Exodus 35:9

KJV

And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And onyx {H7718} stones {H68}, and stones {H68} to be set {H4394} for the ephod {H646}, and for the breastplate {H2833}.

Complete Jewish Bible

onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ritual vest and the breastplate.

Berean Standard Bible

and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

American Standard Version

and onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:9 details the specific and precious materials, namely "onyx stones" and other gemstones, required for the construction of the Tabernacle's sacred priestly garments—specifically the ephod and the breastplate. This verse is part of Moses' call for a freewill offering from the Israelites, underscoring God's meticulous instructions for His dwelling place and the vestments of those who would serve Him. It highlights the divine value placed on worship, the symbolic representation of the twelve tribes of Israel before God, and the profound significance of the high priest's mediatorial role.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:9 is situated within Moses' comprehensive reiteration of God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction, following the dramatic events of the golden calf incident and the solemn renewal of the covenant at Mount Sinai. Chapters 25-31 previously laid out God's precise blueprints for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the intricate details of the priestly garments. Here, in Exodus 35, Moses is summoning the entire community to participate actively in the building process by contributing both materials (as outlined in [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Call for Contributions")) and skilled labor (as detailed in [Exodus 35:10-19](/exodus/35-10-19 "Exodus 35:10-19 - Call for Skilled Workers")). This specific verse, therefore, serves as a concrete item on the list of required materials for the high priest's vestments, which are described in much greater detail in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments"). The immediate verses (Exodus 35:5-8) list other valuable contributions like gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and dyes, setting the stage for the inclusion of these precious stones as part of the most sacred and visually striking elements of the priestly attire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently liberated from Egyptian bondage, were a nomadic people in the wilderness, learning to live under God's covenant. The Tabernacle was to be the tangible manifestation of God's presence among them, a portable sanctuary that would accompany them on their journey. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples and their associated rituals were central to national identity and worship, often featuring elaborate materials and skilled craftsmanship. The command for precious stones for the high priest's garments, particularly the ephod and breastplate, was not merely for aesthetic appeal but carried profound symbolic weight. These items were essential components of the high priest's role as mediator, representing the entire nation before God. The specific mention of "onyx stones" and other gems reflects the availability of such materials, likely acquired during their time in Egypt or as part of the spoil from the Exodus, and their high value in ancient societies, signifying the supreme worthiness of the divine recipient. The detailed requirements underscore God's desire for a worship that was both reverent and reflective of His holiness, distinguishing Israel's worship from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, as seen in the warnings throughout [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and [Deuteronomy 4](/deuteronomy/4 "Deuteronomy 4 - Warnings Against Idolatry").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Divine Holiness and Separation**, demonstrating that God's presence demands the highest quality and most sacred materials, setting His worship apart from common practices. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Relationship and Representation**, as the precious stones on the priestly garments symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel being continually brought into God's presence, underscoring His remembrance and care for His covenant people. This ties into the broader theme of **Priestly Mediation**, where the high priest acts as the designated intercessor for the nation. Finally, the meticulous details reinforce the theme of **Divine Design and Order**, showcasing God's precise instructions for every aspect of worship and the construction of His dwelling place, from the grand structure to the smallest, most valuable components of the sacred vestments, as seen in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Onyx (Hebrew, _shôham'_):** While the exact identification of this gemstone is debated among scholars (some suggest onyx, beryl, or chrysoprase), the consistent emphasis in biblical texts is on its preciousness and suitability for sacred use. The Ground Truth Strong's data defines it as "a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color); onyx." In the context of the ephod, two onyx stones were to be set on the high priest's shoulders, each engraved with the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel ([Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9-12 "Exodus 28:9-12 - The Engraved Onyx Stones")). This signifies the high priest bearing the burden and identity of the entire nation before God.
* **Ephod (Hebrew, _ʼêphôwd'_):** The Ground Truth Strong's data defines this as "a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image." In context, it was a distinctive priestly garment, often described as a short apron or vest, worn by the high priest over his tunic. It was made of intricately woven gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen. The ephod was not merely clothing but a sacred vestment that supported the breastplate and bore the onyx stones on its shoulders. It was central to the high priest's function, particularly in seeking divine guidance.
* **Breastplate (Hebrew, _chôshen'_):** The Ground Truth Strong's data defines this as "from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle; perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest; breastplate." More fully known as the "breastplate of judgment" ([Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")), this was a square pouch worn over the ephod, containing twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This garment was crucial for the high priest's intercessory role, symbolizing the tribes being brought individually and collectively into God's presence for remembrance and judgment. It also held the Urim and Thummim, used for divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And onyx stones":** This phrase directly specifies a particular type of valuable gemstone as a required contribution. The mention of "onyx" (or _shôham_) highlights the specific, high-value materials God commanded for the Tabernacle's sacred items, emphasizing the divine standard of excellence and preciousness for His worship. It immediately sets a tone of extraordinary value for the items being collected.
* **"and stones to be set for the ephod":** This expands on the previous phrase, indicating that the onyx stones (and potentially other unspecified gems) were intended for the ephod. The phrase "stones to be set" (from H4394, _milluʼ_, meaning "a setting of gems") implies a precise, skilled craftsmanship, underscoring that these stones were not merely decorative but integral components, carefully integrated into the garment's design as per divine instruction. This speaks to the meticulous detail demanded by God for His sacred service.
* **"and for the breastplate":** This final clause specifies the second primary priestly garment for which these precious stones were designated. The breastplate, even more so than the ephod, was renowned for its array of twelve distinct gemstones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. This detail reinforces the profound symbolic significance of the stones in representing the entire covenant community before God, brought near to His presence through the high priest.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:9 primarily employs **Metonymy** and **Symbolism**. The "onyx stones" and "stones to be set" are metonymic for the entire priestly vestments and, by extension, the sacred service performed in the Tabernacle. They stand in for the meticulous detail, divine precision, and profound value required for all aspects of worship. **Symbolism** is profoundly present in the stones themselves. They are not just beautiful; they symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, carried by the high priest into the presence of God, signifying God's remembrance and intercession for His people. The preciousness of the materials also symbolizes the immense value and holiness of God Himself and the sacredness of the covenant relationship. This divine specification of materials underscores that only the best and most enduring were suitable for God's dwelling and the garments of His chosen mediator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:9, though seemingly a mere inventory item, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for excellence in worship. The specific, costly nature of the stones for the ephod and breastplate emphasizes the sacredness of the high priestly office and its function as the representative of the entire nation before a holy God. The act of the high priest bearing the names of the tribes on his shoulders and heart signifies God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for His people to be continually brought into His presence, remembered and interceded for. This foreshadows a deeper truth about representation and intercession, pointing beyond the Old Covenant ritual to a more perfect reality.

