Exodus 28:16 (KJV) reads, "Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof."

In order to fully understand the meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it is found. This verse is part of a passage in the book of Exodus that describes the attire and garments that were to be made for the High Priest of Israel. In this particular verse, the focus is on the breastplate that the High Priest was to wear as a part of his ceremonial dress. The breastplate was to be made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, and it was to be doubled over so that it formed a square.

The breastplate was to be adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone was to be inscribed with the name of a tribe, serving as a reminder to the High Priest that he was to bear the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord continually (Exodus 28:29). Therefore, the breastplate was not only a piece of ceremonial attire, but it also held deep spiritual significance in representing the unity of the twelve tribes of Israel and the High Priest's responsibility to intercede on their behalf.

In this verse, the specific measurements of the breastplate are given - it was to be one span in length and one span in breadth. The use of the term "foursquare" indicates that the breastplate was to be a perfect square when it was doubled over. In ancient Jewish culture, the number four often symbolized wholeness, completion, and the created world. Therefore, the foursquare breastplate can be seen as a symbol of the High Priest's completeness and wholeness as he stood before God representing the people of Israel.

The specific measurements of the breastplate also hold symbolic significance. The span was a unit of measurement roughly equivalent to the length from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully stretched. Therefore, the breastplate was to be a relatively small and compact piece of attire. This serves as a reminder of the close proximity of the High Priest to the people of Israel and to God. The small size of the breastplate emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of the High Priest's role in interceding on behalf of the people he represented.

Furthermore, the doubling of the breastplate adds another layer of symbolism. The doubling of the breastplate serves as a visual representation of the High Priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. By wearing the breastplate doubled over, he physically stood between the names of the tribes of Israel and the presence of God. This symbolizes the High Priest's responsibility to stand in the gap and intercede for the people, representing their needs and concerns before God.

In conclusion, Exodus 28:16 and the surrounding passage describing the breastplate of the High Priest hold deep spiritual and symbolic significance. The construction and measurements of the breastplate serve as visual reminders of the High Priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, the unity of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the close proximity of the High Priest to the people he represented. This verse serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the importance of intercession, representation, and the intimate relationship between God and his people.