Old Testament
Exodus 39:21
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Then they tied the breastplate's lower rings to the ephod's rings with a blue cord, keeping it snug against the waistband so the breastplate wouldn't swing loose from the ephod — just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
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And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.
What Exodus 39:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the focus is on the careful construction of the priest's garments, specifically the breastplate. The breastplate was attached to the ephod using a blue cord, ensuring it stayed securely in place. This was important because the breastplate held significant symbols representing the tribes of Israel. By tying it tightly, they followed God's instructions to Moses, emphasizing obedience and attention to detail. The blue cord symbolizes connection and loyalty, reminding us of the importance of our commitments. This act of securing the breastplate reflects a deeper spiritual truth: we must ensure that our faith and responsibilities are firmly anchored in our lives. Just as the breastplate was designed to stay close to the priest's heart, our values and beliefs should be closely tied to our actions and decisions. This passage teaches us about the importance of following guidance and maintaining integrity in our commitments, both to God and to one another. It encourages us to be diligent in our responsibilities, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith and relationships.
How to apply Exodus 39:21 to your life
We can apply this lesson by ensuring that our commitments are secure and meaningful. Just as the breastplate was tied closely, we should keep our values at the forefront of our actions. Reflect on what truly matters in your life and make sure those priorities are firmly anchored in your daily choices. Stay true to your commitments and nurture your relationships with care and attention. This will help you live a life of integrity and
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 39:21 mean?
Exodus 39:21 describes how the breastplate of the priest was securely attached to the ephod with a blue cord. This ensured that the breastplate, which represented the tribes of Israel, stayed in place as commanded by God, highlighting the importance of obedience and attention to detail in fulfilling divine instructions.
What is the significance of the blue cord in Exodus 39:21?
The blue cord used to tie the breastplate to the ephod symbolizes connection and loyalty. It represents the commitment to God and the importance of keeping one's values and responsibilities firmly anchored in life.
Why was it important for the breastplate to be secured in Exodus 39:21?
The breastplate needed to be secured to prevent it from swinging loose, as it held significant symbols representing the tribes of Israel. This reflects the broader principle of maintaining integrity in our commitments and responsibilities.
How can we apply the lessons from Exodus 39:21 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons by ensuring our commitments are secure and meaningful, just as the breastplate was tightly fastened. Reflecting on our priorities and nurturing our relationships with care helps us live a life of integrity and faithfulness.
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