Exodus 28:9
And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
Original Language Analysis
וְלָ֣קַחְתָּ֔
And thou shalt take
H3947
וְלָ֣קַחְתָּ֔
And thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 10
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּפִתַּחְתָּ֣
and grave
H6605
וּפִתַּחְתָּ֣
and grave
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
6 of 10
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמ֖וֹת
on them the names
H8034
שְׁמ֖וֹת
on them the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Onyx (שֹׁהַם, shoham), a semi-precious stone with layered coloring, was valuable and durable. The engraving required skilled craftsmen to carve the names without breaking the stone—permanent yet delicate work.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'engraved' (versus written) names teach about the permanence of Christ's remembrance of you?
- How does God's remembering your 'birth order' (personal history) encourage you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Two onyx stones engraved with the tribes' names—six names per stone, arranged by birth order. Engraving suggests permanence; these names aren't written but carved into stone. Birth order indicates that God remembers each tribe's history and origin. The high priest bears this permanent record on his shoulders (strength). Christ bears our names permanently—not temporarily remembered but eternally engraved. We are 'graven upon the palms of His hands' (Isaiah 49:16).