in James 5:16.
Carrying the Weight of Responsibility: The breastplate was worn over the heart, symbolizing the high priest’s burden for the people. Likewise, Christians are called to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), offering support and prayer for those in need.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 28:22 is part of a broader theme of priesthood in the Bible. When comparing this verse to other relevant biblical texts, several key connections emerge.
The High Priesthood of Christ: The role of the high priest in Exodus finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:26-27 describes Jesus as a high priest who is holy, harmless, and separate from sinners, offering Himself once and for all to atone for humanity’s sins. This contrasts with the temporary and imperfect priesthood of Aaron and his descendants, emphasizing the superiority of Christ’s intercessory role.
The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18): Though not directly related to the priestly garments of Exodus, the armor of God described in Ephesians 6 has parallels to the garments of the high priest. Just as the high priest was equipped with sacred attire for his holy work, believers are equipped with spiritual armor to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. The armor represents spiritual preparedness, much like the high priest’s garments represented his readiness to approach God.
The Unity of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27): Just as the twelve stones on the breastplate represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the church today is made up of many members but is one body in Christ. This unity is emphasized in 1 Corinthians, where Paul stresses that every member has a unique but essential role in the body of Christ.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 28:22, while rooted in ancient Israelite practices, has modern relevance for Christians today. Here are some ways in which this verse continues to speak to believers:
Holiness and Purity: In a world that often promotes impurity and compromise, Exodus 28:22 reminds Christians to strive for holiness and purity in their lives. The gold chains symbolize the precious nature of purity, which is something that believers should pursue as they seek to live according to God’s will.
Intercession and Mediatorship: The high priest’s role as a mediator for Israel prefigures Christ’s ultimate mediation. Christians today, like the high priest, are called to intercede for others in prayer. The church is called to stand in the gap for the world, praying for salvation, healing, and peace.
God’s Covenant Faithfulness: The secure attachment of the breastplate, symbolized by the golden chains, reminds believers of God’s unbreakable covenant. Just as the Israelites were to trust in God’s faithfulness, Christians can trust in God’s unchanging promises today.
Conclusion
Exodus 28:22 is a rich verse that points to deeper theological truths about God’s holiness, the role of the high priest, and the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Though it speaks specifically to the priestly garments in the Old Testament, the meaning and application of this verse extend into the New Testament, where Jesus Christ fulfills the role of the ultimate High Priest.
Exodus 28:22 Commentary
Many biblical commentators highlight the significance of the priestly garments in pointing to Christ’s role as the ultimate High Priest. The gold in Exodus 28:22 symbolizes both the purity and the priceless nature of the covenant that God established with Israel, and by extension, the covenant Christians have in Christ. The chains themselves signify strength, durability, and security. They were not mere ornamental details, but practical and theological symbols of God’s relationship with His people.
John Gill, in his commentary on this passage, observes that the golden chains “speak of the holiness and preciousness of the work of the priesthood.” Additionally, he notes that the chains, by fastening the breastplate securely, demonstrate the unbreakable nature of God’s will for His people.
Related Topics:
- What Does Exodus 28:21 Mean?
- Exodus 28:20 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 28:19 Mean?