Exodus 28:22-26 Meaning: The Gold Chains That Hold God's People
22You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
23You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
25The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart.
26You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward.
22And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold.
23And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.
25And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it.
26And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
22And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold.
23And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
25And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou shalt put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod in the forepart thereof.
26And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate, upon the edge thereof, which is toward the side of the ephod inward.
22`And thou hast made on the breastplate wreathed chains, work of thick bands, of pure gold;
23and thou hast made on the breastplate two rings of gold, and hast put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate;
24and thou hast put the two thick bands of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastplate;
25and the two ends of the two thick bands thou dost put on the two embroidered things, and thou hast put them on the shoulders of the ephod over-against its face.
26`And thou hast made two rings of gold, and hast set them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its border, which is over-against the ephod within;
22And thou shalt make on the breastplate chains of laced work, of wreathen work, of pure gold.
23And thou shalt make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
24And thou shalt put the two wreathen [cords] of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate;
25and the two ends of the two wreathen [cords] thou shalt fasten to the two enclosures, and shalt put [them] on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, on the front thereof.
26And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and shalt put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the border thereof, which faceth the ephod inwards.
Meaning in one sentence
Discover the symbolism of the gold chains binding the high priest's breastplate to the ephod. They show how God holds His people close.
Context
These verses come from a long section where God gives Moses detailed instructions for the high priest's garments. The breastplate, or choshen, is a pouch holding twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of Israel's tribes. It also holds the Urim and Thummim, objects used to seek God's will. This passage focuses on how the breastplate is fastened to the ephod, the priestly vest. Gold chains, rings, and filigree settings ensure the breastplate stays close to the high priest's chest, never swinging loose. The surrounding verses reveal the purpose: Aaron is to bear the names of Israel over his heart when he enters the holy place, as a memorial before God. Every detail of the fastening serves that purpose.
Key Words
The key Hebrew word for the chains is avotot, from a root meaning "to twist or intertwine." These were not delicate links but cords of braided gold, strong and flexible. The word for "pure" gold is tahor, the same term used for ceremonial cleanness. This gold was not mixed with impurities, just as the priest's service was to be wholly set apart. And the breastplate itself is choshen, sometimes translated "breastpiece of judgment." It was a pouch, yes, but one that carried the names of the people. Taken together, the words paint a picture: God's people are carried on the priest's heart by a bond that is pure, strong, and woven by God's own design.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have seen meaning in these attachments. Many Reformed theologians, such as Matthew Henry, viewed the breastplate and its chains as a type of Christ, the true High Priest who presents His people before the Father. Catholic interpreters have similarly seen the high priest's garments as prefiguring Christ's priestly office and the Church's liturgy. Some modern readers focus on the care God took with these physical objects, noting that He values order and intentionality in worship. Across traditions, the common thread is recognition: the secure fastening of the breastplate points to the secure hold God has on His people through their mediator.
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to read these verses as mere building instructions with no lasting meaning. Some think the gold chains were only decorative. In fact, the text gives them a crucial function: they keep the breastplate from swinging out from the ephod. Without them, the names of Israel would not stay close to the priest's heart. The chains are essential, not ornamental, and they speak to how seriously God takes keeping His people near.
Living This Out
Maybe you feel like you might fall away from God, that your connection to Him is fragile. These gold chains say otherwise. God designed a secure fastening for the names of His people in the tabernacle. Through Christ, that connection is even stronger. This week, when doubt or distance creeps in, remember the braided gold. God's hold on you is not loose. He has bound you to Himself with pure, intentional love. You can rest in that secure attachment.
Main takeaway: God binds His people to Himself with pure, strong, intentional ties, just as the high priest's breastplate was fastened with braided gold chains.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God told the priest to make special gold chains to hold a beautiful pouch tightly to his chest. That pouch had the names of God's people. Those gold chains remind us that God holds us very close and never lets us go.
For ages 9, 12
The gold chains on the high priest's breastplate were made of twisted, braided gold, strong and pure. They attached the breastplate to the priest's shoulder straps so it would stay right over his heart. Why so careful? Because that breastplate carried the names of all twelve tribes of Israel. God wanted those names kept close to the priest's heart as he went before God. Today, Jesus is our High Priest, and He carries each of us on His heart. The chains remind us that we are securely held by Him.
Questions People Ask
Why were the chains in Exodus 28:22 made of pure gold?
Gold signified purity, value, and divine glory. In the tabernacle, gold was used for the most holy objects. The chains were also pure, meaning untainted, reflecting the holiness required in approaching God. They were a material fit for bearing the names of God's covenant people.
What does 'wreathen work' or 'braided work' mean in this passage?
The Hebrew word avotot means cords or ropes made by twisting strands together. So 'braided work' refers to chains that look like intertwined cords, not just simple links. This would make them both strong and beautiful, suitable for holding the weight of the breastplate securely.
How exactly did the chains attach the breastplate to the ephod?
According to the instructions, two gold chains were fastened at one end to gold rings on the upper corners of the breastplate. The other ends of the chains were attached to two filigree settings on the shoulder straps of the ephod. Additional rings and blue lace secured the lower part to prevent it from swinging out.
Does this passage point to Jesus Christ in any way?
Many Christians read these details as a shadow of Christ's priesthood. The New Testament book of Hebrews speaks of Jesus as a great High Priest who passed through the heavens. Just as Aaron bore the names of Israel on his heart, Christ bears His people before the Father. The secure chains picture the unbreakable bond between Christ and His church.
What is the significance of the 'rings' (tabba'ot) on the breastplate?
The Hebrew word tabba'at can also mean a signet ring, which was used as a seal of authority. The rings on the breastplate likely served to attach the chains, but they also echoed the idea of ownership and covenant. The people were sealed onto the priest's heart, marking them as God's own.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study