This verse describes a very specific step in the construction of the breastplate for the high priest's garments, as detailed in Exodus. Let's break it down:
"They made two rings of gold...": This refers to the artisans who were skillfully crafting the priestly garments according to God's instructions given to Moses. They fashioned two rings from gold.
"...and put them on the two ends of the breastplate...": These gold rings were attached to the corners (ends) of the breastplate.
"...on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward.": This is the crucial part for understanding the purpose.
"on its edge": This means the rings weren't on the face of the breastplate but rather along its side edge.
"which was toward the side of the ephod inward": The ephod was a sleeveless garment worn over the high priest's tunic. "Inward" implies these rings were on the edge of the breastplate that would be closest to the ephod, rather than facing outwards.
In Summary:
The artisans created two gold rings and affixed them to the top corners of the breastplate's edge, specifically on the side facing the ephod.
Purpose:
These rings were crucial for attaching the breastplate to the ephod. Other verses (Exodus 39:21) describe how blue cords were tied from these rings on the breastplate to rings on the ephod. This securely fastened the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it stayed in place during the high priest's service.
Symbolic Significance:
While the explicit text focuses on the practical function of securing the breastplate, some scholars suggest deeper symbolic meanings:
Connection and Unity: The rings and cords connected the breastplate (representing the people of Israel, through the 12 stones) to the ephod (representing God's authority and presence). This symbolized the intimate connection between God and His people, mediated through the high priest.
Order and Structure: The detailed instructions for the garment's construction highlight the importance of order and structure in worship and service to God.
In conclusion, Exodus 39:19 describes a precise step in constructing the breastplate, attaching rings that would be used to connect it to the ephod, allowing the breastplate to be securely fastened to the ephod. This was a practical detail with potential symbolic meaning, symbolizing connection and order in the high priest's role and the relationship between God and Israel.
This verse describes a very specific step in the construction of the breastplate for the high priest's garments, as detailed in Exodus. Let's break it down:
"They made two rings of gold...": This refers to the artisans who were skillfully crafting the priestly garments according to God's instructions given to Moses. They fashioned two rings from gold.
"...and put them on the two ends of the breastplate...": These gold rings were attached to the corners (ends) of the breastplate.
"...on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward.": This is the crucial part for understanding the purpose.
"on its edge": This means the rings weren't on the face of the breastplate but rather along its side edge.
"which was toward the side of the ephod inward": The ephod was a sleeveless garment worn over the high priest's tunic. "Inward" implies these rings were on the edge of the breastplate that would be closest to the ephod, rather than facing outwards.
In Summary:
The artisans created two gold rings and affixed them to the top corners of the breastplate's edge, specifically on the side facing the ephod.
Purpose:
These rings were crucial for attaching the breastplate to the ephod. Other verses (Exodus 39:21) describe how blue cords were tied from these rings on the breastplate to rings on the ephod. This securely fastened the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it stayed in place during the high priest's service.
Symbolic Significance:
While the explicit text focuses on the practical function of securing the breastplate, some scholars suggest deeper symbolic meanings:
Connection and Unity: The rings and cords connected the breastplate (representing the people of Israel, through the 12 stones) to the ephod (representing God's authority and presence). This symbolized the intimate connection between God and His people, mediated through the high priest.
Order and Structure: The detailed instructions for the garment's construction highlight the importance of order and structure in worship and service to God.
In conclusion, Exodus 39:19 describes a precise step in constructing the breastplate, attaching rings that would be used to connect it to the ephod, allowing the breastplate to be securely fastened to the ephod. This was a practical detail with potential symbolic meaning, symbolizing connection and order in the high priest's role and the relationship between God and Israel.