Exodus 35 9

Exodus 35:9 kjv

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

Exodus 35:9 nkjv

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

Exodus 35:9 niv

and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

Exodus 35:9 esv

and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.

Exodus 35:9 nlt

onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest's chestpiece.

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 9 Meaning

Exodus 35:9 outlines the specific and valuable contributions requested for the Tabernacle's construction: onyx stones and other setting stones. These gems were exclusively designated for the High Priest's sacred garments, specifically the ephod and the breastpiece. This detail highlights the divine requirement for precious materials dedicated to God's dwelling and the symbolic representation of the tribes of Israel before Him.

Exodus 35 9 Context

Exodus 35 initiates Moses' reiteration of God's commands for constructing the Tabernacle, following the severe crisis of the Golden Calf. The chapter immediately follows a fresh encounter between Moses and God, where the covenant was renewed. Verses 4-9 detail the specific materials the Israelites were to contribute voluntarily, underscoring God's meticulous plan for His dwelling place and His renewed relationship with His people. Exodus 35:9 specifically lists the highly valuable precious stones for the high priestly garments, emphasizing their critical symbolic role in representing Israel before God. The context highlights that every aspect of the Tabernacle and its service was to be according to divine pattern and with utmost sacredness, differentiating Israelite worship from pagan practices that lacked specific divine instruction and often involved deified objects.

Exodus 35 9 Word analysis

• and the onyx stones (וְאַבְנֵי הַשֹּׁהַם - v'avne ha'shoham):

  • וְאַבְנֵי (v'avne): "and stones of" or "and the stones of." Even (אֶבֶן) means "stone," plural construct form avne often denotes specific types of stones.
  • הַשֹּׁהַם (ha'shoham): "the onyx." While often translated as "onyx," this term could potentially refer to a variety of semi-precious or precious stones like sardonyx, beryl, or chrysoprase in different contexts. In the Tabernacle context, it specifically refers to the two large, expensive stones worn on the shoulders of the ephod, upon which the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were engraved (Exo 28:9-12). Their high value and singular mention highlight their distinct significance.
  • Significance: These stones represented the carrying of the tribes by the High Priest, symbolizing his strength and responsibility in bearing Israel's burdens before God.

• and the stones to be set (וְאַבְנֵי הַמִּלּוּאִים - v'avnei ha'milu'im):

  • וְאַבְנֵי (v'avne): "and stones of."
  • הַמִּלּוּאִים (ha'milu'im): "the settings" or "the fillings." Derived from the root male' (מָלֵא), "to fill" or "to be full." Here, it refers to stones intended for insertion into metallic settings, implying a collection of varied gems. These are the twelve different precious stones mentioned in Exodus 28:17-20 for the breastpiece.
  • Significance: These twelve stones, each inscribed with the name of a different tribe and worn over the High Priest's heart, symbolized his constant intercession and the carrying of all Israel within his affection before God. Their variety indicated the distinct identities within the united nation.

• for the ephod (לָאֵפוֹד - la'ephod):

  • לָ (la'): "for the," a preposition meaning "for" or "to."
  • אֵפוֹד (ephod): A unique, ornate priestly vestment worn by the High Priest. It was a complex garment woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads, designed with shoulder pieces on which the onyx stones were placed (Exo 28:6-14).
  • Significance: The ephod, more than just clothing, was a sacred ceremonial garment integral to the High Priest's mediatorial function, signifying his delegated authority and unique proximity to God.

• and for the breastpiece (וְלַחֹשֶׁן - v'la'choshen):

  • וְ (v'): "and."
  • לַחֹשֶׁן (la'choshen): "for the breastpiece." The choshen (חֹשֶׁן), or "Breastplate of Judgment," was a pouch-like garment worn over the High Priest's chest, secured to the ephod (Exo 28:15-30). It contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divine revelation.
  • Significance: This item, particularly with its twelve precious stones, signified the High Priest carrying the judgment (or "case") of the Israelites before God, ensuring justice and divine guidance for the nation. It highlights God's constant attentiveness to His people.

Exodus 35 9 Bonus section

• The requirement for such expensive and rare materials highlights the extreme holiness and singular importance of the Tabernacle and its associated service. It communicated that God's dwelling place was set apart from anything ordinary or common.
• The fact that these highly valuable stones were to be donated by the people themselves, not just procured by Moses or from Egyptian spoil, underscores the principle of voluntary giving for God's work. It reflects a communal act of worship and commitment to the covenant.
• The meticulous instructions for these specific stones also stand in stark contrast to the idolatry recently engaged in with the Golden Calf. While human hands crafted the Calf for illicit worship, here God demands precise materials, skillfully worked, for His holy purposes, serving as a reminder of legitimate divine worship versus human invention.
• The symbolism of the stones—representing the tribes of Israel—being borne by the High Priest constantly before the Lord prefigures Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who bears His church before God perpetually through His intercession.

Exodus 35 9 Commentary

Exodus 35:9 is a specific command regarding the invaluable gem contributions for the high priestly attire within the Tabernacle project. It differentiates these precious stones, which include the large onyx stones for the ephod's shoulders and the numerous setting stones for the breastpiece. Far from mere embellishments, these gems held profound symbolic and functional significance: the onyx stones signified the High Priest bearing the burden and representing all twelve tribes with strength, while the twelve distinct breastpiece stones, each representing a tribe, highlighted his constant intercession for them with affection before God. This meticulous detail underscores God's precise blueprint for worship and the intrinsic value He places on His chosen people and the purity of their representation before Him. It emphasizes that Israel's approach to God through their priesthood required the utmost beauty, sanctity, and accuracy, demanding costly and consecrated materials as a testament to their devotion and the holiness of the Divine presence.