Commentary on Exodus 28:14
Verse: Exodus 28:14 - "And two chains of pure gold; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouse rings."
Introduction
Exodus 28 describes the garments for the high priest, who played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. In particularly focusing on verse 14, we understand the significance of adornment and preparation in God’s worship. The elements mentioned reflect both practical and symbolic meanings, which are essential for understanding the duties of the priest and the nature of God's covenant with His people.
Context of the Priest's Garment
The instructions for the priestly garments were part of the larger framework of worship that God instituted for Israel. As noted by Matthew Henry, these garments were not merely for aesthetics, but served practical purposes in various forms of worship and worship leadership. This particular verse addresses the inclusion of chains of pure gold, which not only signifies value but also the role of connection between the high priest and the Divine.
The Symbolism of Gold Chains
In Albert Barnes’s commentary, gold is emphasized to symbolize divinity, purity, and the preciousness of God’s covenant. The use of gold reflects not merely wealth but indicates the honor due to the office of the high priest. The chains themselves suggest a binding element – binding together the priest, the people, and God. This connection emphasizes the mediator role of the priest in facilitating communication and reconciliation between God and Israel.
Wreathen Work
The term "wreathen work" refers to intricately braided or twisted chains, highlighting craftsmanship and artistry, reflective of God's own beauty and order in creation. Adam Clarke notes that such intricate designs remind us of the complexity and care that go into God’s plans for salvation and worship. The beauty of the chains contributes to the dignity of God’s service.
The Practical Aspects of the Chains
As the chains fasten the breastplate to the high priest’s garments, they symbolize how the priest carries the burden of the people before God. Matthew Henry elucidates that the chains secure the breastplate of judgment, which carries the names of the tribes of Israel, underscoring the high priest's responsibility to bear the concerns and sins of the people.
Spiritual Significance
The interconnections represented by the chains remind us of our own connections in the body of Christ. In the Christian understanding, Jesus Christ is our ultimate high priest, whose connections unite believers with God and one another. Barnes highlights that as Jesus bears our names before the Father, so the earthly high priest bore the names of Israel. This foreshadowing illustrates the continuity of God's plan for redemption throughout Scripture.
Applications for Believers
As we reflect on Exodus 28:14, we are reminded of the seriousness and beauty of our service to God. The care that was given to the high priest's garments should inspire us to consider how we approach God in worship. Adam Clarke points out that every detail in the priestly attire, including the chains, calls for reverence and intentionality in our relationship with God. We are called to serve with excellence and diligence, recognizing the gravity of representing God’s holiness.
Conclusion
Exodus 28:14 serves not only as an instruction for the ancient Israelites but provides profound lessons for Christian theology and practice today. The dual emphasis on beauty and functionalism reflects God's character; He desires both reverence and relationship from His people. In examining the significance of the golden chains and their symbolic meanings, we are encouraged to reflect on our own roles as part of the priesthood of believers, connecting with God, one another, and the world around us.
