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Exodus 39:21 - Priestly garments' divine connection secured

Exodus 39:21 - שמות 39:21

Hebrew Text

וַיִּרְכְּסוּ אֶת־הַחֹשֶׁן מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו אֶל־טַבְּעֹת הָאֵפֹד בִּפְתִיל תְּכֵלֶת לִהְיֹת עַל־חֵשֶׁב הָאֵפֹד וְלֹא־יִזַּח הַחֹשֶׁן מֵעַל הָאֵפֹד כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And they did bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the efod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the finely wrought girdle of the efod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the efod; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayirk'su et-hakhoshen mitab'otav el-tab'ot ha'efod biftil tekhelet lihyot al-kheshev ha'efod velo-yizakh hakhoshen me'al ha'efod ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ אֶת־הַחֹ֡שֶׁן מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ אֶל־טַבְּעֹ֨ת הָאֵפֹ֜ד בִּפְתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֗לֶת לִֽהְיֹת֙ עַל־חֵ֣שֶׁב הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְלֹֽא־יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל הָאֵפֹ֑ד כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ אֶת־הַחֹ֡שֶׁן מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ אֶל־טַבְּעֹ֨ת הָאֵפֹ֜ד בִּפְתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֗לֶת לִֽהְיֹת֙ עַל־חֵ֣שֶׁב הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְלֹֽא־יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל הָאֵפֹ֑ד כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Connection Between the Choshen and the Efod

The verse describes the binding of the Choshen (breastplate) to the Efod (priestly apron) using a blue cord (petil techelet). According to Rashi (Shemot 28:28), this was to ensure that the Choshen remained securely fastened above the Cheshev (the woven band of the Efod) and would not shift or become detached. The Torah emphasizes that this was done precisely as Hashem commanded Moshe, underscoring the importance of exactness in fulfilling divine instructions regarding the Mishkan.

Symbolism of the Techelet Cord

The use of techelet (blue dye) in the binding cord carries deep significance. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that techelet resembles the color of the heavens, symbolizing divine wisdom and connection to the spiritual realm. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) further elaborates that the Choshen, which contained the Urim v'Tumim, represented divine communication, while the Efod symbolized atonement. Their connection through techelet signifies the unity of divine guidance and repentance.

The Practical and Spiritual Function

  • Secure Attachment: The Choshen had to remain firmly in place, as it held the names of the tribes and the Urim v'Tumim, through which divine messages were conveyed (Ibn Ezra, Shemot 28:30). Any looseness would undermine its sanctity.
  • Hierarchy of Holiness: The positioning "above the Cheshev" indicates that the Choshen was elevated, reflecting its higher spiritual role compared to the Efod (Malbim, Shemot 28:28).
  • Unity of Service: The binding symbolizes the inseparable connection between the Kohen Gadol's garments, representing the harmony required in divine service (Kli Yakar, Shemot 28:28).

Halachic Precision

The concluding phrase, "as Hashem commanded Moshe", appears frequently in the construction of the Mishkan. Ramban (Shemot 39:1) notes that this repetition emphasizes the meticulous fulfillment of divine will, teaching that even the smallest details of mitzvot must be observed with exactness. The binding of the Choshen was not merely functional but a fulfillment of a precise divine directive, reflecting the broader principle of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper construction and attachment of the priestly garments, particularly the breastplate (Choshen) to the efod, emphasizing the importance of following divine commandments precisely.
📖 Zevachim 19a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the priestly garments and their requirements, highlighting the specific details of how the breastplate was to be attached to the efod as commanded by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'Choshen' (breastplate) mentioned in Exodus 39:21?
A: The 'Choshen' (breastplate) was a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) over his heart. It contained twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Shemot 28:15-21). Rashi explains that it was fastened to the 'Efod' (another priestly garment) with blue threads to ensure it stayed securely in place, as commanded by Hashem.
Q: Why was the breastplate attached to the Efod with a blue thread?
A: The blue thread ('Petil Techelet') symbolized holiness and divine connection (Sifrei Bamidbar 115). The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that Techelet resembles the sea, which reflects the sky, reminding us of Hashem's presence. By using this thread, the Torah emphasizes the importance of keeping the Choshen—representing the Jewish people—close to the Kohen Gadol's heart in service of Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the breastplate not being 'loosed from the Efod'?
A: The secure attachment teaches that the connection between the Jewish people (represented by the Choshen) and divine service (represented by the Efod) must remain strong. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) highlights that every detail of the priestly garments had spiritual significance, reminding us of our eternal bond with Hashem and the importance of fulfilling mitzvos with precision.
Q: How does this verse relate to the importance of following Hashem's commandments exactly?
A: The verse concludes, 'as Hashem commanded Moshe,' emphasizing the necessity of adhering to divine instructions without deviation. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:9) notes that Moshe and Betzalel meticulously followed every detail, teaching us that mitzvos must be performed with care and exactness, as prescribed by the Torah.