Exodus 28:22
And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַחֹ֛שֶׁן
upon the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֛שֶׁן
upon the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
3 of 9
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה
work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
6 of 9
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
עֲבֹ֑ת
of wreathen
H5688
עֲבֹ֑ת
of wreathen
Strong's:
H5688
Word #:
7 of 9
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
Historical Context
These golden chains, though decorative, served critical function—keeping the breastplate from swinging during service. Form and function united, as God's designs always combine beauty with purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ unite 'love' (breastplate/heart) and 'power' (ephod/shoulders) in caring for you?
- What does the unbreakable golden chain teach about the security of Christ's priestly ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Chains of wreathen gold (braided cords) connect the breastplate to the ephod. Gold represents deity; braided design shows strength through unity. These chains ensure the tribes (breastplate) remain connected to the priest's shoulders (ephod), uniting heart and strength. Christ's love (heart) and power (shoulders) are inseparably joined. The Hebrew עֲבֹתֹת (avotot, twisted/wreathen) suggests unbreakable cords—'a threefold cord is not quickly broken' (Ecclesiastes 4:12).