What role do "onyx stones" play in the construction of the tabernacle? Setting the Scene • When God gave Moses the blueprints for the tabernacle, He listed every material—down to the gemstones (Exodus 25:7). • Onyx stones appear repeatedly in those instructions, always connected to the high priest’s garments rather than the tent structure itself. Key Texts • “and onyx stones and other gems for mounting on the ephod and breastpiece.” (Exodus 25:7) • “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel… Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel.” (Exodus 28:9-12) • “and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.” (Exodus 28:20) • See also Exodus 35:9; 39:6-7. Where the Onyx Stones Were Placed 1. Shoulder pieces of the ephod • Two large onyx stones, each engraved with six tribal names. • Set in gold filigree and attached to the priest’s shoulders (Exodus 28:11-12). 2. Breastpiece of judgment • One smaller onyx occupied the fourth row of the twelve-stone breastpiece (Exodus 28:20). • Each stone on the breastpiece corresponded to one tribe; here, onyx represented a specific tribe (order debated, but likely Joseph or Benjamin depending on stone list). Practical Function • Weight-bearing: the high priest literally carried Israel’s names on his shoulders as he entered the Holy Place. • Identification: the engraved stones guaranteed every tribe a presence before God—none omitted, none forgotten. Spiritual Symbolism • Memorial before the LORD – “Aaron is to bear their names on his shoulders before the LORD as a reminder.” (Exodus 28:12) – Onyx stones testified that Israel’s covenant relationship rested on continual remembrance by their mediator. • Substitution and intercession – Just as the priest bore the tribes, Christ now bears believers “on His shoulders” (Hebrews 7:25; Isaiah 9:6). – The permanence of engraving (likened to a seal) pictures the believer’s secure place in God’s presence (John 10:28-29). • Value and purity – Onyx, a precious jewel, highlights God’s worth placed on His people (Malachi 3:17). – Gold settings underscore holiness and glory surrounding the names. Broader Biblical Echoes • Eden: “The gold of that land is pure; bdellium and onyx stone are there.” (Genesis 2:12) – hints at restored paradise now reflected in tabernacle worship. • High priestly garments prefigure the heavenly priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 8:1-6), where believers’ names remain ever before God. Takeaways • Onyx stones served as tangible reminders that God’s people are carried, remembered, and valued. • Every visit of the high priest to the sanctuary reinforced covenant faithfulness—both God’s toward Israel and Israel’s call to faithfulness in return. |
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