Exodus 25:7
onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The mention of "stones for setting" highlights that these weren't just decorative pieces, but meticulously prepared gems, meant to perfectly fit and complete specific parts of the high priest's sacred vestments, the ephod and breastpiece. This emphasizes the detailed craftsmanship and intentional design God had in mind for His worship.
God is giving Moses instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that will represent His presence among the Israelites. These verses detail the precious materials and ornate furnishings needed, moving from the Ark of the Covenant to its coverings and decorations. The focus on specific, valuable items like these stones underscores the reverence and honor due to God’s dwelling place.
Ever wonder about the dazzling stones in the Tabernacle? They weren't just for show; they held deep meaning.
The precious stones mentioned in Exodus 25:7, like the onyx, were destined for the High Priest's ephod and breastpiece. These weren't arbitrary choices.
A Symbol of Service
These stones, identified by names, were a constant visual reminder of God's covenant people, carried by their representative mediator into the very presence of God.
The Bible mentions specific stones, but what were they exactly? The ancient world wasn't always sure either!
The Hebrew word 'shoham,' translated as 'onyx' in this verse, is a bit of a puzzle. Scholars and ancient translators debated its exact identity, offering possibilities like onyx, sardonyx, beryl, or even sard.
Why the Uncertainty?
Understand the original words
shoham · Hebrew Noun
A precious gemstone, often associated with beauty, durability, and authority, used in the High Priest's garments to represent the tribes of Israel before God.
ephod · Hebrew Noun
A sacred garment worn by the High Priest, featuring two shoulder pieces with onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing his role as a representative intercessor.
choshen · Hebrew Noun
A pocket-like ornament worn on the chest of the High Priest containing the Urim and Thummim; it served as a means of seeking God's guidance and represented the people of God being carried close to the priest's heart.
This passage directly details the use of two onyx stones for the shoulder pieces of the high priest's ephod, directly connecting to the materials mentioned in Exodus 25:7.
Exodus 28:15-21These verses describe the breastpiece of the high priest, specifying that it was to be set with twelve precious stones, one of which was an onyx, further illustrating the purpose of the stones mentioned in Exodus 25:7.
Ezekiel 28:13This prophetic passage speaks of the king of Tyre adorned with various precious stones, including stones that are translated as 'onyx' in some versions, highlighting their value and beauty in ancient times.
1 Chronicles 29:2This verse lists precious stones, including 'shoham' (often translated as onyx), being set aside for the temple, showing a continuity of the use of these valuable materials in sacred settings beyond the Tabernacle.
clarkeExodus 25:7: "Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate."
Onyx stones - We have already met with the stone called שהם shoham, Genesis 2:12 , and acknowledged the difficulty of ascertaining what is meant by it. Some think the onyx, some the sardine, and some the emerald, is meant. We cannot say precisely what it was; possibly it might have been that fine pale pebble, called the Egyptian pebble, several specimens of which now lie before me, which were brought from th…
calvinExodus 25:1-22: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Expandentque cherubim duas alas superne tegentes alis suis propitiatorium, et se mutuo aspicient: ad propitiatorium erunt facies cherubim.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put th…
The mention of "stones for setting" highlights that these weren't just decorative pieces, but meticulously prepared gems, meant to perfectly fit and complete specific parts of the high priest's sacred vestments, the ephod and breastpiece. This emphasizes the detailed craftsmanship and intentional design God had in mind for His worship.
God is giving Moses instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that will represent His presence among the Israelites. These verses detail the precious materials and ornate furnishings needed, moving from the Ark of the Covenant to its coverings and decorations. The focus on specific, valuable items like these stones underscores the reverence and honor due to God’s dwelling place.
God is giving Moses instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that will represent His presence among the Israelites. These verses detail the precious materials and ornate furnishings needed, moving from the Ark of the Covenant to its coverings and decorations. The focus on specific, valuable items like these stones underscores the reverence and honor due to God’s dwelling place.
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"onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece." — The mention of "stones for setting" highlights that these weren't just decorative pieces, but meticulously prepared gems, meant to perfectly fit and complete specific parts of the high priest's sacre…
