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Exodus 39:18 - Kohen's golden chains' holy connection?

Exodus 39:18 - שמות 39:18

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת שְׁתֵּי קְצוֹת שְׁתֵּי הָעֲבֹתֹת נָתְנוּ עַל־שְׁתֵּי הַמִּשְׁבְּצֹת וַיִּתְּנֻם עַל־כִּתְפֹת הָאֵפֹד אֶל־מוּל פָּנָיו׃

English Translation

And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two fixtures, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the efod, toward the forepart of it.

Transliteration

Ve'et shtey ktzot shtey ha'avotot natnu al-shtey hamishbetzot vayitnum al-kitfot ha'efod el-mul panav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֨ת שְׁתֵּ֤י קְצוֹת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת נָתְנ֖וּ עַל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם עַל־כִּתְפֹ֥ת הָאֵפֹ֖ד אֶל־מ֥וּל פָּנָֽיו׃
וְאֵ֨ת שְׁתֵּ֤י קְצוֹת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת נָתְנ֖וּ עַל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם עַל־כִּתְפֹ֥ת הָאֵפֹ֖ד אֶל־מ֥וּל פָּנָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 39:18) describes part of the construction of the Efod, a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse details how the golden chains were attached to the Choshen (breastplate) and connected to the shoulder straps of the Efod.

Explanation of the Components

  • Two Wreathen Chains (Shnei Ketzot Shnei Ha'avotot): Rashi (on Shemot 28:14) explains that these chains were made of pure gold, twisted like a rope, and served to connect the Choshen to the Efod.
  • Two Fixtures (Shnei HaMishbetzot): These were golden settings or rings on the Choshen where the chains were fastened. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:6) describes them as loops on the upper corners of the breastplate.
  • Shoulderpieces of the Efod (Kitefot HaEfod): The Efod had two straps that rested on the Kohen Gadol's shoulders, each bearing an onyx stone engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel (Shemot 28:9-12).

Symbolism and Function

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the Efod and Choshen together atoned for idolatry and improper judgments, respectively. The golden chains symbolize the unbreakable connection between the Kohen Gadol's service and the divine will. The positioning "toward the forepart" (El Mul Panav) emphasizes that the Choshen, containing the Urim v'Tumim, was always visible as a reminder of G-d's guidance for the nation.

Halachic Details

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:9) notes that the chains had to be perfectly aligned with the shoulder straps, ensuring the Choshen would lie flat against the Efod. This precision reflects the meticulous care required in the Mishkan's construction, mirroring the spiritual precision needed in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'efod' mentioned in Exodus 39:18?
A: The 'efod' was a special garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 72a), it was an apron-like vest made of fine linen, dyed threads, and gold, with shoulder straps that held the Choshen (breastplate).
Q: Why were the chains attached to the efod's shoulderpieces?
A: The chains connected the Choshen (breastplate) to the efod, as explained in Shemot 28:22-28. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei Hamikdash 9:7) teaches that this ensured the Choshen remained securely in place over the Kohen Gadol's heart, symbolizing his role in seeking divine guidance for the Jewish people.
Q: What do the 'two wreathen chains' represent in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:9) explains that the two chains allude to the dual responsibilities of the Kohen Gadol: serving Hashem in the Mishkan and representing the Jewish people. The intertwined nature of the chains symbolizes the inseparable connection between the Jewish people and the divine service.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Kohen Gadol's clothing?
A: This verse describes part of assembling the Kohen Gadol's special garments, as commanded in Shemot 28. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) teaches that each detail of these garments served to atone for different aspects of the Jewish people's spiritual life. The shoulderpieces in particular atoned for sins of arrogance (Rashi on Shemot 28:12).
Q: Can we learn any practical lessons from Exodus 39:18 today?
A: Yes. The Malbim explains that just as the chains connected the Choshen to the efod, our actions should connect our thoughts (represented by the head) to our deeds (represented by the shoulders). This teaches us the importance of aligning our intentions with our actions in serving Hashem.