Exodus 39:15
For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold.
For the breastpiece

Worn over the ephod, the breastpiece formed part of the high priest’s sacred garments and bore the names of Israel’s tribes before the Lord. It also held the Urim and Thummim for seeking God’s judgment in matters affecting the nation.

Exo 28:15 You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment…
Exo 28:29 Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names…
Exo 28:30 And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece…

they made braided chains

Skilled craftsmen fashioned the chains according to the pattern God had given, securing the breastpiece firmly to the ephod.

1Ki 7:17 For the capitals on top of the pillars, he made a network…
2Ch 3:16 He made interwoven chains and put them on top of the pillars.…
2Ch 3:5 He paneled the main room with cypress…

like cords

Their braided construction provided both strength and flexibility, preserving the proper position of the breastpiece during priestly service.

Exo 28:14 And two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work;…
Exo 35:18 the tent pegs for the tabernacle.…
Num 3:26 the curtains of the courtyard,…

of pure gold.

The gold matched the holiness and splendor of the tabernacle furnishings, marking the high priest’s ministry as set apart for God.

Exo 25:11 Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out…
1Ki 6:20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long…
2Ch 3:4 The portico at the front, extending across the width…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the task of constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings according to God's instructions.

2. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The Breastpiece
A sacred garment worn by the High Priest, part of the priestly vestments, symbolizing judgment and the representation of the twelve tribes of Israel before God.

4. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled artisans appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the breastpiece.

5. The High Priest
The spiritual leader of Israel, who wore the breastpiece as part of his official attire when ministering before the Lord.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' careful construction of the breastpiece according to God's design demonstrates the importance of obedience in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of the Breastpiece
The breastpiece represents the High Priest's role in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before God, reminding us of our responsibility to intercede for others.

The Role of Skilled Artisans
Bezalel and Oholiab's involvement underscores the value of using our God-given talents for His glory and the edification of the church.

The Holiness of Worship
The detailed craftsmanship of the breastpiece reflects the reverence and holiness required in worshiping God, encouraging us to approach Him with awe and respect.

Christ as Our High Priest
The breastpiece foreshadows Christ's role as our mediator, reminding us of His continual intercession on our behalf.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the breastpiece in Exodus 39:15 reflect the importance of obedience to God's instructions in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we use our skills and talents, like Bezalel and Oholiab, to serve God and His church today?

3. How does the symbolism of the breastpiece as a representation of the tribes of Israel inform our understanding of intercessory prayer?

4. What can we learn from the detailed craftsmanship of the breastpiece about the nature of worship and our approach to God?

5. How does the role of the High Priest in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of Jesus' role as our Great High Priest in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28
Provides detailed instructions for making the priestly garments, including the breastpiece, emphasizing the importance of following God's design.

Leviticus 8
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, highlighting the significance of the priestly garments in their service to God.

Hebrews 4:14-16
Connects the role of the High Priest in the Old Testament to Jesus as our Great High Priest, who intercedes for us before God.
The Garments of the PriestsJ. Orr Exodus 39:1-32
The Clothes of ServiceJ. Urquhart Exodus 39:1-41
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses, Shoham
Places
Sinai
Topics
Bag, Bands, Braided, Breastpiece, Breastplate, Breast-plate, Chains, Cordage, Cords, Ends, Gold, Laced, Plaited, Pure, Rope, Thick, Twisted, Wreathed, Wreathen
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 39:8-21

     5140   breasts
     7320   breastpiece

Exodus 39:15-18

     5251   chains

Exodus 39:15-20

     4333   gold

Library
Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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