Exodus 39:9 - It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its width a span, being double.
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What does "Exodus 39:9" mean?
Exodus 39:9 describes the dimensions of the breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel. Let's break down what it means:
"It was square..." This means the breastplate was not rectangular or another shape; it was a perfect square.
"They made the breastplate double." This suggests the breastplate wasn't a single layer but rather two layers of fabric stitched together. This would have provided additional strength and likely created pockets for the twelve stones mentioned later in the chapter.
"Its length was a span, and its width a span, being double." A "span" is an ancient unit of measurement roughly equal to the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is outstretched. This is typically estimated to be around 9 inches (23 cm). Since the length and width were both a span, and it was a square, it means the breastplate was approximately 9 inches by 9 inches. The phrase "being double" reiterates the point that it was made of two layers.
In summary, Exodus 39:9 tells us that the breastplate was a double-layered square of fabric, approximately 9 inches by 9 inches.
This verse is important because it gives specific instructions about the breastplate's construction, emphasizing the attention to detail and precision required in crafting the priestly garments. The specific dimensions may have had symbolic significance, though the Bible does not explicitly state what that meaning was.
Exodus 39:9 - It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its width a span, being double.
What does "Exodus 39:9" mean?
Exodus 39:9 describes the dimensions of the breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel. Let's break down what it means:
"It was square..." This means the breastplate was not rectangular or another shape; it was a perfect square.
"They made the breastplate double." This suggests the breastplate wasn't a single layer but rather two layers of fabric stitched together. This would have provided additional strength and likely created pockets for the twelve stones mentioned later in the chapter.
"Its length was a span, and its width a span, being double." A "span" is an ancient unit of measurement roughly equal to the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is outstretched. This is typically estimated to be around 9 inches (23 cm). Since the length and width were both a span, and it was a square, it means the breastplate was approximately 9 inches by 9 inches. The phrase "being double" reiterates the point that it was made of two layers.
In summary, Exodus 39:9 tells us that the breastplate was a double-layered square of fabric, approximately 9 inches by 9 inches.
This verse is important because it gives specific instructions about the breastplate's construction, emphasizing the attention to detail and precision required in crafting the priestly garments. The specific dimensions may have had symbolic significance, though the Bible does not explicitly state what that meaning was.