Lexical Summary mishbetsah: Filigree, setting, network Original Word: מְשְׁבְּצָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ouch, wrought From shabats; a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem -- ouch, wrought. see HEBREW shabats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shabats Definition checkered or plaited work NASB Translation filigree (8), interwoven (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִשְׁבְּצ(וֺ)ת noun feminineExodus 28:25 plural chequered (or plaited) work, usually of settings for gems; — צָהָב ׳מ (i.e. plaited with gold-thread) for two gems on high priest's ephod (P): Exodus 28:11,13; Exodus 39:6,13,16; ׳מ absolute Exodus 28:14,25,39; Exodus 39:18; לְבוּשָׁהּ ׳ז ׳מִמּ Psalm 45:14 her clothing is of chequer work in wrought with gold; < Krochm Gr Checomm. {abbrev}מְּנִינִים בְּמִשְׁבְּצוֺת ז לְבוּשָׁהּ (see מְּנִימָה above) pearls in plaited settings of gold (-thread). Topical Lexicon Meshbetsah: gold filigree settingPhysical description and function Meshbetsah denotes the finely wrought gold work that forms a bezel or lattice around precious stones. It is not the stone itself but the mount that both secures and ornamentally frames the gem. The term embraces braiding, chaining, or net-like weaving of gold, producing a setting at once strong and delicate. Its appearance in priestly garments and royal finery links it to concepts of beauty, permanence, and value. Occurrences in Exodus 1. Exodus 28:11–14 introduces meshbetsah in the instructions for the high priest’s ephod and shoulder pieces: “Then mount these stones in gold filigree settings… Fashion settings of gold filigree, and attach two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work”. Priestly symbolism • Representation: The mounted stones bore the names of Israel’s tribes, declaring that the people were carried on the high priest’s shoulders and near his heart (Exodus 28:12, 29). The meshbetsah, therefore, became the visible union of divine glory (gold) and covenant people (jewels). Technique and craftsmanship God endowed Bezalel and Oholiab “with skill… to perform every craft of the engraver and designer” (Exodus 35:35). Meshbetsah required: Royal application in Psalm 45:13 “All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold”. Here meshbetsah moves from priestly vestments to bridal attire, portraying the king’s daughter clothed in splendor. The filigree becomes a metaphor for regal dignity and joyful anticipation, anticipating the union between the Messianic King and His people. Christological foreshadowing The high priest’s filigreed settings prefigure Jesus Christ: Practical ministry reflections 1. Excellence in worship: The Lord values skillful, wholehearted service (Colossians 3:17). The perfection of meshbetsah encourages craftsmen, artists, and worship leaders to pursue beauty that honors God. Summary Meshbetsah, though a small detail in the tabernacle narrative, conveys weighty truths: the union of glory and grace, the certainty of covenant love, and the splendor destined for God’s people. From priestly shoulders to royal bridal garments, its golden filigree celebrates the unfading beauty that flows from the presence of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצ֑וֹת הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת׃ המשבצות המשבצת המשבצת׃ מִֽמִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֖ת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת ממשבצות משבצות משבצת ham·miš·bə·ṣō·wṯ ham·miš·bə·ṣōṯ hammišbəṣōṯ hammišbəṣōwṯ HammishbeTzot mim·miš·bə·ṣō·wṯ mimishbeTzot mimmišbəṣōwṯ miš·bə·ṣō·wṯ miš·bə·ṣōṯ mišbəṣōṯ mišbəṣōwṯ mishbeTzotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:11 HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מֻסַבֹּ֛ת מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת זָהָ֖ב תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה NAS: you shall set them in filigree [settings] of gold. KJV: them to be set in ouches of gold. INT: of Israel to be set filigree gold make Exodus 28:13 Exodus 28:14 Exodus 28:25 Exodus 39:6 Exodus 39:13 Exodus 39:16 Exodus 39:18 Psalm 45:13 9 Occurrences |
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