Exodus 28:9 - You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel:
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What does "Exodus 28:9" mean?
Exodus 28:9 is part of the instructions for creating the priestly garments for Aaron, the High Priest. Specifically, this verse refers to the ephod, a type of apron or vest worn by the High Priest.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"You shall take two onyx stones...": God is instructing Moses (and therefore the artisans) to acquire two onyx stones. Onyx was a valuable gemstone known for its layered structure and often used for engraving.
"...and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel:": The key instruction is that the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were to be engraved onto these two onyx stones. It's generally believed that six names would be engraved on each stone.
Significance and Interpretation:
The engraving of the tribal names on the onyx stones, and the subsequent placement of these stones on the shoulders of the ephod, had profound symbolic meaning:
Representation: The High Priest, when wearing the ephod, would symbolically carry the names of the tribes of Israel upon his shoulders before God. This symbolized his role as a representative of the entire nation, bearing their burdens and concerns before God.
Remembrance: It served as a constant reminder to God of His covenant with the Israelites.
Intercession: The High Priest acted as an intermediary between God and the people. Bearing their names signified his intercession on their behalf.
Unity: Representing all twelve tribes highlighted the unity of the nation under God.
In short, Exodus 28:9 calls for the creation of two onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, to be worn on the High Priest's ephod. This was a visual and symbolic representation of the High Priest carrying the people before God, signifying his role as their representative and intercessor.
Exodus 28:9 - You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel:
What does "Exodus 28:9" mean?
Exodus 28:9 is part of the instructions for creating the priestly garments for Aaron, the High Priest. Specifically, this verse refers to the ephod, a type of apron or vest worn by the High Priest.
Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"You shall take two onyx stones...": God is instructing Moses (and therefore the artisans) to acquire two onyx stones. Onyx was a valuable gemstone known for its layered structure and often used for engraving.
"...and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel:": The key instruction is that the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were to be engraved onto these two onyx stones. It's generally believed that six names would be engraved on each stone.
Significance and Interpretation:
The engraving of the tribal names on the onyx stones, and the subsequent placement of these stones on the shoulders of the ephod, had profound symbolic meaning:
Representation: The High Priest, when wearing the ephod, would symbolically carry the names of the tribes of Israel upon his shoulders before God. This symbolized his role as a representative of the entire nation, bearing their burdens and concerns before God.
Remembrance: It served as a constant reminder to God of His covenant with the Israelites.
Intercession: The High Priest acted as an intermediary between God and the people. Bearing their names signified his intercession on their behalf.
Unity: Representing all twelve tribes highlighted the unity of the nation under God.
In short, Exodus 28:9 calls for the creation of two onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, to be worn on the High Priest's ephod. This was a visual and symbolic representation of the High Priest carrying the people before God, signifying his role as their representative and intercessor.