Overview
The span was a unit of measurement used in constructing the breastpiece worn by the high priest during Old Testament temple service. God commanded exact dimensions for the sacred garments, demonstrating His attention to detail and the importance of following His instructions precisely in worship and service.
Key Scriptures
"You shall make the breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. Like the work of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen shall you make it. It shall be square and doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth." (Exodus 28:15-16, ESV)
"They made the breastpiece, in skilled work, like the work of the ephod, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen. It was square. They made the breastpiece doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth when doubled." (Exodus 39:8-9, ESV)
Application
Just as God required precise obedience in constructing the priestly garments, believers today should approach God's Word and worship with careful attention and wholehearted devotion.