In what ways does Exodus 39:7 connect to the broader theme of covenant?

Ephod’s Shoulder Stones and the Covenant

Exodus 39:7: “He fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

1. Covenant identity engraved

• Each onyx stone bore six tribal names (Exodus 28:9-10). Inscribing the tribes in stone signified the permanence of God’s covenant choice (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6-8).

2. Covenant representation carried

• The high priest literally “lifted” the people on his shoulders whenever he entered the Holy Place (Exodus 28:12, 29). In covenant, an appointed mediator bears the people before God; here it is Aaron, later it is Christ (Hebrews 7:25; 9:24).

3. Covenant remembrance before the Lord

• They were “memorial stones.” The point was not that God might forget but that the covenant relationship would continually be presented before Him (Numbers 10:10; Luke 22:19).

4. Covenant obedience displayed

• The phrase “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” underscores that covenant blessing rests on precise obedience (Exodus 24:3-8; Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

5. Covenant faithfulness guaranteed

• Gold settings protected the stones, picturing the security of the people within God’s steadfast love (Psalm 94:14; Isaiah 49:16).

6. Covenant symbols echoed elsewhere

• Rainbow after the flood (Genesis 9:13) – a visual pledge God remembers.

• Circumcision (Genesis 17:11) – a bodily sign of belonging.

• Twelve stones at the Jordan (Joshua 4:7) – “memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

• In each case the object reminds both God and His people of an unbreakable promise.

7. Covenant fulfilled in Christ

• Jesus, our High Priest, carries His redeemed on scarred shoulders and pierced hands (Isaiah 53:4; John 10:28-29; Hebrews 4:14-16).

• The names written on the stones anticipate the “names written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

Living response

• Rest secure: if your name is engraved on Christ’s shoulders, you are as safe as the stone in its gold setting.

• Walk obediently: covenant markers call forth covenant faithfulness (John 14:15).

• Intercede boldly: as priests in Christ (1 Peter 2:9), we lift others before the Lord, trusting His enduring covenant love.