Exodus 35:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:10
10 And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, mercy, salvation. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 35:10
10 And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;
Analysis
Onyx stones and stones for setting (אַבְנֵי־שֹׁהַם וְאַבְנֵי מִלֻּאִים, avnei-shoham ve'avnei millu'im) would bear the names of Israel's twelve tribes on the high priest's ephod and breastplate. These precious stones represented God's people carried constantly before Him—on the priest's shoulders (strength) and over his heart (love). This foreshadows Christ our High Priest who bears His people's names perpetually before the Father.
Historical Context
Onyx was likely brought from Egypt as plunder or possibly traded from Arabia. The 'stones for setting' included twelve different precious stones for the breastplate (28:17-20), each representing one tribe—an expensive component requiring multiple gem varieties.
Reflection
- What does the high priest bearing Israel's names on precious stones teach about how Christ intercedes for His people?
- How does the imagery of names engraved on stones speak to the security and permanence of God's covenant relationship?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord