Exodus 28:13

KJV

And thou shalt make ouches [of] gold;

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} ouches {H4865} of gold {H2091};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Make gold squares

Berean Standard Bible

Fashion gold filigree settings

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make settings of gold,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:13 conveys God's precise instruction to Moses for the creation of "ouches of gold" for the High Priest's sacred garments. These intricately designed gold settings were essential for securely holding the two onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces, which were to be engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This command underscores the divine demand for perfection, purity, and sacredness in worship, highlighting the immense value and profound symbolic significance of every component in the High Priest's attire and his crucial mediatorial role before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 28:13 is intricately woven into a highly detailed section of Exodus (chapters 25-31, 35-40) that meticulously outlines the construction of the Tabernacle and the consecration of its priesthood. Specifically, this verse is part of God's comprehensive instructions for the High Priest's garments, which commence in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and His Sons Consecrated and Clothed"). It directly follows the general description of the ephod (Exodus 28:6-8) and the specific command to place two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, on its shoulder pieces (Exodus 28:9-12). Verse 13 then specifies the precise method by which these precious stones are to be held—by "ouches of gold." This instruction immediately precedes the command to make chains of pure gold to connect these ouches to the breastpiece (Exodus 28:14), revealing an interconnected design where each component is vital for the integrity and symbolic meaning of the whole. The entire chapter emphasizes the sacredness, symbolic depth, and divine origin of every aspect of the priestly attire, which enabled Aaron to serve as Israel's consecrated mediator before a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine instructions for the Tabernacle and its priesthood were delivered to Moses at Mount Sinai, establishing the foundational system of worship for the newly formed nation of Israel in the wilderness. While other ancient Near Eastern cultures had priests who wore distinctive garments, Israel's priestly attire was unique in its divine origin and profound symbolic significance. Gold, being a precious, incorruptible, and highly valued metal, was widely associated with divinity, royalty, and purity in the ancient world. Its extensive use throughout the Tabernacle, from the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - The Ark of the Covenant") to the priestly garments, underscored the holiness of God and the sacredness of all objects dedicated to His service. The meticulous craftsmanship required for items like the "ouches" reflects the high level of artistry and skill that the Israelites would have been familiar with from their time in Egypt, now repurposed and sanctified for divine worship. The High Priest's role was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, serving as the sole individual permitted to enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), bearing the names of the tribes before the Lord. The garments, therefore, were not merely decorative but functional symbols of his consecrated office and the people he represented.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, situated within the broader context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, highlights several core themes. Foremost is **Divine Precision and Holiness**, as God's meticulous instructions for every detail, even down to the gold settings, underscore His absolute holiness and the exactitude required for approaching Him. This ties into the theme of **Representation and Mediation**, where the High Priest, bearing the names of the tribes on his shoulders, acts as a mediator for the entire nation before God. The consistent use of "gold" throughout these instructions, from the [golden altar](/exodus/30-1-6 "Exodus 30:1-6 - The Altar of Incense") to the priestly garments, emphasizes **Purity and Glory**, signifying the unblemished nature of God and the sacredness of His dwelling place and service. Ultimately, these elements contribute to the overarching theme of **Worship and Consecration**, demonstrating that all aspects of Israel's life, especially their worship, were to be set apart and dedicated wholly to the Lord according to His divine design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root means "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies God's direct command for creation, emphasizing that the ouches were not to be improvised but precisely crafted according to divine blueprint. The breadth of this word's meaning highlights God's comprehensive involvement in establishing the details of worship.
* **ouches (Hebrew, _mishbᵉtsâh'_):** From H4865, this word refers to "a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem." It denotes an intricately woven or wrought setting, not merely a simple frame. The term implies a complex, artistic, and secure design, ensuring the precious onyx stones, representing the tribes of Israel, would be firmly affixed to the ephod, symbolizing their secure place before God.
* **gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From H2091, this term means "gold," often figuratively describing something gold-colored. Its selection here is deliberate, representing purity, incorruptibility, divine glory, and immense value. The use of gold for the ouches underscores the sacredness of the High Priest's office and the preciousness of the people he bore before the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make ouches [of] gold;":** This concise yet potent command is given directly by God to Moses, outlining a specific task for the construction of the High Priest's garments. The imperative "thou shalt make" underscores divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, leaving no room for human deviation or preference. The object to be made is "ouches," which are intricate settings designed to hold the onyx stones. The material specified is "gold," a metal universally recognized for its purity, value, and resistance to corruption. This choice of material is highly symbolic, signifying the divine glory, the sacredness of the priestly office, and the preciousness of the people of Israel whom the High Priest represented before God. The command emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship and the use of the finest materials for items dedicated to God's service, reflecting His own perfect and holy character.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its theological and practical significance. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, with "gold" representing purity, divine glory, and immense value, consistent with its extensive use throughout the Tabernacle's construction. The "ouches" themselves, as secure and intricate settings, symbolize the precious and protected status of the tribes of Israel as they are "borne" before God by the High Priest. The phrase also exhibits **Divine Command/Instruction**, clearly indicated by the imperative "thou shalt make." This direct address underscores God's absolute authority and His meticulous involvement in the design of worship and the sacred garments, highlighting the **precision** and **intentionality** of His divine plan. Every detail, no matter how small, is shown to carry profound significance and is essential for the proper execution of His will and the integrity of His sanctuary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail in God's instructions for the High Priest's garments, extending even to the precise crafting of gold ouches, profoundly illustrates His holiness and the seriousness required in approaching His presence. It reveals that God is intimately concerned with every aspect of worship and service, emphasizing that only the purest, most excellent, and divinely ordained is fitting for His presence. This theological principle highlights the sacredness of the mediatorial role of the priesthood and the preciousness of the people of Israel whom the High Priest represented before God. The gold, symbolic of divine glory and purity, underscores the unblemished nature required for those who draw near to the Almighty, foreshadowing the ultimate perfection found in Christ.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "God's Holiness and Worship")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Pattern of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption with Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine blueprint for the Tabernacle and its priesthood, extending to the intricate gold ouches, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, excellence, and holiness, who pays attention to the smallest details. Our worship, service, and daily lives should reflect this same intentionality and commitment to purity and excellence, recognizing that our God deserves nothing less than our very best. Just as the High Priest bore the names of Israel, we are called to bear the burdens and represent others through prayer and compassionate service, embracing our identity as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The preciousness of the gold also invites us to reflect on the immense value God places on His people and the sacredness of our relationship with Him. We are encouraged to offer our "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood")) with the utmost reverence, purity, and devotion, understanding that even the smallest acts of obedience are significant in His sight and contribute to a life that honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in God's instructions for the Tabernacle garments inform our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, embody the "preciousness and purity" symbolized by the gold in our daily lives and interactions?**
* **How does the High Priest bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders encourage us to intercede for others in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**What are "ouches" in the context of the High Priest's garments?**

