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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 39:1–31.
In this account of the making of the priests' garments, according to the instructions given (ch. 28), we may observe, 1. That the priests' garments are called here clothes of service, Exo 39:1. Note, Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; for from those upon whom honour is put service is expected. It is said of those that are arrayed in white robes that they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, Rev 7:13, Rev 7:15. Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in; and then they are indeed for glory and beauty. The Son of man himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 2. That all the six paragraphs here, which give a distinct account of the making of these holy garments, conclude with those words, as the Lord commanded Moses, Exo 39:5, Exo 39:7, Exo 39:21, Exo 39:26, Exo 39:29, Exo 39:31. The like is not in any of the foregoing accounts, as if in these, more than any other of the appurtenances of the tabernacle, they had a particular regard to the divine appointment, both for warrant and for direction. It is an intimation to all the Lord's ministers to make the word of God their rule in all their ministrations, and to act in observance of and obedience to the command of God. 3. That these garments, in conformity to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle, were very rich and splendid; the church in its infancy was thus taught, thus pleased, with the rudiments of this world; but now under the gospel, which is the ministration of the Spirit, to affect and impose such pompous habits as the church of Rome does, under pretence of decency and instruction, is to betray the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and to entangle the church again in the bondage of those carnal ordinances which were imposed only till the time of reformation. 4. That they were all shadows of good things to come, but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel; when therefore the substance has come, it is a jest to be fond of the shadow. (1.) Christ is our great high-priest; when he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of service - he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure - girded himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bore them on his shoulders, carried them in his bosom, laid them near his heart, engraved them on the palms of his hands, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And (lastly) he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrating his whole undertaking to the honour of his Father's holiness: now consider how great this man is. (2.) True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all their clothes of service must be made is the righteousness of saints (Rev 19:8), and Holiness to the Lord must be so written upon their foreheads that all who converse with them may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.
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Summary
Exodus 39:6 meticulously details the preparation of two precious onyx stones, intricately set in gold filigree, which were to be precisely engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were designated for the shoulder pieces of the high priest's ephod, serving as a profound visual and symbolic representation of the entire nation carried continually before the Lord in the sacred Tabernacle. This verse highlights the divine standard of precision and excellence required for the priestly garments, underscoring God's profound attention to detail in worship and His enduring covenant relationship with His chosen people.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 39:6 is situated within the concluding section of the Book of Exodus, specifically detailing the faithful execution of God's commands for the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly vestments. Chapters 35-40 recount the fulfillment of the divine blueprint given in earlier chapters (primarily Exodus 25-31). This particular verse describes a crucial element of the high priest's ephod, which is central to his mediatorial role (Exodus 39:1-21). The initial divine instructions for these specific onyx stones and their purpose as a "memorial" are found in Exodus 28:9-12. The careful repetition of these detailed specifications across chapters underscores the profound importance and divine origin of every component of the Tabernacle and its sacred service, emphasizing that no detail was left to human discretion.
Historical & Cultural Context
The crafting of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments occurred in the wilderness, a pivotal period immediately following Israel's miraculous exodus from Egypt. This era was foundational for the burgeoning nation, establishing their unique identity as God's covenant people and instituting the elaborate system of worship that would define their relationship with Yahweh. The use of precious materials like gold and onyx stones was prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures for royal and priestly attire, signifying status, wealth, and divine favor. However, for Israel, these materials were consecrated for a singular purpose: to facilitate the worship of the one true God. The phrase "graven, as signets are graven" directly references the widespread ancient practice of using cylinder seals or signet rings to authenticate documents, mark ownership, or convey authority. Such engravings were permanent and highly personal, establishing an indelible connection between the owner and the object. This cultural practice illuminates the profound and lasting nature of God's personal remembrance and ownership of His people, signified by their names being permanently etched before Him.
