Exodus 39:6 - They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.
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What does "Exodus 39:6" mean?
This verse from Exodus 39:6 describes the creation of the ephod shoulder pieces for the High Priest's garments. Let's break it down:
"They worked the onyx stones..." This refers to the skilled artisans (likely those mentioned in Exodus 31:1-11, specifically Bezalel and Oholiab, who were gifted by God with artistic abilities) who prepared and shaped the onyx stones.
"...enclosed in settings of gold..." Each onyx stone was carefully set into a frame or holder made of gold. This would have been intricate and required precision.
"...engraved with the engravings of a signet..." This means the stones were engraved with a special kind of carving, similar to what you'd see on a signet ring, which was used for sealing documents and indicating authority. The engraving would have been very detailed and finely crafted.
"...according to the names of the children of Israel." This is the most important part. Each onyx stone bore the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. So, one stone had the names of six tribes, and the other stone had the names of the remaining six tribes. The order the names were written may have been by birth order of the sons of Jacob (Israel), or in the order that the tribes camped in the wilderness.
In essence, the verse describes two beautifully crafted onyx stones, each encased in gold and engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel. These stones were attached to the shoulder pieces of the ephod, symbolizing that the High Priest carried the weight and responsibility of all the tribes before God.
Significance and Symbolism:
Representation: The stones represented the entire nation of Israel being carried on the shoulders of the High Priest, as if he were bearing them before God.
Memorial: They served as a memorial to the people of Israel, always before God.
Responsibility: The High Priest was responsible for representing the people before God and interceding on their behalf.
Beauty and Glory: The precious materials (onyx and gold) and skillful craftsmanship reflected the glory and holiness of God and the importance of the High Priest's role.
In short, this verse isn't just about craftsmanship; it's about representation, remembrance, and the burden of leadership in a spiritual context.
Exodus 39:6 - They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.
What does "Exodus 39:6" mean?
This verse from Exodus 39:6 describes the creation of the ephod shoulder pieces for the High Priest's garments. Let's break it down:
"They worked the onyx stones..." This refers to the skilled artisans (likely those mentioned in Exodus 31:1-11, specifically Bezalel and Oholiab, who were gifted by God with artistic abilities) who prepared and shaped the onyx stones.
"...enclosed in settings of gold..." Each onyx stone was carefully set into a frame or holder made of gold. This would have been intricate and required precision.
"...engraved with the engravings of a signet..." This means the stones were engraved with a special kind of carving, similar to what you'd see on a signet ring, which was used for sealing documents and indicating authority. The engraving would have been very detailed and finely crafted.
"...according to the names of the children of Israel." This is the most important part. Each onyx stone bore the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. So, one stone had the names of six tribes, and the other stone had the names of the remaining six tribes. The order the names were written may have been by birth order of the sons of Jacob (Israel), or in the order that the tribes camped in the wilderness.
In essence, the verse describes two beautifully crafted onyx stones, each encased in gold and engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel. These stones were attached to the shoulder pieces of the ephod, symbolizing that the High Priest carried the weight and responsibility of all the tribes before God.
Significance and Symbolism:
Representation: The stones represented the entire nation of Israel being carried on the shoulders of the High Priest, as if he were bearing them before God.
Memorial: They served as a memorial to the people of Israel, always before God.
Responsibility: The High Priest was responsible for representing the people before God and interceding on their behalf.
Beauty and Glory: The precious materials (onyx and gold) and skillful craftsmanship reflected the glory and holiness of God and the importance of the High Priest's role.
In short, this verse isn't just about craftsmanship; it's about representation, remembrance, and the burden of leadership in a spiritual context.