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.

And they wrought {H6213} onyx {H7718} stones {H68} inclosed {H4142} in ouches {H4865} of gold {H2091}, graven {H6605}, as signets {H2368} are graven {H6603}, with the names {H8034} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

They worked the onyx stones, mounted in gold settings, engraving them with the names of the sons of Isra'el as they would be engraved on a seal.

They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.

And they wrought the onyx stones, inclosed in settings of gold, graven with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.

Commentary

Exodus 39:6 details the meticulous crafting of the high priest's garments, specifically the two onyx stones designated for the shoulder pieces of the ephod. These stones were of immense symbolic and spiritual significance, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive account in Exodus chapters 36-39, detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred articles, including the priestly vestments, all according to the precise instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The ephod, a highly ornate outer garment, and the breastplate were central to the high priest's attire, symbolizing his unique role as mediator between God and the nation of Israel. The command for these specific stones is found earlier in Exodus 28:9-12, where it is stated they were to be worn on the high priest's shoulders "for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Representation and Intercession: The primary function of these engraved stones was to represent all the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord. As the high priest entered the holy presence, he literally carried the names of the people, signifying his role in interceding on their behalf. This foreshadows the ultimate intercessory work of Christ.
  • God's Constant Remembrance: The names being "graven, as signets are graven" implies a permanent, indelible inscription. Just as a signet ring bore an authoritative and unchangeable mark, so God's remembrance of His covenant people was enduring and faithful. It signifies that Israel was always before the eyes of the Lord.
  • Divine Order and Holiness: The detailed instructions for the materials and craftsmanship, from the gold settings to the engraving, underscore God's demand for excellence and holiness in all things pertaining to His worship. Every element of the Tabernacle and priestly garments was imbued with spiritual meaning and had to be fashioned precisely as commanded.
  • Unity of the Nation: All twelve names were present, emphasizing the unity of God's chosen people, despite their individual tribal identities.

Linguistic Insights

The term "onyx stones" comes from the Hebrew word shoham (ืฉืึนื”ึทื), a precious stone often associated with beauty and value. The phrase "inclosed in ouches of gold" refers to the intricate gold settings (Hebrew: mishbetzoth zahav) that held these precious stones securely. Most significantly, "graven, as signets are graven" uses the Hebrew phrase pittuchay chotam (ืคึผึดืชึผื•ึผื—ึตื™ ื—ื•ึนืชึธื), which literally means "engravings of a seal." A signet seal was a personal mark of authority and identity, used to authenticate documents and signify ownership. This emphasizes the deep, permanent, and personal nature of God's bond with His people.

Practical Application

Exodus 39:6 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. Just as the high priest carried the names of Israel before God, so too does Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, continually bear our names before the Father. He ever lives to make intercession for us (Romans 8:34), ensuring that we are always remembered and represented in God's presence. This verse reminds us of God's faithfulness, His deep care for each of His children, and the enduring nature of His covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 28:9

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

  • 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.

  • Job 28:16

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

  • Exodus 25:7

    Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.

  • Exodus 35:9

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