This verse, Exodus 39:18, describes a crucial part of attaching the breastplate to the ephod (a type of priestly vest). Let's break it down:
"The other two ends of the two braided chains...": These are the ends of the chains that weren't already attached to the rings on the breastplate (described in the previous verse). Remember, the breastplate had rings at its top corners. Chains were attached to these rings.
"...they put on the two settings...": The "settings" are likely referring to decorative gold pieces or clasps that were attached to the shoulder straps of the ephod. These settings would have had a way to connect to the chains.
"...and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front.": This clarifies that the "settings" were located on the front of the ephod's shoulder straps. The chains were then attached to these settings.
In summary, the verse describes how the breastplate was secured to the ephod:
1. Chains were attached to rings on the top corners of the breastplate.
2. The other ends of these chains were then attached to special gold "settings" located on the front of the ephod's shoulder straps.
Visualizing It
Imagine the breastplate hanging down from the ephod. The chains are like straps connecting the top of the breastplate to the shoulder straps of the ephod. This would have kept the breastplate securely in place on the priest's chest.
Purpose
The purpose of this intricate attachment system was both functional and symbolic:
Functional: To ensure the breastplate stayed in place during the priest's duties. The breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim (objects used for divination) and had 12 precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. It was important that it was secure.
Symbolic: Everything about the priestly garments was carefully designed and imbued with meaning. This secure connection symbolized the priest's role as a link between God and the people of Israel, bearing their names close to his heart before God.
This verse, Exodus 39:18, describes a crucial part of attaching the breastplate to the ephod (a type of priestly vest). Let's break it down:
"The other two ends of the two braided chains...": These are the ends of the chains that weren't already attached to the rings on the breastplate (described in the previous verse). Remember, the breastplate had rings at its top corners. Chains were attached to these rings.
"...they put on the two settings...": The "settings" are likely referring to decorative gold pieces or clasps that were attached to the shoulder straps of the ephod. These settings would have had a way to connect to the chains.
"...and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front.": This clarifies that the "settings" were located on the front of the ephod's shoulder straps. The chains were then attached to these settings.
In summary, the verse describes how the breastplate was secured to the ephod:
1. Chains were attached to rings on the top corners of the breastplate.
2. The other ends of these chains were then attached to special gold "settings" located on the front of the ephod's shoulder straps.
Visualizing It
Imagine the breastplate hanging down from the ephod. The chains are like straps connecting the top of the breastplate to the shoulder straps of the ephod. This would have kept the breastplate securely in place on the priest's chest.
Purpose
The purpose of this intricate attachment system was both functional and symbolic:
Functional: To ensure the breastplate stayed in place during the priest's duties. The breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim (objects used for divination) and had 12 precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. It was important that it was secure.
Symbolic: Everything about the priestly garments was carefully designed and imbued with meaning. This secure connection symbolized the priest's role as a link between God and the people of Israel, bearing their names close to his heart before God.