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Exodus 28:22 - Golden chains for priestly connection

Exodus 28:22 - שמות 28:22

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ עַל־הַחֹשֶׁן שַׁרְשֹׁת גַּבְלֻת מַעֲשֵׂה עֲבֹת זָהָב טָהוֹר׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make upon the breastplate plaited chains of wreathen work of pure gold.

Transliteration

Ve'asita al-hakhoshen sharshot gavlut ma'aseh avot zahav tahor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ עַל־הַחֹ֛שֶׁן שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃
וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ עַל־הַחֹ֛שֶׁן שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Golden Chains on the Choshen

The verse (Shemot 28:22) describes the crafting of שַׁרְשֹׁת גַּבְלֻת (plaited chains) for the חֹשֶׁן (breastplate) of the Kohen Gadol. According to Rashi, these chains were intricately woven like a rope, made from pure gold, and served to connect the Choshen to the אֵפוֹד (ephod). The term גַּבְלֻת implies a strong, braided structure, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between the Kohen Gadol and his sacred duties.

Symbolism of the Chains

Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the chains were not merely functional but carried deep spiritual meaning:

  • Connection to Divine Judgment: The Choshen contained the Urim v'Tumim, through which divine messages were conveyed. The golden chains represented the unbroken link between earthly leadership and heavenly guidance.
  • Purity of Intent: The requirement for זָהָב טָהוֹר (pure gold) teaches that the Kohen Gadol's service must be free from ulterior motives, as gold symbolizes sincerity in avodas Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) elaborates that the chains allude to the sharsherot haTorah (chains of Torah), binding the Jewish people to Hashem. Just as the chains held the Choshen firmly in place, Torah study and mitzvot anchor a Jew’s spiritual identity.

Halachic Precision in Craftsmanship

The Talmud (Yoma 72a) emphasizes that the chains had to be made מַעֲשֵׂה עֲבֹת (woven work), not hammered or cast. This reflects the principle that spiritual growth requires patient, deliberate effort—like weaving—rather than rushed or superficial actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen) and its golden chains, detailing their craftsmanship and significance.
📖 Zevachim 88b
Mentioned in relation to the priestly garments, emphasizing the requirement for the chains to be made of pure gold as part of the sacred attire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'breastplate' mentioned in Exodus 28:22?
A: The breastplate (חֹשֶׁן - Choshen) was a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). It was adorned with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Rashi on Exodus 28:15).
Q: Why were the chains on the breastplate made of pure gold?
A: Pure gold (זָהָב טָהוֹר) symbolizes purity and holiness in Jewish tradition. The Torah emphasizes using the finest materials for sacred objects to honor Hashem (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:1). The golden chains connected the breastplate to the ephod (another priestly garment), showing the unity of the Jewish people before G-d.
Q: What does 'plaited chains of wreathen work' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase describes an intricate braiding technique where gold threads were twisted together to form strong, beautiful chains (Rashi on Exodus 28:22). This craftsmanship reflected the importance and sanctity of the priestly garments, which required skilled artisans as described earlier in the Torah portion.
Q: What can we learn today from the details about the breastplate's construction?
A: The meticulous attention to detail teaches us that serving Hashem requires our best effort and beautiful execution (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10). Just as the Kohen Gadol's garments had to be perfect, we should approach mitzvot with care and reverence.
Q: Why does the Torah give such specific instructions about the priestly garments?
A: The details emphasize that every aspect of avodah (service to G-d) matters. The Talmud teaches that the priestly garments atoned for various sins (Zevachim 88b), showing how physical objects can have spiritual significance when used properly in divine service.