Exodus 28:16

16 It is to be square and folded double, 9 inches long and 9 inches wide.

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 twisted like cords, and attach them to the settings.
15 "Make a breastpiece for the High Priest to use in determining God's will. It is to be made of the same materials as the ephod and with similar embroidery.
16 It is to be square and folded double, 9 inches long and 9 inches wide.
17 Mount four rows of precious stones on it; in the first row mount a ruby, a topaz, and a garnet;
18 in the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.