And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
Exodus 28:22 belongs to God's specific, detailed directions to Moses for the garments of those serving in the tabernacle, prescribing wreathen chains of pure gold at the ends of the high priest's breastplate. The breastplate was suspended from the shoulders and was part of the sacred garments worn when going before the Lord. The God of heaven who moves the world and sustains life and health gave these special directions about everything connected with His service, including the dress of those who minister before Him.
The breastplate was set with precious stones through which God made known His mind and messages. The light of His glory flashed forth upon the stones in approval, and a cloud shadowed them in disapproval. Exodus 28:15-30 describes this setting with precious stones, while Exodus 28:22 specifies its gold chains.
At the death of Christ the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The most holy place, entered by human feet only once a year, was laid open to common gaze. The presence of God no longer overshadowed the earthly mercy seat, and the flashing and shadowing upon the stones of the breastplate ceased forever.
Aaron's robes and the whole provision for tabernacle dress were symbolic, made in a particular style suited to sacred service. The breastplate's precious, glittering appearance represented the names engraved upon it. Such a breastplate is worn by Jesus when entering the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary.
The breastplate's sacredness came from its use in the service God had appointed, not from the object itself. Gideon's imitation of the breastplate therefore gave him no authority to establish worship or to officiate as a priest.
The care given to these garments shows that dress matters to God and requires order in everything and especially cleanliness. The apparel and service of those who officiate before Him are to reflect reverence and to give the people an exalted idea of His holiness and of the sacredness of His work. He may be honored or dishonored by the apparel of those who officiate before Him. In the case of Christ's followers, their clothing should symbolize their representation of Him.
Exodus 28:22 belongs to God's specific, detailed directions to Moses for the garments of those serving in the tabernacle, prescribing wreathen chains of pure gold at the ends of the high priest's breastplate. The breastplate was suspended from the shoulders and was part of the sacred garments worn when going before the Lord. The God of heaven who moves the world and sustains life and health gave these special directions about everything connected with His service, including the dress of those who minister before Him.
The breastplate was set with precious stones through which God made known His mind and messages. The light of His glory flashed forth upon the stones in approval, and a cloud shadowed them in disapproval. Exodus 28:15-30 describes this setting with precious stones, while Exodus 28:22 specifies its gold chains.
At the death of Christ the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The most holy place, entered by human feet only once a year, was laid open to common gaze. The presence of God no longer overshadowed the earthly mercy seat, and the flashing and shadowing upon the stones of the breastplate ceased forever.
Aaron's robes and the whole provision for tabernacle dress were symbolic, made in a particular style suited to sacred service. The breastplate's precious, glittering appearance represented the names engraved upon it. Such a breastplate is worn by Jesus when entering the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary.
The breastplate's sacredness came from its use in the service God had appointed, not from the object itself. Gideon's imitation of the breastplate therefore gave him no authority to establish worship or to officiate as a priest.
The care given to these garments shows that dress matters to God and requires order in everything and especially cleanliness. The apparel and service of those who officiate before Him are to reflect reverence and to give the people an exalted idea of His holiness and of the sacredness of His work. He may be honored or dishonored by the apparel of those who officiate before Him. In the case of Christ's followers, their clothing should symbolize their representation of Him.