Key Themes
Exodus 39:6 contributes to several overarching themes within the book. The meticulous detail in crafting the priestly garments reinforces the theme of Divine Order and Holiness, emphasizing that God's presence demands precise adherence to His revealed will. The engraving of the tribal names on the high priest's shoulders highlights the theme of Representation and Intercession, as the priest physically carried the identity of the entire nation into the Lord's presence. This act served as a constant "memorial" before God, signifying His unwavering remembrance of His covenant people, a theme also seen in the instructions for the breastpiece in Exodus 28:29. Furthermore, the use of precious stones and gold underscores the Value and Preciousness of God's People in His sight, reflecting the divine glory and sacredness associated with Israel's identity as His chosen inheritance, a concept foundational to the covenant relationship established at Sinai (see Exodus 19:5-6).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This gem, likely a beryl or onyx from its pale green color, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament in contexts of beauty, value, and sacred ornamentation. Its selection for the high priest's shoulder pieces underscores the immense value God placed on the representation of His people. The visual splendor and durability of the onyx made it a fitting material to symbolize the enduring and precious nature of God's covenant with Israel.
This term refers to an intricate brocade, or by analogy, a reticulated setting for a gem. These "ouches" were the finely crafted gold settings or frames designed to hold the precious stones securely. The meticulous detail in their construction highlights the sacredness and preciousness of the stones and the names they bore, ensuring their secure and prominent display in a manner befitting their divine purpose.
Derived from a root meaning "to seal," a chôwthâm is a signature-ring or a seal used for authentication, ownership, and authority. The comparison of the engraving to a signet emphasizes the indelible, authoritative, and permanent nature of the names inscribed on the stones. It signifies that the names of the children of Israel were not merely written or affixed, but deeply and permanently etched, reflecting God's unwavering and personal remembrance of each tribe and, by extension, each individual within His covenant people.
Verse Breakdown
"And they wrought onyx stones"
This clause initiates the description of the skilled craftsmanship involved in preparing these specific precious stones. The verb "wrought" (from H6213, ʻâsâh), meaning "to do or make," implies careful, deliberate, and purposeful work, reflecting the divine standard of excellence required for all elements of the Tabernacle and priestly service. This focuses on the initial creation of the foundational elements for the shoulder pieces.
"inclosed in ouches of gold,"
This phrase describes the intricate gold settings or frames that securely held the onyx stones. The "ouches" (H4865, mishbᵉtsâh) were not solely decorative but served a crucial functional purpose, ensuring the stones were firmly in place. The consistent use of "gold" (H2091, zâhâb) throughout the Tabernacle construction signifies divinity, purity, and sacredness, emphasizing the preciousness of the stones and the names they would bear.
"graven, as signets are graven,"
This clause details the precise method of inscription, comparing it to the permanent and authoritative engraving found on a signet seal (H2368, chôwthâm). The word "graven" (from H6605, pâthach, "to carve") highlights the deep, indelible, and personal nature of the inscription. The names were not lightly marked but deeply etched, signifying a lasting and unchangeable record.
"with the names of the children of Israel."
This final clause reveals the content of the engraving: the names representing the twelve tribes. This is the ultimate purpose of the stones—to bear the collective identity of God's chosen nation. As the high priest ministered, he literally carried the full representation of Israel before the Lord, symbolizing his intercessory role and God's constant, personal remembrance of His people.
Literary Devices
Exodus 39:6 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Symbolism is paramount, as the precious onyx stones themselves symbolize the inherent value, beauty, and enduring nature of God's covenant people. The "ouches of gold" further symbolize the divine purity, sacredness, and immense value with which God regards Israel, alongside the meticulous care required in His service. The phrase "graven, as signets are graven" functions as a powerful simile, explicitly comparing the permanence of the inscription to the authoritative and unchangeable mark of a signet ring. This emphasizes the indelible and personal nature of God's remembrance of His people, signifying an unbreakable bond. Furthermore, the "names of the children of Israel" operate as a synecdoche, where the part (the names of the tribes) represents the whole (the entire nation of Israel). This highlights the high priest's comprehensive role in representing the entirety of the community before God, underscoring the unity and collective identity of the twelve tribes.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 39:6 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and establishes the foundational principle of intercessory representation. The high priest, by bearing the names of the tribes on his shoulders, physically and symbolically carried the burden, identity, and needs of the entire nation into the Lord's presence. This act served as a constant "memorial" before God, signifying His unwavering remembrance of His covenant people. The permanence of the engraving, "as signets are graven," speaks powerfully to the enduring nature of God's faithfulness and His indelible bond with Israel. It also underscores the divine demand for precision and excellence in worship, where every detail, down to the crafting of precious stones and gold, held profound spiritual significance and contributed to the holiness required for approaching God. This foreshadows the ultimate, perfect representation and intercession that would come through Christ.