Answer: In Exodus 28:13, "ouches" (Hebrew: *mishbᵉtsâh*) refer to the intricately crafted gold settings or frames specifically designed to securely hold the two onyx stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. These stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, which the High Priest was to bear before the Lord as a [memorial](/exodus/28-12 "Exodus 28:12 - Aaron Bearing the Names of Israel's Tribes"). The term *mishbᵉtsâh* implies a brocade or reticulated (net-like) work, highlighting the precision, artistry, and robust construction involved in their creation, ensuring the precious stones were firmly affixed to the sacred garment.

**Why was gold specified for the ouches and other parts of the priestly garments?**

Answer: Gold was consistently used throughout the Tabernacle and for the priestly garments (e.g., the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - The Ark of the Covenant") and the [golden altar](/exodus/30-1-6 "Exodus 30:1-6 - The Altar of Incense")) due to its profound symbolic significance. It represents purity, divinity, glory, and immense value. Its incorruptible nature also speaks to permanence and enduring holiness. The use of pure gold for the ouches underscored the sacredness of the High Priest's office and the preciousness of the people he represented before a holy God. It emphasized that only the best, most pure, and most valuable materials were fitting for God's service and presence, reflecting His own unblemished and glorious character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous instructions for the High Priest's garments, including the gold ouches of Exodus 28:13, point powerfully to the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. Just as the ouches securely held the precious onyx stones bearing the names of Israel, Christ perfectly bears and represents His people before the Father. He is not merely adorned with gold, but His very nature is divine and glorious, far surpassing the earthly gold (cf. [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). The Old Testament priesthood, with its detailed rituals and garments, served as a "shadow of the good things to come" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, entered the heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals or the adornments of human craftsmanship, but with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is our ultimate intercessor, bearing our names not on His shoulders, but on His heart, presenting us blameless and holy before God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Our Intercessor"); [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Christ Presents the Church Blameless")). The gold ouches, representing purity and value, are but a faint echo of the infinite worth and unblemished holiness of Christ, who perfectly fulfills all that the earthly priesthood could only foreshadow, providing access to God by His own perfect sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.