Exodus 26
DOYLYExodus 26:2
- — holy garments] Called holy because worn by none but priests, and by them only when they ministered: they were intended “for glory and for beauty,” that is, to make their office more respected, and to strike beholders with an awful sense of the Divine Majesty, whose ministers they saw appear in such grandeur. Bp. Patrick. Not holy in their own nature, but so called by reason of their distinction and separation from other things of the like nature to higher and more excellent uses. Bp. Beveridge.
Exodus 26:3
- — all that are wise hearted.] So the Hebrews call those that are endowed with extraordinary skill in any art: these persons were filled by God with the spirit of wisdom, that is, endowed in an extraordinary manner with skill for these requisite works. Bp. Patrick.
Exodus 26:6
- — the ephod] This name is derived from a Hebrew word, signifying to tie or gird. The ephod was a kind of girdle, which was brought from behind the back, over the two shoulders; was then put across the stomach, and carried round the waist, so as to form a girdle to the broidered coat, the ends of it hanging
down before. The “shoulderpieces,” ver. 7, were the parts covering the shoulders, and “the girdle,” ver. 8, that part which tied round the body, below the heart. Calmet.
Exodus 26:12
- — for stones of memorial] For a sign whereby the children of Israel may know that their memory is presented to God, and that they are had in remembrance of God. Bp. Hall. A memorial both with reference to God, ver. 29, and also to the priest, who was thereby put in mind of the concerns of the people. Bp. Kidder.
Exodus 26:15
- — breastplate of judgment] It was so called, because the high priest wore it, when he went to consult the Divine Majesty about the great concerns of their religion and government: it was to be made of the same materials and workmanship with the ephod: it was also to be “foursquare” when doubled, ver. 16, that is, the whole piece was to be twice as long as it was broad, so that when doubled it was to form a square of a span on every side. The span was half a cubit, or about ten inches. Bp. Patrick.
Exodus 26:17
- — a sordius, &c.] There is very little certainty as to the particular kinds of stones mentioned in these verses, the true meaning of the Hebrew words being ill understood. Pyle.