Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 39:9 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 39:9 is part of the concluding chapters of the Book of Exodus, which details the Israelites’ construction of the Tabernacle and the sacred garments of the priests. The verse falls within the larger context of the instructions given by God to Moses for the creation of holy objects that would serve as symbols of God’s presence among His people. Exodus 39:9 speaks specifically to one aspect of the high priest’s attire, a detail that is often overlooked but holds significant spiritual lessons. This article will explore the context, meaning, and relevance of Exodus 39:9 for believers today, offering insights into its theological implications and practical applications.
The Context of Exodus 39:9 (KJV)
Exodus 39:9 is part of the description of the sacred garments that were to be worn by Aaron, the high priest of Israel. The chapter, beginning in Exodus 39, recounts how the Israelites, under the leadership of Bezalel and Oholiab, constructed the various elements of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priestly garments, according to the detailed instructions given by God in earlier chapters.
Exodus 39:9 specifically focuses on the making of the breastplate, a crucial piece of the high priest’s attire. This breastplate contained twelve stones, each engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying that the high priest represented the people before God. In this context, Exodus 39:9 introduces one of the most significant parts of the high priest’s garment—the breastplate—and describes its physical characteristics.
The verse reads:
“It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.” (Exodus 39:9, KJV)
This verse is concise but packed with meaning. To fully understand its significance, we must consider its place in the larger narrative of the priestly garments and the purpose of the Tabernacle, as well as the spiritual symbolism behind the breastplate itself.
The Breach of Holiness and the Need for Intercession
The construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests came after the Israelites’ fall into sin, most notably in the sin of the golden calf (Exodus 32). Following this event, God demonstrated His grace by commanding the building of a Tabernacle where He would dwell with His people. The high priest, as the spiritual leader of Israel, was tasked with maintaining holiness, and the breastplate was a key element in facilitating the high priest’s role in interceding for the people.
The Exodus 39:9 Meaning
1. The Structure of the Breastplate
Exodus 39:9 describes the breastplate as being “foursquare,” meaning it was square in shape, with equal sides and right angles. This geometric precision reflects the perfection and orderliness of God’s design for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The breastplate was also “double,” meaning it was folded or doubled over, possibly indicating durability and the weightiness of the high priest’s role in representing Israel before God.
The fact that the breastplate was square also suggests that it was designed to reflect the concept of completeness and wholeness. In the Bible, the number four is often associated with universality and completeness, as seen in the four corners of the earth, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and the four gospels. By making the breastplate square, it symbolized the completeness of Israel in God’s eyes, with each of the twelve tribes represented.
2. The Function of the Breastplate
The breastplate was not merely a decorative piece of clothing; it had a deeply symbolic purpose. As part of the high priest’s attire, it served as a constant reminder that the priest was acting on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. Each of the twelve stones in the breastplate was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes, symbolizing the people of Israel as a whole. The high priest would wear this breastplate on his chest, symbolizing his duty to represent the people before God.
Additionally, the breastplate held a special function during times of inquiry. The Urim and Thummim, two sacred objects, were placed within the breastplate and used to seek God’s guidance. In this way, the breastplate was not only symbolic of the priest’s role as an intercessor but also functional in the priest’s decision-making process, as he sought God’s will for Israel.
3. The Double Nature of the Breastplate
Exodus 39:9 emphasizes that the breastplate was “double,” which could symbolize the depth and seriousness of the high priest’s role. The double nature of the breastplate might also represent the dual function of the high priest: to both mediate between God and Israel and to bear the burdens of the people in his heart. The concept of the double can be seen as a representation of the seriousness and weight of interceding for the people of Israel, underscoring the gravity of the high priest’s responsibilities.
