Exodus 39:7

Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

He fastened them
The act of fastening here indicates a secure and intentional placement. In Hebrew, the word used can imply a firm attachment, suggesting the importance and permanence of what is being done. This fastening is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, symbolizing the binding of the tribes of Israel to their God. It reflects the meticulous obedience to God's instructions, emphasizing the importance of following divine commands with precision.

on the shoulder pieces of the ephod
The ephod was a sacred garment worn by the high priest, and the shoulder pieces were integral to its design. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the shoulder often symbolized strength and responsibility. By placing the stones on the shoulders, it signifies that the high priest carries the weight and responsibility of the tribes of Israel before God. The ephod itself, richly described in earlier chapters, represents the priestly role as a mediator between God and His people.

as memorial stones
Memorial stones serve as a physical reminder of something significant. In Hebrew, the term for memorial can also mean "remembrance." These stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, ensuring that they were perpetually remembered before God. This act of remembrance is a recurring theme in the Bible, where physical objects often serve to remind the people of God's faithfulness and their covenant relationship with Him.

for the sons of Israel
The phrase "sons of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. This collective term encompasses the twelve tribes, each represented by a stone on the ephod. It highlights the unity and diversity of the nation, reminding them of their shared heritage and identity as God's chosen people. The high priest, bearing these stones, symbolically brings the entire nation into the presence of God.

just as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. Moses, as the leader and prophet, received direct instructions from God, and his adherence to these commands is a model of faithfulness. The repetition of this phrase throughout the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings emphasizes that every detail was carried out according to divine instruction, reflecting the holiness and order of God's plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and receive the Law on Mount Sinai. He is the central human figure in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

2. The Sons of Israel
Refers to the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob. The memorial stones on the ephod represent these tribes.

3. The Ephod
A sacred garment worn by the high priest, part of the priestly vestments. It held the memorial stones on its shoulder pieces.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who commanded the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the ephod.

5. Memorial Stones
Stones set on the ephod to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, serving as a reminder of their covenant relationship with God.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Ephod
The ephod, with its memorial stones, symbolizes the high priest's role in bearing the names of the tribes before God, reminding us of the importance of intercession and representation in spiritual leadership.

Obedience to God's Commands
The construction of the ephod "just as the LORD had commanded Moses" underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions in our lives, reflecting our commitment to His will.

Covenant Relationship
The memorial stones serve as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, encouraging us to remember and uphold our covenant with God through faith and obedience.

Christ as Our High Priest
The high priest's role in the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us and bears our names before the Father, offering us a perfect and eternal covenant.

Unity and Identity in Christ
Just as the twelve stones represented the unity and identity of the tribes of Israel, believers today are united in Christ, called to live out our identity as His people in unity and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the high priest in bearing the names of the tribes on the ephod relate to the role of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives, as exemplified by the construction of the ephod?

3. How does the concept of a covenant relationship with God, as symbolized by the memorial stones, influence our understanding of our relationship with Him today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Old Testament high priest and Jesus as our High Priest, and how does this impact our faith and worship?

5. How can we, as members of the body of Christ, live out our identity and unity in Him, similar to how the twelve tribes were represented on the ephod?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28
Provides detailed instructions for the making of the priestly garments, including the ephod and the memorial stones, emphasizing their significance in the priestly duties.

Leviticus 8
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the ephod is part of the priestly garments, highlighting the role of the high priest in interceding for the people.

Hebrews 7-9
Discusses Jesus as our High Priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and Christ's eternal priesthood, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law and the priestly system in Him.