Exodus 28:28
And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod. And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
The verse belongs to God's specific, detailed instructions for the design and making of the priests' garments for service in the holy place before Him, with God specifying how they were to be made. The God of heaven who moves the world and sustains life and health gave special directions to Moses about everything connected with His service, including specifying the dress those who minister before Him must wear. It directs that the breastplate be bound by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, a blue cord, positioned above the ephod's woven waistband, so that it stays securely attached and is not loosed.
The high priest's ephod and breastplate were sacred because God appointed them for his service before Him; their costly materials and workmanship did not make them sacred in themselves, and they were not authorized for others to use in worship. The jeweled breastplate within the sanctuary service was the means for receiving messages from Jehovah, with the light of God's glory flashing forth in approval and a cloud casting a shadow in disapproval upon its precious stones, manifesting His presence overshadowing the earthly mercy seat. At Christ's death the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom, exposing the most holy place entered only once a year to common gaze, and the light and cloud no longer appeared upon the stones of the breastplate. In the heavenly sanctuary Christ is seen with a breastplate suspended from His shoulders and glittering with what appear as names.
The priestly garments were symbolic, showing that God has a preference about the dress of those who serve Him, and Christ's followers' dress should likewise represent Him. The apparel of those officiating before God can honor Him or dishonor Him. The command requires order in everything and especially cleanliness, and the priests' reverent, careful appearance helped the people recognize God's holiness and the sacredness of His service.