Exodus 39:7

Authorized King James Version

And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֣שֶׂם

H7760

And he put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֹתָ֗ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַ֚ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּתְפֹ֣ת

H3802

them on the shoulders

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד

H646

of the ephod

a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image

אַבְנֵ֥י

H68

that they should be stones

a stone

זִכָּר֖וֹן

H2146

for a memorial

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

לִבְנֵ֣י

H1121

to the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

צִוָּ֥ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 39 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Moses