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Exodus 39:9 - Doubled holiness in sacred dimensions

Exodus 39:9 - שמות 39:9

Hebrew Text

רָבוּעַ הָיָה כָּפוּל עָשׂוּ אֶת־הַחֹשֶׁן זֶרֶת אָרְכּוֹ וְזֶרֶת רָחְבּוֹ כָּפוּל׃

English Translation

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was its length, and a span its breadth, being doubled.

Transliteration

Ravua haya kaful asu et-hakhoshen zeret arkho vezeret rakho kaful.

Hebrew Leining Text

רָב֧וּעַ הָיָ֛ה כָּפ֖וּל עָשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הַחֹ֑שֶׁן זֶ֧רֶת אׇרְכּ֛וֹ וְזֶ֥רֶת רׇחְבּ֖וֹ כָּפֽוּל׃
רָב֧וּעַ הָיָ֛ה כָּפ֖וּל עָשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הַחֹ֑שֶׁן זֶ֧רֶת אׇרְכּ֛וֹ וְזֶ֥רֶת רׇחְבּ֖וֹ כָּפֽוּל׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Dimensions and Construction of the Choshen

The verse describes the Choshen (breastplate) as being "foursquare" and "double," with each side measuring a zeret (span). Rashi (Shemot 28:16) explains that the Choshen was folded over, creating a pocket-like structure, which is why it is described as "double." This doubling allowed it to hold the Urim v'Tumim, the sacred oracle stones used for divine communication.

Symbolism of the Foursquare Shape

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) notes that the square shape symbolizes stability and perfection, reflecting the unchanging nature of Torah and divine justice. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 10) further elaborates that the four corners correspond to the four directions of the world, indicating that the Choshen served as a unifying force for all of Klal Yisrael.

The Measurement of a Zeret

The zeret (span) is a halachic measurement equivalent to half an amah (cubit), approximately 9-10 inches. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) discusses how the precise measurements of the Choshen were critical, as they mirrored the divine blueprint given to Moshe at Har Sinai. The doubling of the Choshen also alludes to its dual function: as a garment of the Kohen Gadol and as a vessel for the Urim v'Tumim.

The Significance of Doubling

  • Rashi (Shemot 28:16): The doubling created a pouch to hold the Urim v'Tumim.
  • Ibn Ezra (Shemot 28:16): The doubling reinforced the Choshen, ensuring its durability.
  • Malbim (Shemot 28:16): The doubling symbolizes the hidden and revealed aspects of Torah—the written and oral traditions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in relation to the dimensions and construction of the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen).
📖 Zevachim 88b
Mentioned in the context of the priestly garments and their measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the breastplate (Choshen) was 'foursquare' and 'doubled'?
A: The Choshen (breastplate) was a square-shaped garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Rashi explains that 'doubled' means it was folded in half, making it a square of one zeret (span) by one zeret, but with two layers of fabric to create a pocket where the Urim and Thummim (sacred lots) were placed (Exodus 28:16, Rashi).
Q: Why was the Choshen folded in half?
A: According to the Talmud (Yoma 72a), the Choshen was folded to create a pouch to hold the Urim and Thummim, which were used for divine communication. The doubling also symbolized the importance and sanctity of the breastplate, as it contained the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Shemot Rabbah 38:9).
Q: What was the significance of the Choshen's size being a 'zeret' (span)?
A: A zeret (about half a cubit or 9-10 inches) was a standard biblical measurement. The size was practical for the Kohen Gadol to wear comfortably while also being large enough to display the twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:7).
Q: How does the Choshen apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or the Choshen, its symbolism remains meaningful. The Choshen represented unity among the tribes of Israel and their connection to Hashem. Today, we strive for Jewish unity and remember the importance of seeking divine wisdom, just as the Urim and Thummim provided guidance (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 6).