What is the meaning of Exodus 28:7? It shall have two shoulder pieces - The ephod’s shoulder pieces identified the high priest as the one who carried Israel before God. Exodus 28:12 specifies that onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes were set on these shoulders, “as a memorial for the sons of Israel,” picturing the priest bearing the people’s burdens. - This image foreshadows Christ, our great High Priest. Isaiah 9:6 says, “the government will be on His shoulders,” and Luke 15:5 shows the Shepherd who “lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing.” The shoulder, the place of strength, reminds us that God upholds His people. - Two shoulder pieces—one on each side—portray balance and completeness. God’s care is not lopsided; every tribe, every believer is equally remembered (Romans 2:11). attached at two of its corners - Corners represent stability and structure. By fastening the shoulder pieces “at two of its corners,” the ephod was anchored, not left to shift with movement. Exodus 39:4 echoes, “They made the shoulder pieces for it, joined together at its two corners.” - Secure attachment guarded the ephod from tearing (cf. Exodus 26:1). In the same way, God builds His dwelling with us so “that nothing may be broken” (John 6:39). - The precision of two matched points highlights God’s orderliness (1 Corinthians 14:40), showing worship must follow His design, not personal improvisation. so it can be fastened - Fastening enabled the ephod to stay firmly in place during ministry. Exodus 28:27-28 describes rings and a cord of blue to tie the breastpiece “so that the breastpiece will not come loose from the ephod.” - A secured garment illustrated a secured covenant. Hebrews 6:19 calls hope “an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast.” Just as the ephod could not slip, God’s promises cannot fail (Numbers 23:19). - Fastening also freed the priest to serve without distraction, paralleling 2 Timothy 2:4: “A soldier refrains from entangling himself,” so a believer, rightly fastened in faith, can focus on God’s work. summary Exodus 28:7 describes more than fabric; it paints a living picture of God’s strength, order, and faithfulness. The two shoulder pieces reveal His power to bear His people, the dual corners show His precise design, and the fastening points to the unbreakable security found in Him. |
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