Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:28 is a verse nestled within the detailed account of the Israelites constructing the Tabernacle, a sacred space where God would dwell among His people. This verse, like many others in the book of Exodus, may seem straightforward at first glance, but it carries profound theological and practical implications. By examining Exodus 36:28 in its context, meaning, and application, we can uncover deeper lessons that resonate with both ancient and modern Christians.
In this article, we will explore Exodus 36:28 from various perspectives, including the context surrounding the verse, its meaning, its relevance to life today, and how it connects with other biblical texts.
The Context of Exodus 36:28 (KJV)
Exodus 36 forms part of the larger narrative where the Israelites are instructed to construct the Tabernacle. This sacred structure was meant to serve as a dwelling place for God’s presence as they journeyed through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. Exodus 36, in particular, focuses on the actual construction process, where skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, empowered by the Spirit of God, oversee the meticulous assembly of materials and furnishings according to the divine instructions given in previous chapters.
Exodus 36:28 (KJV)
“And he made two rings of gold for it, to be set in the two sides of the breastplate, upon the border thereof, which was on the side of the ephod inward.”
Exodus 36:28 comes as part of the description of the making of the breastplate, a sacred piece of the high priest’s garments. The breastplate was designed to hold twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was attached to the ephod, a special garment worn by the high priest when he entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people.
In this verse, the specific focus is on the creation of two rings of gold that were set into the sides of the breastplate. These rings would allow the breastplate to be securely attached to the ephod, ensuring the high priest could wear it during his duties in the Tabernacle.
The Larger Context of Exodus 36
Exodus 36 recounts the Israelites following God’s instructions to construct various components of the Tabernacle, including the ark of the covenant, the altar, the curtains, and the priestly garments. This chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s instructions and the role of skilled craftsmanship in the building of a sacred space for God’s presence.
As we explore Exodus 36:28, it’s crucial to consider how this verse fits into the broader narrative of Israel’s worship. The entire Tabernacle system, from the materials used to the garments of the priests, was designed to reflect God’s holiness and the need for meticulous reverence in worship.
The Exodus 36:28 Meaning
Exodus 36:28 may seem to be a minor detail, but it carries significant spiritual and theological meaning when considered in the context of the Tabernacle’s overall construction and the broader biblical narrative.
The Role of the Breastplate
The breastplate was a key component of the high priest’s attire. Its purpose was not only symbolic but also functional. The breastplate contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolized the high priest’s role as the representative of all the people of Israel before God. The high priest would wear this breastplate as he entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people, carrying the tribes with him in a symbolic act of intercession.
The two rings of gold described in Exodus 36:28 were critical to the functionality of the breastplate. These rings were part of the mechanism by which the breastplate was attached to the ephod, allowing it to be worn by the high priest. The careful construction of the breastplate, including these rings, reflected the sacredness of the high priest’s role and the holiness of God’s presence.
Gold and Its Significance
The use of gold in Exodus 36:28 also carries rich symbolism. Gold was considered one of the most precious materials in ancient Israel and, throughout Scripture, is associated with purity, value, and divine glory. In the context of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, gold represents the holiness of God and the sanctity of the spaces and items designated for His service.
The presence of gold in the breastplate’s design highlights the importance of purity and sanctity in the high priest’s intercession for the people. Just as the gold rings were part of the Tabernacle’s holy construction, they remind believers today that our worship and our lives must be offered to God with the utmost reverence and purity.
The Connection to the High Priest
The high priest’s role in the Old Testament was a direct precursor to the role of Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and His people, entering the Holy of Holies once a year to offer sacrifices on behalf of the nation (Leviticus 16). The high priest carried the names of the twelve tribes on his breastplate as a sign of his intercession before God.
In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of the high priestly role. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that Jesus, as the Great High Priest, intercedes for us before God, and through His sacrifice, believers have direct access to the Father. The imagery of the high priest’s breastplate thus points forward to Christ’s perfect and eternal priesthood.
