Then they fastened the two gold chainsThe use of gold in the construction of the priestly garments signifies purity, divinity, and royalty. Gold was a precious metal, often associated with wealth and divine presence, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. The fastening of the chains indicates a secure and intentional design, ensuring that the breastpiece would remain in place. This reflects the meticulous care and obedience to God's instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (
Exodus 28:15-30).
to the two gold rings
The gold rings served as connectors, ensuring that the breastpiece was securely attached to the ephod. This design highlights the importance of the high priest's role in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord, symbolizing intercession and representation. The use of rings and chains also suggests a sense of unity and completeness, as the high priest's garments were crafted to function as a cohesive whole.
at the corners of the breastpiece
The breastpiece, also known as the breastplate of judgment, was a central part of the high priest's attire. It was square and contained twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The placement of the gold rings at the corners ensured that the breastpiece was held securely over the heart of the high priest, symbolizing his role in carrying the people of Israel before God. This positioning is significant, as it underscores the high priest's duty to mediate between God and His people, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ as our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelitesThe people of God who were given the Law and instructions for building the Tabernacle.
2.
Bezalel and OholiabSkilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments.
3.
BreastpieceA sacred garment worn by the High Priest, part of the ephod, which held the Urim and Thummim for decision-making.
4.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.
5.
Gold ChainsSymbolic of purity and divinity, used to attach the breastpiece to the ephod, signifying the connection between God and His people.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's InstructionsThe meticulous construction of the breastpiece and its attachments underscores the importance of obeying God's commands in every detail of our lives.
Symbolism of the BreastpieceThe breastpiece represents the High Priest's role in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before God, reminding us of our responsibility to intercede for others.
Connection to ChristThe High Priest's garments foreshadow Christ's role as our mediator, encouraging us to rely on Him for guidance and support.
Holiness and PurityThe use of gold in the breastpiece and its chains symbolizes the purity and holiness required in our relationship with God.
Unity and CommunityThe fastening of the breastpiece to the ephod signifies the unity of God's people, reminding us of the importance of community and support within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 39:17?
2. How does Exodus 39:17 demonstrate the importance of following God's detailed instructions?
3. What do the chains in Exodus 39:17 symbolize in the context of priestly garments?
4. How does Exodus 39:17 connect to the broader theme of obedience in Exodus?
5. How can we apply the precision in Exodus 39:17 to our spiritual practices?
6. What does Exodus 39:17 teach about the significance of craftsmanship in worship?
7. What is the significance of the chains in Exodus 39:17 for the Israelites' faith?
8. How does Exodus 39:17 reflect the craftsmanship and dedication of the Israelites?
9. Why were the breastpiece chains important in the context of Exodus 39:17?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 39?
11. What is the purpose of the Brazen Altar?
12. What miracles are described in the Bible?
13. Exodus 39:8-21: How did they manage the sophisticated techniques required to craft and engrave the breastpiece with gemstone settings in a wilderness setting?
14. Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?What Does Exodus 39:17 Mean
Then they fastened“Then they fastened the two gold chains…” (Exodus 39:17)
• The word “Then” anchors us in the sequence of constructing the high priest’s garments. Everything is being done precisely as the LORD commanded in Exodus 28:15-30, showing obedience step by step (cf. Exodus 39:1, “they made… just as the LORD had commanded Moses”).
• “Fastened” underscores permanence and security. The breastpiece, representing the tribes of Israel before God, could not dangle loosely; it had to be securely joined, symbolizing the unbreakable covenant bond (cf. Isaiah 49:16; John 10:28-29).
the two gold chains• Gold speaks of purity, royalty, and divinity (cf. Exodus 25:11; Revelation 1:13). The use of gold chains highlights the priceless worth of Israel’s mediation through the high priest and foreshadows Christ’s superior priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-16).
• Two chains provide balanced support, reminding us that God’s provision is complete and steady (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
to the two gold rings• Rings on the breastpiece functioned as attachment points, mirroring covenant circles with no break in the line—eternity pictured in metal (Genesis 9:13-17).
• Gold echoing gold shows consistency in God’s design: pure connections link pure elements, mirroring the unity between God’s holiness and His people’s calling to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
at the corners of the breastpiece• Corners (literally “ends”) suggest inclusiveness; every edge of the breastpiece—bearing the engraved stones for all twelve tribes—was accounted for (Numbers 23:9; Revelation 7:4-8).
• The breastpiece sat over the high priest’s heart (Exodus 28:29). Fastening the corners ensured that every tribe was continually remembered before the LORD, a vivid picture of Christ carrying His people on His heart perpetually (John 17:9; Romans 8:34).
summaryExodus 39:17 records the precise fastening of gold chains to gold rings on the breastpiece, highlighting secure obedience to God’s detailed instructions, the priceless value of mediation, the eternal covenant link, and the inclusive, heart-centered care God extends to all His people—ultimately fulfilled in our High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then they fastenedוַֽיִּתְּנ֗וּ (way·yit·tə·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
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 skychainsהָעֲבֹתֹ֣ת (hā·‘ă·ḇō·ṯōṯ)Article | Noun - common plural
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 kindatעַל־ (‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstthe cornersקְצ֖וֹת (qə·ṣō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 7098: A termination of the breastpiece,הַחֹֽשֶׁן׃ (ha·ḥō·šen)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2833: A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 39:17 They put the two braided chains (Exo. Ex) 
