Exodus 39:7
And he set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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These stones weren't just decorative gems; they were a profound statement that the High Priest was literally carrying the weight and identity of every Israelite tribe directly on his shoulders before God. This intimate connection highlights God's deep concern for each individual and His desire for His people to be constantly in His presence, even in the very heart of their worship.
This passage is part of a detailed account of the Israelites meticulously crafting the Tabernacle and its sacred garments according to God's exact instructions. Immediately before this verse, the priests' ceremonial garments, particularly the ephod and its ornate breastplate, are described. The text emphasizes their obedience to every command, leading to the final completion of God's dwelling place among them.
Understand the original words
ephod · Hebrew Noun
A sacred priestly garment, typically a vest-like item, worn by the High Priest that served as the primary base for carrying the ephod's stones and the breastpiece of judgment.
zikkaron · Hebrew Noun
An object or act designated to bring to mind a past event, covenant promise, or relationship, ensuring that the covenant reality remains active in the sight of God and His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, YHWH, used to emphasize His absolute sovereignty, faithfulness, and the specific authority behind His commands.
This verse describes the original command to place the memorial stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, directly preceding the construction described in Exodus 39.
Numbers 17:10This passage shows a 'memorial' placed in the Ark to stop the people's grumbling, highlighting the 'reminder' function of such objects within Israel's history.
Joshua 4:6Here, stones taken from the Jordan River served as a memorial for future generations, illustrating the recurring theme of physical objects reminding Israel of God's mighty acts.
Psalm 111:4This verse speaks of God causing His wonderful works to be remembered, mirroring the function of the stones on the ephod to call to mind God's faithfulness to Israel.
calvinExodus 39:1-43: "And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses."
And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the fore-part of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.
Fecerunt praeterea duos alios annulos aureos, quos posuerunt in duabus oris ephod inferne,a fronte i…
ellicottExodus 39:7: "And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses."
(7) Stones for a memorial. —See Note on Exodus 28:12 .
These stones weren't just decorative gems; they were a profound statement that the High Priest was literally carrying the weight and identity of every Israelite tribe directly on his shoulders before God. This intimate connection highlights God's deep concern for each individual and His desire for His people to be constantly in His presence, even in the very heart of their worship.
This passage is part of a detailed account of the Israelites meticulously crafting the Tabernacle and its sacred garments according to God's exact instructions. Immediately before this verse, the priests' ceremonial garments, particularly the ephod and its ornate breastplate, are described. The text emphasizes their obedience to every command, leading to the final completion of God's dwelling place among them.
This passage is part of a detailed account of the Israelites meticulously crafting the Tabernacle and its sacred garments according to God's exact instructions. Immediately before this verse, the priests' ceremonial garments, particularly the ephod and its ornate breastplate, are described. The text emphasizes their obedience to every command, leading to the final completion of God's dwelling place among them.
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"And he set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses." — These stones weren't just decorative gems; they were a profound statement that the High Priest was literally carrying the weight and identity of every Israelite tribe directly on his shoulders before…
