And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.
EXODUS 39:21KJVWhat does Exodus 39:21 mean?
Exodus 39:21 describes how the craftsmen attached the breastplate to the ephod using blue cords, fastening it securely so it would stay above the decorated waistband and not come loose, just as the LORD had instructed Moses. This verse highlights the careful obedience to God's specific directions for making the high priest's garments.
The verse is set during the construction of the priestly clothing for Aaron, as described in Exodus. Skilled workers are following Moses’ instructions, which come directly from God, to assemble the breastplate (a special piece worn by the high priest) and attach it to the ephod (a kind of vest). The focus is on making sure the pieces are joined exactly as commanded, showing respect for the detailed instructions given for worship.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:21
- breastplate (חֹשֶׁן, ḥoshen): This word refers to the special, square piece worn by the high priest, which held the twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. Its secure attachment to the ephod was essential for its symbolic and practical role.
- ephod (אֵפוֹד, ephod): The ephod was a unique priestly garment, and its rings (טַבַּעַת, tabba‘at) and blue cord (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet) were specifically designed to connect the breastplate in a way that matched God's instructions.
- lace of blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet): The blue cord was not just decorative but served a functional purpose in fastening the breastplate. The color blue often signified holiness or heavenly things in the tabernacle context.
- loosed (רוּף, ruph): This word means to loosen or come apart. The verse emphasizes that the breastplate was not to come loose from the ephod, underlining the importance of following God's precise directions.
Why Exodus 39:21 matters
- This verse shows the importance of following God's instructions exactly, especially in matters of worship and service, highlighting the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the construction of sacred items.
- The careful attachment of the breastplate to the ephod demonstrates the unity and inseparability of the high priest's garments, which carried deep symbolic meaning for Israel’s relationship with God.
- By repeating that everything was done "as the LORD commanded Moses," the verse connects to the larger theme in Exodus of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God's will.