This verse refers to the two onyx stones placed on the shoulder straps of the ephod, a priestly garment worn by the High Priest of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod": This describes the location of the onyx stones. The ephod was a richly decorated garment, and these stones were prominently displayed on the shoulders.
"to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel": This is the key to understanding the purpose of the stones. Each stone was engraved with the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel (the sons of Jacob). Therefore, the stones served as a reminder or memorial of the entire nation of Israel before God. The High Priest symbolically carried the names of the tribes on his shoulders, representing their needs and concerns before the Lord.
"as Yahweh commanded Moses": This emphasizes that the placement and purpose of the stones were not arbitrary but were divinely ordained. God instructed Moses to have the stones made and placed in this way.
In essence, the verse describes a symbolic act where the High Priest, representing the people of Israel, carried their names before God on his shoulders. It signified God's remembrance of the Israelites and the High Priest's role as an intercessor on their behalf. The stones served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
This verse refers to the two onyx stones placed on the shoulder straps of the ephod, a priestly garment worn by the High Priest of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod": This describes the location of the onyx stones. The ephod was a richly decorated garment, and these stones were prominently displayed on the shoulders.
"to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel": This is the key to understanding the purpose of the stones. Each stone was engraved with the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel (the sons of Jacob). Therefore, the stones served as a reminder or memorial of the entire nation of Israel before God. The High Priest symbolically carried the names of the tribes on his shoulders, representing their needs and concerns before the Lord.
"as Yahweh commanded Moses": This emphasizes that the placement and purpose of the stones were not arbitrary but were divinely ordained. God instructed Moses to have the stones made and placed in this way.
In essence, the verse describes a symbolic act where the High Priest, representing the people of Israel, carried their names before God on his shoulders. It signified God's remembrance of the Israelites and the High Priest's role as an intercessor on their behalf. The stones served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.