Reflection and Application
The vivid image of the high priest bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders is a deeply comforting and powerful truth for believers today. It serves as a profound reminder that God's remembrance of His people is not fleeting or conditional, but permanent and etched into His very being. Just as the high priest carried the entire nation into the Tabernacle, so too does our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, continually bear us before the Father in the heavenly sanctuary. This truth should inspire immense confidence, peace, and security, knowing that we are always represented, always remembered, and always interceded for in the presence of God. Our identity and security in Christ are not dependent on our fluctuating performance but on His perfect and unwavering commitment to us, because He has taken us upon Himself. This verse calls us to reflect on the depth of God's steadfast love and commitment to His covenant and to respond by living lives of worship and service characterized by the same dedication and precision He demanded in the Tabernacle.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is an "ouch of gold"?
An "ouch" (from the Hebrew mishbᵉtsâh, H4865) refers to an intricate setting, frame, or socket, typically crafted from gold, designed to securely hold a precious stone. In the context of Exodus 39:6, these were finely wrought gold filigree or casings that enclosed the onyx stones, ensuring they were firmly affixed to the shoulder pieces of the high priest's ephod. The use of gold emphasized the preciousness and sacredness of the stones and the names they bore, signifying the divine value placed on Israel.
Why were the names "graven as signets"?
The phrase "graven, as signets are graven" (Hebrew pittûwach chôwthâm) highlights the permanence, authority, and deeply personal nature of the inscription. In ancient cultures, a signet ring or seal bore a unique and indelible mark used to authenticate documents, signify ownership, or convey authority. By comparing the engraving of the tribal names to a signet, the text emphasizes that God's remembrance of His people is not superficial or temporary, but deep, unchangeable, and authoritative. It signifies an enduring and personal bond between God and the children of Israel, ensuring their constant "memorial" before Him, as described in Exodus 28:12.
What is the significance of the onyx stones on the shoulders?
The placement of the onyx stones on the high priest's shoulders (as detailed in Exodus 28:9-12) carries significant symbolic weight. Shoulders in biblical imagery often represent strength, burden-bearing, and responsibility. By carrying the names of the twelve tribes on his shoulders, the high priest symbolized his role in bearing the entire nation before God, representing them in intercession and service. It visually communicated that he carried the weight and identity of all Israel into the holy presence, serving as a constant "memorial" before the Lord, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 39:6, with its depiction of the high priest bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Unlike Aaron, who carried the names of a single nation, Jesus bears the very identity and destiny of all who are His own, having taken our humanity upon Himself and identified fully with us (as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16). Just as the names were "graven, as signets are graven," signifying an indelible mark, so too are believers eternally sealed by the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 1:13-14) and indelibly known by Christ. He continually intercedes for us before the Father, not with a temporary offering, but with His own shed blood, having entered the true heavenly sanctuary once for all (as described in Hebrews 9:11-14). The strength implied by carrying the names on the shoulders is perfectly realized in Christ, who carries our burdens, our weaknesses, and our very lives, ensuring that we are always remembered, always represented, and always secure in the presence of God (as affirmed in Romans 8:34 and 1 John 2:1). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and our names are eternally inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life, demonstrating His perfect and everlasting priesthood on our behalf.