How many rings did Aaron wear in the Bible?

The Bible mentions the high priest Aaron and his garments in great detail, including the number and significance of the rings he wore. According to Exodus 28:11-14, Aaron was to wear a breastplate of judgment that was set with four rows of precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastplate was held in place by gold rings attached to the corners of the ephod, a garment worn over the robe.

In addition to the rings on the ephod, Aaron was also instructed to wear a golden plate on his forehead, which was engraved with the words "Holy to the Lord." This plate was also held in place by a blue cord and a gold plate that were attached to the front of the turban he wore on his head.

While there is no explicit mention of the number of rings Aaron wore in the Bible, scholars believe that he wore a total of four rings on the ephod, one on each corner. These rings were used to hold the breastplate in place and were made of pure gold, just like the rest of the ephod.

The significance of the rings on Aaron's ephod is rooted in the symbolism of the number four in the Bible. In biblical numerology, the number four represents the earth, the physical world, and the four corners of the earth. It also symbolizes stability, balance, and the four elements of nature: earth, air, fire, and water.

Thus, the four rings on Aaron's ephod may have symbolized the stability and balance of the high priest's role as the mediator between God and the people of Israel. They also represented the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds, as Aaron carried the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his breastplate into the presence of God.

Subscribe to Bible Analysis

Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
Jamie Larson
Subscribe