Exodus 28:16

16 "It shall be square and folded double, a span in length and a span in width.

Exodus 28:16 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 28:16

Four square it shall be, [being] doubled
That is, when it was doubled; for the length of it, according to Maimonides F3, was a cubit, which is two spans, and so, when it was doubled, was but one, and its length and breadth being alike, as follows:

a span [shall be] the length thereof, and a span [shall be] the breadth
thereof; a square, which is the measure, the form of the new Jerusalem, the church of Christ, ( Revelation 21:16 ) and may denote the perfection, firmness, and immovableness of it, ( Psalms 125:1 ) . Some have thought that this breastplate was doubled, in order to have something enclosed in it: some imagine, that within this fold were put the Urim and Thummim, which they suppose to be two words engraved on a stone, and different from the twelve stones in it; others, that the name of Jehovah was written and put there, as the Targum of Jonathan and Jarchi on ( Exodus 28:30 ) and other Jewish writers, and others, fancy some little images were put within these folds, the name with the teraphim, and supposed to be the Urim and Thummim; but if these were hid in the folds, they could not be seen when consulted; it is most probable there is nothing put within the double, which was not done for any such use; but most likely that it might be strong to bear the weight of the precious stones, put in ouches of gold upon it.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 Cele Hamikdash, c. 9. sect. 6.

Exodus 28:16 In-Context

14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them of twisted cordage work, and you shall put the corded chains on the filigree settings.
15 "You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it.
16 "It shall be square and folded double, a span in length and a span in width.
17 "You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald;
18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond;

Footnotes 2

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