Exodus 36:28 Application in Life
While Exodus 36:28 might seem to focus on the construction of the high priest’s garments, its deeper significance offers several practical applications for Christians today.
Reverence and Worship
The precise attention to detail in the creation of the breastplate and its rings underscores the importance of reverence in our worship. Just as the Israelites were required to build the Tabernacle and the priestly garments with exactness, we are called to approach God with reverence and intentionality. Worship, in both its public and private forms, is a sacred act that demands our full attention and respect.
This is emphasized in passages like Colossians 3:23, where Paul exhorts believers to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Whether we are serving in ministry, working at our jobs, or simply living out our daily lives, we are called to do so with a heart of worship, offering the best of our work to God.
Intercession for Others
The breastplate’s role in representing the twelve tribes of Israel points to the priest’s intercessory function. Today, Christians are called to intercede for others, praying for the needs of our communities, our churches, and the world. As 1 Timothy 2:1-2 instructs, we are to offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” for all people, just as the high priest carried the names of the people before God.
Intercession is a powerful act of love and service, and Christians are invited to follow Christ’s example in standing in the gap for others, praying for their needs and lifting them up before God.
Holiness and Purity
The gold rings on the breastplate symbolize the holiness and purity required in worship. Just as the Tabernacle and its furnishings were made with purity and beauty, Christians are called to live lives marked by holiness. This is not about perfection but about striving to reflect God’s character in our actions, thoughts, and relationships.
1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds believers, “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” The high priest’s garments, including the breastplate, were designed to reflect God’s holiness, and so should our lives.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 36:28 ties into several other key biblical texts that emphasize the holiness of worship, the intercessory role of the priest, and the importance of reverence in God’s presence.
The High Priest’s Role
The role of the high priest, as described in Exodus and Leviticus, has direct parallels in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 4:14-16 introduces Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who has entered the heavenly Holy of Holies, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Just as the high priest in the Old Testament interceded for the people, Jesus intercedes for us, granting us access to God’s throne of grace.
Intercessory Prayer
The concept of intercession, seen in Exodus 36:28 with the high priest’s role, is also found throughout Scripture. For example, in Ezekiel 22:30, God laments that He could find no one to stand in the gap for His people. As Christians, we are called to be intercessors, standing in the gap for others in prayer and petitioning God on their behalf. This is especially relevant in our modern context, where prayer is a powerful means of supporting one another in both times of joy and sorrow.
Purity in Worship
The gold rings and the detailed craftsmanship of the Tabernacle point to the purity and holiness required in the worship of God. Jesus Himself purified the temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-17), reminding us that worship must be offered with a pure heart. Christians today are called to live lives of integrity, worshiping God not just with our words but with our actions and attitudes.
Modern-Day Relevance of Exodus 36:28
Exodus 36:28 has significant relevance for modern Christians. The sacredness of worship, the call to intercede for others, and the reminder to live holy lives are just as important today as they were in ancient Israel. In a world often characterized by distractions, sin, and self-centeredness, the message of this passage calls us back to a life of reverence, prayer, and purity before God.
Conclusion
Exodus 36:28 may appear to be a simple detail in the construction of the high priest’s garments, but it reveals profound truths about worship, intercession, and holiness. Christians today are called to offer their lives to God with reverence, to intercede for others, and to live in purity, reflecting the glory of God in all things. Just as the gold rings and the breastplate played a crucial role in the high priest’s ministry, so too are we called to play our part in God’s kingdom with intentionality and devotion.
Exodus 36:28 Commentary
The crafting of the two rings of gold for the breastplate reflects the meticulous care required in making holy objects for the Tabernacle. The care with which these rings were designed and attached underscores the seriousness of the priestly office and the sacred nature of worship in God’s presence. This verse highlights God’s desire for beauty, purity, and intentionality in all that is offered to Him.
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