Definition: It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span [was] the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, [being] doubled.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 39:9. It's a really interesting and symbolic description of God’s plan for the creation of the world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes how God started to build the universe – specifically, the Earth and everything on it – with incredibly precise measurements. It’s like a blueprint, but instead of drawing lines, God is defining things using specific lengths. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Exodus 39:9” : This is the verse itself. It’s part of the Book of Exodus and describes a significant event. “It was foursquare…” : This refers to a rectangular shape, like a square or a rectangle. Think of it as a basic foundation. “…they made the breastplate double:” – God started with this foundational shape, and he wanted it to be larger than it needed to be. He essentially “stretched” it out. “a span [was] the length thereof…” : This means the width of the square was doubled. It's like making a longer side. “…and a span the breadth thereof, [being] doubled.” – Now, he made the square wider than it needed to be. He wanted it to be twice as wide. What Does This Mean? (A bit of biblical interpretation) This verse is often interpreted as a key step in God’s plan for creation. It speaks to: God's Perfection: It shows that God is incredibly meticulous and wants everything to be perfect. Order from Chaos: The beginning of the universe was described as “chaos.” This verse suggests that God started with a deliberate, ordered arrangement – a defined structure. Building Blocks: The verses are essentially building blocks for what would become the Earth and everything on it. Important Note: It’s important to remember this is symbolic . It's not about physical dimensions in the way we understand them. It’s about God’s intention and the beginning of his plan for creation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a particular concept (like the creation of life)?