Exodus 35:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:9
9 And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, judgment. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 35:9
9 And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
Analysis
Oil for the light (שֶׁמֶן לַמָּאוֹר, shemen la-ma'or) kept the golden lampstand burning continually, symbolizing God's perpetual presence and the Spirit's illumination. Spices for anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen ha-mishchah) set apart priests and furnishings as holy unto the LORD—the same root as 'Messiah' (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach, 'anointed one'). Sweet incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, ketoret ha-sammim) symbolized prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8).
Historical Context
Pure olive oil was beaten (crushed), not pressed, producing the clearest burning oil. The specific spices for anointing oil included myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and cassia (30:23-24)—costly imports demonstrating the value placed on consecration. Incense ingredients included stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense (30:34).
Reflection
- How do the oil, anointing spices, and incense each symbolize different aspects of spiritual life and worship?
- In what ways does the anointing oil foreshadow Christ as the ultimate Anointed One?