Exodus 28:9

And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

And thou shalt take {H3947} two {H8147} onyx {H7718} stones {H68}, and grave {H6605} on them the names {H8034} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}:

Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Isra'el -

Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:

And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

Commentary

Exodus 28:9 is part of God's meticulous instructions to Moses for the construction of the priestly garments, specifically focusing on the ephod worn by the high priest, Aaron. This verse details the requirement for two onyx stones to be affixed to the shoulder pieces of the ephod, with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved upon them.

Context

The book of Exodus extensively describes the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, along with the garments for the priests. These instructions are not merely aesthetic; they are deeply symbolic, representing God's holiness, His presence among His people, and the means by which sinful humanity could approach Him. Chapter 28 outlines the specific design of the high priest's vestments, which included the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban. The two onyx stones on the shoulders, described in this verse, were integral to the ephod's design, preceding the more famous breastplate of judgment with its twelve stones.

Key Themes

  • Representation and Remembrance: The most prominent theme is the high priest's role as the representative of all Israel before God. By bearing the names of the children of Israel on his shoulders, the priest symbolically carried the entire nation into God's presence. This also signifies God's constant remembrance of His covenant people.
  • Burden and Strength: The shoulders symbolize strength and the bearing of burdens. The priest carried the burden of the people's sins and needs before God, a profound act of intercession.
  • Divine Value and Preciousness: Onyx stones were valuable and beautiful, reflecting the immense value God placed on His people. The engraving of the names on these precious stones underscores the enduring and cherished nature of God's relationship with Israel.
  • Meticulous Divine Design: The precision of these instructions highlights God's demand for order and perfection in worship, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect sacrifice and priesthood to come.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grave" is patach (Χ€ΧͺΧ—), which means to open, engrave, or carve. It implies a deep, permanent inscription, not something easily erased or forgotten. This permanence underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant and His commitment to His people, whose names were literally "etched" before Him. The term for "onyx" (shoham - שֹׁהַם) refers to a precious stone, often associated with beauty and value, reinforcing the idea of Israel's preciousness in God's eyes.

Related Scriptures

This act of carrying the names on the shoulders foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who bore the names of Israel, Jesus not only bears the names of His people but also perfectly intercedes for them perpetually (Hebrews 7:25). The concept of God engraving His people is also seen in Isaiah 49:16, where He declares, "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands."

Practical Application

Exodus 28:9 reminds us of several profound truths for today. Firstly, it highlights the immense value God places on each individual believer. Just as the names of Israel were precious and borne before God, so too are we known and cherished by Him. Secondly, it points to the incredible privilege of intercession. We are called to bear one another's burdens and names before God in prayer, much like the high priest. Most importantly, it directs our gaze to Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the names of a nation on stones, but with the names of all His redeemed on His very heart, eternally presenting us before the Father (Hebrews 9:24). He truly carries us on His shoulders, bearing our burdens and ensuring our access to God.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 28:13

    Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

  • Song Of Solomon 8:6

    Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love [is] strong as death; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.

  • Exodus 39:6

    And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

  • Job 28:16

    It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:7

    Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

  • Exodus 28:20

    And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

  • Exodus 28:36

    And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.