Exodus 39:18
And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֨ת
H853
וְאֵ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת
chains
H5688
הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת
chains
Strong's:
H5688
Word #:
5 of 16
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם
and put
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת
ouches
H4865
הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת
ouches
Strong's:
H4865
Word #:
9 of 16
a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem
וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם
and put
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּתְפֹ֥ת
them on the shoulderpieces
H3802
כִּתְפֹ֥ת
them on the shoulderpieces
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
12 of 16
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
הָֽאֵפֹ֖ד
of the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפֹ֖ד
of the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
13 of 16
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
Historical Context
The front attachment ensured the breastplate remained visible during priestly ministry, especially when Aaron faced the people while blessing them or entered the Holy Place facing forward. The connection's strength prevented the breastplate from shifting or falling during vigorous sacrificial work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's strong shoulders supporting His compassionate heart assure believers of secure salvation?
- What does the visible connection teach about Christ's open advocacy for believers before the Father?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Fastening the chains' 'two ends' to the gold settings on the ephod's shoulderpieces 'before it' (front) completes the top attachment. The breastplate now hangs from the shoulders—weight-bearing strength supports the heart's affections. This structural hierarchy teaches that priestly ministry requires strong shoulders to sustain compassionate heart. Christ's mediatorial work demonstrates both: omnipotent strength upholds infinite love. The connection's visibility ('before it') teaches that Christ's bearing His people in strength and love is openly displayed before the Father, not hidden.