What is the meaning of Exodus 39:7? Then they fastened them “Then they fastened them” (Exodus 39:7) highlights the careful, orderly craftsmanship of the tabernacle artisans. Nothing was improvised; each detail followed God’s blueprint: • The timing—“Then”—shows that every step built on the previous one, mirroring the sequence set out earlier in Exodus 28:9–12. • This obedience reflects the pattern seen in Noah’s ark building (Genesis 6:22) and later in Solomon’s temple work (1 Kings 6:38), underscoring that true worship is never haphazard. on the shoulder pieces of the ephod The ephod was the high priest’s outer garment. Placing the stones “on the shoulder pieces” signals a weight-bearing symbolism: • Shoulders carry burdens (Isaiah 46:4). By situating the stones there, God visually taught that the priest bears Israel before Him. • The location ensured visibility and permanence, like Aaron’s breastpiece that held the Urim and Thummim “over his heart” (Exodus 28:30). Together, heart and shoulders depict both love and responsibility. as memorial stones These were not mere decorations; they were “memorial stones”: • Memorials call God’s people to remember His acts (Joshua 4:7) and covenant faithfulness (Genesis 9:13). • Here, the stones reminded Israel that they belonged to the Lord and that their names were carried into His presence continually (Exodus 28:12). • They also pointed forward to Christ, our High Priest, who “always lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25). for the sons of Israel The purpose was corporate, not individual: • The twelve tribes were equally engraved (Exodus 28:21), showing no tribe was forgotten (compare Luke 15:4). • This collective inclusion foreshadowed the church, where all believers are “living stones” built together (1 Peter 2:5). as the LORD had commanded Moses The closing phrase anchors everything in divine authority: • Repetition of this clause throughout Exodus 39 (vv. 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, etc.) stresses that blessing flows from precise obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1–2). • Moses serves as mediator of the covenant, yet even he merely transmits God’s word—anticipating the greater Mediator, Jesus (Hebrews 3:5–6). summary Exodus 39:7 reveals a vivid portrait of representation and remembrance. The engraved stones, securely fastened on the high priest’s shoulders, proclaim that God’s people are carried into His presence through obedient mediation. This Old-Covenant snapshot points us to Christ, who perfectly bears our names before the Father and faithfully intercedes on our behalf. |
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