Exodus 39:6
And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙
And they wrought
H6213
וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙
And they wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֹּׁ֔הַם
onyx
H7718
הַשֹּׁ֔הַם
onyx
Strong's:
H7718
Word #:
4 of 14
a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)
מֻֽסַבֹּ֖ת
inclosed
H4142
מֻֽסַבֹּ֖ת
inclosed
Strong's:
H4142
Word #:
5 of 14
a reversal, i.e., the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)
מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת
in ouches
H4865
מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת
in ouches
Strong's:
H4865
Word #:
6 of 14
a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
7 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
graven
H6605
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
graven
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
8 of 14
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
graven
H6605
פִּתּוּחֵ֣י
graven
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
9 of 14
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמ֖וֹת
with the names
H8034
שְׁמ֖וֹת
with the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
12 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Historical Context
Onyx, a semi-precious stone with alternating bands of color, was highly valued in the ancient world. Signet engraving required exceptional skill to produce mirror-image text. The comparison to signet engraving emphasizes the permanence and authority of these tribal names.
Questions for Reflection
- What assurance does it give that believers' names are engraved, not written in erasable ink, before God?
- How does Christ bearing His people 'as a seal' demonstrate the security of salvation?
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Analysis & Commentary
The onyx stones engraved with Israel's tribal names, set in gold (שֹׁהַם, shoham, onyx), were 'graven, as signets are graven' (פִּתּוּחֵי חֹתָם, pituche chotam, engravings of a seal). Signet engravings denote ownership and authority—Israel belongs to God, sealed by covenant. The stones' permanence contrasts with human fickleness; the names engraved on unchanging stone symbolize God's unbreakable covenant promises. These stones on the priest's shoulders prefigure Christ bearing His elect perpetually before the Father (John 10:28-29; Hebrews 7:25).