Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Engrave the two stonesThe Hebrew word for "engrave" is "פָּתַח" (pathach), which means to carve or inscribe. This act of engraving signifies permanence and importance, as the names of the sons of Israel are to be etched into the stones. The two stones refer to the onyx stones that were to be placed on the shoulders of the ephod, a priestly garment. This engraving symbolizes the enduring covenant between God and the tribes of Israel, highlighting the perpetual remembrance of God's chosen people. with the names of the sons of Israel
The "names of the sons of Israel" refer to the twelve tribes descended from Jacob's sons. Each name represents not just an individual but an entire tribe, signifying the collective identity and unity of the nation of Israel. This act of inscribing their names on the stones serves as a reminder of their heritage and God's promises to them. It underscores the importance of identity and belonging within the community of faith. as a jeweler engraves a seal
The comparison to a jeweler engraving a seal suggests precision, skill, and artistry. In ancient times, seals were used to authenticate documents and signify authority. The use of this imagery implies that the engraving is not merely decorative but carries a significant weight of authority and authenticity. It reflects the care and dedication required in the service of God, as well as the beauty and value of the priestly garments. and mount them in gold filigree settings
The "gold filigree settings" indicate the preciousness and honor associated with the stones. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, elevates the significance of the engraved stones. The use of gold in the priestly garments reflects the glory and majesty of God, as well as the sacredness of the priestly office. The intricate design of filigree work suggests the beauty and complexity of God's creation and His divine plan for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of IsraelRefers to the twelve tribes of Israel, each represented by a name engraved on the stones. These tribes are the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. 2. StonesLikely referring to the onyx stones mentioned earlier in the chapter, which were to be set on the shoulders of the ephod worn by the high priest. 3. JewelerThe craftsman responsible for engraving the names on the stones, highlighting the skill and precision required for this sacred task. 4. SealA tool used for engraving, often signifying authority and authenticity. The use of a seal implies permanence and importance. 5. Gold Filigree SettingsThe intricate gold work that would hold the stones, symbolizing the preciousness and value of the tribes of Israel in God's sight. Teaching Points The Importance of IdentityThe engraving of the names signifies the importance of identity and belonging among God's people. Each tribe had a unique role and purpose in God's plan. God's Precision and CareThe detailed instructions for the priestly garments reflect God's precision and care in His relationship with His people. He values order and beauty in worship. Symbolism of PermanenceJust as the names were permanently engraved, our identity in Christ is secure and unchanging. We are eternally remembered by God. Value and WorthThe use of gold and precious stones signifies the value God places on His people. We are precious in His sight, and our lives should reflect that worth. Role of the High PriestThe high priest bore the names of the tribes before God, symbolizing intercession. This points to Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the engraving of the names of the tribes on the stones reflect the importance of identity and belonging in the community of faith? 2. In what ways does the detailed craftsmanship of the priestly garments demonstrate God's care and precision in our lives today? 3. How can the concept of being "engraved" by God provide comfort and assurance in your personal walk with Him? 4. What does the use of gold and precious stones in the priestly garments teach us about our value and worth in God's eyes? 5. How does the role of the high priest in bearing the names of the tribes before God foreshadow the intercessory work of Jesus Christ for believers? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 39:6-7Describes the actual making of the onyx stones and their settings, showing the fulfillment of God's instructions. Revelation 21:12-14The New Jerusalem is described with the names of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles, connecting the Old and New Testaments and showing the continuity of God's people. Isaiah 49:16God says He has engraved His people on the palms of His hands, symbolizing His eternal remembrance and care for them. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Cut, Cutter, Cutting, Embroidered, Enclose, Enclosed, Enclosures, Engrave, Engraver, Engraves, Engravings, Filigree, Fixed, Frames, Gem, Gold, Inclosed, Jeweler, Jeweller, Mount, Names, Open, Openings, Ouches, Round, Seal, Settings, Signet, Signets, Sons, Stamp, Stone, Stones, Surrounded, TwistedDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:11 5272 craftsmen
5518 seal Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:6-13 7352 ephod Exodus 28:9-12 5073 Aaron, priest Exodus 28:9-21 4342 jewels Exodus 28:11-15 4333 gold Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 28:11 NIVExodus 28:11 NLTExodus 28:11 ESVExodus 28:11 NASBExodus 28:11 KJV
Exodus 28:11 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
