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 fellowship, creation, wisdom. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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?