Exodus 39:9 Application in Life
While Exodus 39:9 deals with the specific design of the high priest’s breastplate, its spiritual significance carries profound lessons for the modern-day believer. Here are several key applications for Christian life:
1. Representing Others Before God
The breastplate, worn on the high priest’s chest, symbolized his role as the representative of Israel before God. As believers, we are called to intercede on behalf of others. Just as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes on his heart, Christians are called to bear the burdens of others in prayer, lifting up their needs and concerns before God.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV)
This verse reminds us that we, like the high priest, are responsible for the well-being of others in the body of Christ. Intercession should not only be for ourselves but also for others—family members, friends, colleagues, and even those we find difficult to love. By praying for others, we take on the role of spiritual intercessors, much like the high priest did for the Israelites.
2. Holiness and Representation of Christ
The high priest’s garments, including the breastplate, symbolized the holiness and sanctity required to represent God’s people before a holy God. As Christians, we are called to live lives of holiness, representing Christ to a watching world.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” (1 Peter 1:15, KJV)
Through the work of Christ, believers are now priests in the New Covenant (1 Peter 2:9), and we are called to live holy lives that reflect God’s character. The breastplate serves as a reminder of our responsibility to represent God’s holiness and to carry the weight of others’ needs on our hearts, just as Christ intercedes for us before the Father.
3. The Weight of Responsibility
The fact that the breastplate was described as being “double” emphasizes the seriousness and weight of the high priest’s duties. In the same way, Christians are called to take seriously our responsibility to live as representatives of Christ and bear one another’s burdens. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, as we are engaging in the eternal work of intercession, prayer, and care for the body of Christ.
4. Unity of the Body of Christ
The twelve stones on the breastplate represented the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the unity of God’s people. Similarly, in the New Testament, believers are called to live in unity as the body of Christ.
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:27, KJV)
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to function in unity, representing each other before God and working together to advance His kingdom. The breastplate, with its twelve stones, reminds us of the importance of unity within the Church and the responsibility we have to care for one another.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
1. 1 Peter 2:9 – The Priesthood of All Believers
Just as the high priest was called to represent the people of Israel before God, Christians are now called to be a “royal priesthood” in the New Covenant. In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter emphasizes the priestly role of all believers:
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV)
In the same way that the high priest wore the breastplate to represent Israel, Christians are called to represent God’s people in the world today, showing His praises and interceding for others.
2. Hebrews 4:14-16 – Jesus, Our High Priest
Exodus 39:9, with its focus on the high priest’s role, points forward to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of Jesus as the High Priest who intercedes for us and provides us with direct access to God:
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” (Hebrews 4:14, KJV)
While the high priest in Exodus bore the names of the tribes of Israel on his chest, Jesus, as our High Priest, bears our names before God, interceding for us with perfect knowledge and understanding.
3. Revelation 21:12-14 – The Names on the Gates of New Jerusalem
In the Book of Revelation, the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem are inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, echoing the significance of the breastplate worn by the high priest in Exodus. Just as the high priest bore the names of Israel, God’s people will be eternally remembered in the New Jerusalem, signifying God’s eternal covenant with His people.
Conclusion
Exodus 39:9 holds significant theological and practical implications for Christians today. It serves as a reminder of our role as representatives of God’s people, tasked with interceding for others and living holy lives that reflect God’s glory. Through the symbolism of the high priest’s breastplate, we are called to carry the burdens of others, live in unity, and represent God in a broken world. Ultimately, the verse points to the work of Jesus Christ, who, as our High Priest, bears our names before the Father and provides us with access to God’s presence. As we reflect on this verse, we are encouraged to take our responsibilities as intercessors and representatives of Christ seriously, knowing that our work is part of God’s eternal plan.
Exodus 39:9 Commentary
Exodus 39:9 is a verse rich with theological significance. The breastplate, as part of the high priest’s garments, symbolizes the role of the priest in representing the people of Israel before God. The twelve stones remind us of God’s covenant with His people and His promise to never forget them. The “double” nature of the breastplate emphasizes the seriousness of the priest’s role and the responsibility placed on him. It also points forward to the intercessory role of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who carries our names before the Father.
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