Exodus 39:7

And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, [that they should be] stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

And he put {H7760} them on the shoulders {H3802} of the ephod {H646}, that they should be stones {H68} for a memorial {H2146} to the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Then he put them on the shoulder-pieces of the vest to be stones calling to mind the sons of Isra'el, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

And he put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Exodus 39:7 KJV Commentary

Exodus 39:7 describes the final placement of the two engraved onyx stones onto the shoulders of the ephod, a significant garment worn by the High Priest. This verse highlights the meticulous completion of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, emphasizing their symbolic importance for the children of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account in Exodus chapters 36-39, which describes the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments, fulfilling the divine blueprints given earlier by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus chapters 25-31). Specifically, Exodus 39 focuses on the crafting of the priestly vestments, including the ephod, the breastplate, and other items. The two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, were initially commanded in Exodus 28:9-12. Bezaleel and Aholiab, divinely gifted craftsmen, were responsible for executing these intricate designs, ensuring every detail was "as the LORD commanded Moses."

Key Themes

  • Representation and Intercession: The placement of the twelve tribes' names on the High Priest's shoulders symbolized him bearing the entire nation before the Lord. This act underscored the High Priest's role as the mediator and representative of all Israel in the presence of God. It foreshadows the ultimate representation of humanity by Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who continually intercedes for us.
  • Memorial and Remembrance: The stones served as a "memorial" (Hebrew: zikkaron, Χ–Φ΄Χ›ΦΈΦΌΧ¨Χ•ΦΉΧŸ) to the children of Israel. This term implies not just a passive memory, but an active reminder or a cause for remembrance before God. It signified God's constant remembrance of His covenant people, and also served to remind the Israelites of their identity and unity under God's covenant. This concept of God remembering His covenant is a recurring theme, seen in instances like God remembering Noah and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • Divine Command and Obedience: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout the Tabernacle construction narratives (e.g., Exodus 39:1, Exodus 39:5, Exodus 39:32) highlights the absolute necessity of precise obedience to God's revealed will. Every detail of the Tabernacle and its service was divinely ordained, underscoring God's holiness and the importance of worship according to His design.

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 39:7 offers several insights:

  • Our Great High Priest: The High Priest bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders points to Christ, who bears us on His shoulders and in His heart. He is our constant advocate before God, interceding on our behalf (see Romans 8:34). We are always remembered and represented by Him.
  • Importance of Intercession: Just as the High Priest carried the names of the tribes, we are called to bear one another's burdens and intercede in prayer for others, carrying their needs before God.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: The "memorial" stones remind us to consistently remember God's faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His past acts of deliverance in our own lives and in the history of His people.
  • Obedience in Worship and Service: The strict adherence to God's commands in the Tabernacle's construction teaches us the importance of worshipping and serving God according to His revealed Word, not according to human preferences or traditions.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 4:7

    Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

  • Exodus 28:12

    And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

  • Mark 14:22

    And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

  • Mark 14:25

    Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

  • Exodus 28:29

    And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy [place], for a memorial before the LORD continually.

  • Nehemiah 2:20

    Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

  • Mark 14:9

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.