Exodus 35:30
And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
Original Language Analysis
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
רְא֛וּ
See
H7200
רְא֛וּ
See
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
קָרָ֥א
hath called
H7121
קָרָ֥א
hath called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
7 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּשֵׁ֑ם
by name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֑ם
by name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
9 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Acquiring precious stones required wealth and connections—likely involving trade with distant regions. The breastplate alone required twelve different gemstones (28:17-20), each representing one tribe. Leaders' contribution of these expensive items set an example of generous giving.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the leaders' contribution of the most expensive items teach about leadership and sacrificial example?
- How does the imagery of names engraved on precious stones carried before God illustrate Christ's intercessory work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Rulers bring onyx stones (אַבְנֵי הַשֹּׁהַם, avnei ha-shoham) and stones for setting (אַבְנֵי הַמִּלֻּאִים, avnei ha-millu'im) for the ephod and breastplate—precious gems bearing tribal names before God. The specific mention of rulers (נְשִׂיאִים, nesi'im, 'princes' or 'leaders') bringing these costliest items demonstrates leadership through sacrificial example. These stones would rest on the high priest's shoulders (strength) and heart (love), symbolizing Christ bearing His people's names continually before the Father in intercession.