Exodus 28:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.

NIV: Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod.

NASB: And you shall make two rings of gold and put them on the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on the front of it close to the place where it is joined, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.

CSB: Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the ephod’s two shoulder pieces on its front, close to its seam, and above the ephod’s woven waistband.

NLT: And make two more gold rings and attach them to the front of the ephod, below the shoulder-pieces, just above the knot where the decorative sash is fastened to the ephod.

KJV: And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

NKJV: And two other rings of gold you shall make, and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod.

Exodus 28:15–30 provides details for an ornate chest piece to be worn over the "ephod" (Exodus 28:6) by Israel's high priest (Exodus 28:1–5). The garment is a square pouch about 9 inches, or 23 centimeters, on each side. The front of the breastpiece features twelve precious stones set in an ornate pattern of gold wire. Each stone is engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel (Exodus 1:1–5). This is connected to the ephod by gold rings and chains. Inside the pouch are two objects called Urim and Thummim; each is some sort of die, lot, or token.

The Lord will assign Aaron and his descendants to be Israel's priests (Numbers 3:10). In this chapter, God describes the priestly garments worn for this office. They are to be beautiful and made with great skill. A high priest's uniform included a breastpiece, a sleeveless smock called an "ephod," as well as a robe, coat, turban, and sash. Other priests wore caps, sashes, coats, and linen underclothes made for their roles. Some items are explained in detail. These garments embody various elements of worship under the Mosaic covenant.

Israel arrived at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) where God began to declare His laws (Exodus 19:5–6). These began with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and assorted rules (Exodus 21—23). The Lord also explained designs for His sanctuary and its accessories (Exodus 25—27). This chapter specifies how to make priestly garments, beginning with those of the high priest. The following passage shows how to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) before returning to describe the last items to be constructed (Exodus 30).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.