* [Exodus 28:9-21](/exodus/28-9-21 "Exodus 28:9-21 - Description of the Ephod and Breastplate")
* [Revelation 21:19-20](/revelation/21-19-20 "Revelation 21:19-20 - Foundations of the New Jerusalem")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:9, with its focus on precious stones for sacred garments, invites us to consider the value we place on our own worship and service to God. Just as the Israelites were called to bring their most valuable possessions with a willing heart, we are challenged to offer our best—our time, talents, resources, and very lives—to God's kingdom. This verse reminds us that God is worthy of our highest honor and most dedicated efforts. Furthermore, the symbolic representation of the tribes on the high priest's garments should stir within us a profound sense of gratitude for our own identity as part of God's people, continually remembered and interceded for before His throne. It encourages us to live lives that reflect the holiness and preciousness of our calling, understanding that our "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and a Spiritual House")) are presented before a holy God who delights in our willing and sincere offerings. Our contributions, however humble, are made precious when offered with a heart devoted to His glory, mirroring the meticulous care God required for the Tabernacle.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the meticulous detail in God's instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments reveal about His character and His view of worship?**
* **How does the concept of the high priest bearing the names of the tribes on precious stones inform your understanding of God's remembrance and care for His people?**
* **In what ways can you offer your "best" to God today, not just in material possessions, but in your time, talents, and heart attitude?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the onyx stones and other gems on the ephod and breastplate?**

Answer: The onyx stones and other gems served multiple crucial purposes. Primarily, they were symbolic representations of the twelve tribes of Israel. The two onyx stones on the high priest's shoulders each bore the names of six tribes, signifying that he carried the burden and identity of the entire nation before God (see [Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9-12 "Exodus 28:9-12 - The Onyx Stones on the Ephod")). The twelve distinct gemstones on the breastplate, each engraved with the name of a specific tribe, symbolized the individual tribes being brought into God's presence for remembrance and intercession (see [Exodus 28:15-21](/exodus/28-15-21 "Exodus 28:15-21 - The Stones of the Breastplate")). Beyond their symbolic role, their inherent preciousness underscored the holiness and immense value of God Himself and the sacredness of the priestly office and the act of worship. They were not merely decorative but functional components of garments essential for the high priest's mediatorial role, enabling him to approach God on behalf of the people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:9, with its focus on precious stones representing the tribes of Israel on the high priest's garments, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament high priest, bearing the names of God's people on his shoulders and heart, was a powerful type of our true and eternal High Priest, Jesus. While the earthly priest carried symbolic representations, Christ truly bears His people, not merely in remembrance but by His atoning work and ongoing intercession. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His perfect sacrifice, He has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing an [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). Just as the stones were "set" into the garments, believers are "living stones" built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones and a Spiritual House")). Christ carries us, His elect, continually before the Father, not as a burden, but as His beloved body, interceding for us always ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The preciousness of the stones foreshadows the immeasurable value of Christ Himself, the cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual temple is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")), a temple composed of all who are redeemed by His precious blood.

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.

Cross-References

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.

Exodus 39:14

And the stones [were] according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

Exodus 25:5

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

Exodus 28:9

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

Exodus 28:17

And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, [even] four rows of stones: [the first] row [shall be] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: [this shall be] the first row.

Exodus 28:21

And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.