Then fasten the two gold chainsThe use of gold in the construction of the priestly garments signifies purity, divinity, and value. Gold was a common material in ancient Near Eastern cultures for items of significance and worship. The fastening of the chains indicates a secure and intentional design, reflecting the importance of the high priest's role. Gold chains were also used in other parts of the tabernacle, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the earthly.
to the two gold rings
The gold rings serve as connectors, ensuring that the breastpiece is securely attached to the ephod. Rings in biblical times often symbolized continuity and eternity, as they have no beginning or end. The use of two rings may symbolize the dual nature of the priest's role, serving both God and the people. The rings also ensure that the breastpiece remains in place, signifying the steadfastness of God's covenant with Israel.
at the corners of the breastpiece
The breastpiece, also known as the breastplate of judgment, was worn by the high priest and contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divine decision-making. The corners of the breastpiece are significant as they represent the extremities, ensuring that the entire piece is held securely. This placement highlights the completeness and perfection of God's law and guidance. The breastpiece's design, with its twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, signifies the unity and diversity of God's people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
AaronMoses' brother, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The breastpiece was part of his priestly garments.
3.
The BreastpieceA sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing judgment and decision-making for the Israelites.
4.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, where the high priest performed his duties.
5.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, for whom the priestly garments were made to facilitate worship and atonement.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for the breastpiece remind us of the importance of following God's commands precisely.
Symbolism of the BreastpieceRepresents the role of the high priest in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before God, symbolizing intercession and representation.
Christ as Our High PriestThe high priest's role foreshadows Jesus' work as our mediator, who intercedes on our behalf before the Father.
Our Role as a Royal PriesthoodAs believers, we are called to represent Christ to the world, bearing His name and interceding for others.
The Holiness of WorshipThe care and detail in the priestly garments reflect the reverence and holiness required in worshiping God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 28:24?
2.How does Exodus 28:24 emphasize the importance of detailed obedience to God?
3.What role do the chains in Exodus 28:24 play in the priestly garments?
4.How can we apply the precision in Exodus 28:24 to our spiritual lives?
5.What connections exist between Exodus 28:24 and other biblical instructions for worship?
6.How does Exodus 28:24 reflect God's desire for order in worship practices?
7.What is the significance of the chains in Exodus 28:24 for the priestly garments?
8.How does Exodus 28:24 reflect the importance of craftsmanship in religious worship?
9.Why are gold chains specifically mentioned in Exodus 28:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28?
11.What constitutes the Seal of God?
12.What is the Bible's stance on church attire?
13.Exodus 28:2-5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments?
14.What is the Bread of the Presence?What Does Exodus 28:24 Mean
Then fasten• “Then” signals God-given sequence. Just as the craftsmen followed each prior step (Exodus 25:40;Exodus 39:5), obedience here keeps the pattern intact.
• The command to “fasten” stresses permanence. Because the breastpiece housed the Urim and Thummim over the high priest’s heart (Exodus 28:30), it had to stay secure—echoing the call to “hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• Christ fulfilled every jot and tittle (Matthew 5:17-18), confirming that divine details matter.
the two gold chains• Gold pictures purity and glory (1 Peter 1:7;Revelation 21:18). Holiness links every part of worship.
• Two chains mirror the two onyx shoulder stones (Exodus 28:9-12), balancing the names over the heart with those on the shoulders—justice and mercy together (Isaiah 9:6;Luke 15:5).
• Chains join what would otherwise separate; believers are likewise “knit together in love” (Colossians 2:2).
to the two gold rings• Chains attach only to rings of the same metal, preserving purity (Exodus 25:11).
• Rings signify completeness and enduring fellowship (Revelation 1:13).
• Similar rings on the ark and altar received carrying poles (Exodus 25:12-15), showing that wherever the camp traveled, God’s presence remained secure.
at the corners• The breastpiece was foursquare (Exodus 28:16). Corner fastenings embrace every tribe, paralleling the “four corners of the earth” reached by God’s salvation (Revelation 7:1).
• Secure corners keep the piece flat over the heart, echoing “Guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23).
• Corners on Israelite garments held tassels as reminders of covenant obedience (Numbers 15:38); here they anchor intercession.
of the breastpiece• Called “the breastpiece of judgment” (Exodus 28:15), it bore twelve stones inscribed with Israel’s names (Exodus 28:21, 29).
• Fastening guarantees those names never slip from the high priest’s heart—foreshadowing Jesus, our High Priest, who “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25).
• Joined to the ephod without gap (Exodus 28:28), the breastpiece portrays the seamless union of Christ’s finished work and ongoing advocacy (Hebrews 4:14-16).
summaryExodus 28:24 shows that even a tailoring instruction is rich with meaning. God orders the fastening, provides pure gold chains and rings, secures them at the four corners, and centers everything on the breastpiece that bears His people’s names. The lesson is clear: worship must be precise, pure, and anchored to the heart. In Jesus, every detail finds its perfect fulfillment, and those who trust Him remain forever fastened to the gracious heart of their Great High Priest.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then attachוְנָתַתָּ֗ה(wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe twoשְׁתֵּי֙(šə·tê)Number - fdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)goldהַזָּהָ֔ב(haz·zā·hāḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skychainsעֲבֹתֹ֣ת(‘ă·ḇō·ṯōṯ)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 5688:Something intwined, a string, wreath, foliagetoעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe twoשְׁתֵּ֖י(šə·tê)Number - fdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)gold ringsהַטַּבָּעֹ֑ת(haṭ·ṭab·bā·‘ōṯ)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2885:A seal, signet, a ring of any kindatאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe cornersקְצ֖וֹת(qə·ṣō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 7098:A terminationof the breastpiece,הַחֹֽשֶׁן׃(ha·ḥō·šen)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2833:A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest
Links
Exodus 28:24 NIVExodus 28:24 NLTExodus 28:24 ESVExodus 28:24 NASBExodus 28:24 KJV
Exodus 28:24 BibleApps.comExodus 28:24 Biblia ParalelaExodus 28:24 Chinese BibleExodus 28:24 French BibleExodus 28:24 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 28:24 You shall put the two braided chains (Exo. Ex)