Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 39:7 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 39:7 stands as a crucial verse in the larger narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle, which was the focal point of the Israelites’ worship and the dwelling place of God’s presence among them. While the detailed instructions regarding the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments of the priests might seem distant from our modern context, this verse contains timeless lessons about worship, holiness, and the nature of God’s covenant with His people. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, application, and relevance of Exodus 39:7 in the life of a Christian today.
The Context of Exodus 39:7 (KJV)
Exodus 39:7 is part of a larger narrative that runs from Exodus 35 to Exodus 40, which focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle and its associated elements. After the Israelites received the Ten Commandments and built the golden calf in rebellion, God, in His mercy, forgave them and instructed them to build the Tabernacle—a place where He would dwell among them. The details of the Tabernacle’s construction, its furnishings, and the priestly garments are given in meticulous detail, showcasing the importance of obedience, reverence, and the need for holiness in approaching God.
The specific context of Exodus 39:7 is within the description of the making of the sacred items of the Tabernacle, particularly the garments worn by the priests. This verse comes after detailed instructions about the craftsmanship of the garments, and it focuses on the making of the gold plates that adorned the priestly attire. The full verse reads:
“And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Exodus 39:7, KJV)
Here, the focus is on the two stones that were placed on the shoulders of the ephod, which were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were not just decorative; they carried significant theological and symbolic weight.
The Exodus 39:7 Meaning
1. The Stones as a Memorial
Exodus 39:7 speaks of the two stones that were set into the shoulder pieces of the ephod. These stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six names on each stone. The purpose of these stones was to serve as a memorial to the children of Israel. A memorial, in this sense, was not merely a reminder of a past event, but a continuous symbol of God’s covenant with His people and His care for each tribe of Israel.
By placing the stones on the ephod—the high priest’s ceremonial garment—the high priest symbolically carried the people of Israel before God. This act was not just for practical purposes but was filled with deep theological meaning. The stones, engraved with the names of the tribes, symbolized that God remembered His people and would continually intercede for them. As the high priest entered the Holy Place to offer sacrifices, he would bear the names of the tribes on his shoulders, signifying that the people were always in God’s presence.
2. The Symbolism of the Shoulder
In the Bible, the shoulder is often a symbol of strength and authority. To bear something on one’s shoulder was to assume responsibility and leadership. In this case, the high priest was to bear the names of the tribes on his shoulders, which indicated his role as the spiritual leader of the people, representing them before God. This act points to the ultimate fulfillment of this role in the person of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who bears our names before the Father as our intercessor and mediator.
3. The Obedience of Moses and the Israelites
The phrase “as the Lord commanded Moses” emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. In constructing the Tabernacle and its elements, including the ephod and the stones, Moses and the people were following God’s specific commandments. This obedience reflects a central theme throughout Exodus and the Bible: God’s commands are to be followed precisely, as they reflect His holiness, wisdom, and care for His people.
Exodus 39:7 Application in Life
While Exodus 39:7 describes a specific ritual from the Old Testament, the principles behind this verse hold deep relevance for the Christian life today. Here are several key applications for us to consider:
1. The Importance of Memorials in Worship
The two stones on the ephod acted as a memorial, a reminder of God’s covenant with Israel. In the Christian life, we too are called to remember the work of God in our lives. The act of remembering is central to Christian worship, as seen in the sacrament of Communion, where believers are called to remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
“This do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19, KJV)
Just as the stones on the ephod served as a reminder of God’s relationship with Israel, we too must regularly remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. This practice helps to strengthen our faith and fosters a deeper sense of gratitude and worship.
2. Intercession for Others
The high priest’s role of carrying the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders points to the intercessory role that believers are called to take up today. Just as the high priest bore the people’s names before God, Christians are called to intercede on behalf of others in prayer.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1, KJV)
When we pray for others—whether for family, friends, or even our enemies—we are following the example of the high priest, lifting others before God’s throne of grace.
3. Carrying God’s People on Our Hearts
The high priest was to bear the names of the tribes on his shoulders, and this act was symbolic of his responsibility to care for and represent God’s people. In a similar way, Christians today are called to carry the burdens of others in love, reflecting Christ’s own sacrificial love for the Church.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV)
This verse challenges us to adopt an attitude of compassion and care for one another, particularly in times of difficulty and suffering. Just as the high priest carried Israel before God, we too must carry each other’s burdens in prayer and support.
4. Obedience to God’s Commandments
Exodus 39:7 concludes with the statement that the actions were done “as the Lord commanded Moses.” This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. In our own lives, we are called to obey God’s Word faithfully, trusting that His commands are good and lead to life.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, KJV)
Our obedience to God is an expression of our love for Him and our trust in His wisdom. Just as the Israelites were required to follow God’s detailed instructions in constructing the Tabernacle, we too must live according to the guidance found in Scripture.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 39:7 can be compared to several other biblical passages that emphasize the roles of priests, memorials, and intercession. Understanding these connections can help us deepen our appreciation of this verse and its implications for the Christian life.
1. Revelation 7:4 – The Sealing of the 144,000
In Revelation 7:4, we see a symbolic connection to the idea of bearing names before God. In this verse, the 144,000 servants of God are sealed with God’s mark, symbolizing their belonging to Him and their protection during times of trial.
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” (Revelation 7:4, KJV)
While the context of Revelation differs from Exodus, the idea of God’s people being symbolically marked and remembered by God is a powerful connection. Just as the high priest bore the names of the tribes on his shoulders, God’s people in Revelation are sealed and remembered by God in a similar way.
2. Hebrews 7:25 – Jesus, Our Great High Priest
Hebrews 7:25 draws a powerful parallel between the high priest of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Just as the high priest in Exodus 39:7 bore the names of Israel before God, Jesus bears our names before the Father as our intercessor.
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV)
Jesus, as our High Priest, not only represents us before God but also actively intercedes for us. This connection highlights the ultimate fulfillment of the high priest’s role in Exodus 39:7 in the person of Christ.
3. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission
In the New Testament, Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that He has commanded. In this commission, we see the ongoing responsibility of God’s people to represent Him before the world, similar to how the high priest represented Israel before God.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 28:19, KJV)
Just as the high priest carried Israel’s names before God, we are called to carry God’s message to the nations, fulfilling our role as priests in the New Covenant.
Modern-Day Relevance of Exodus 39:7
Exodus 39:7 continues to speak to us today, reminding us of our role as representatives of God, both in our personal lives and in our collective mission. The symbolic act of bearing names on the shoulders reflects the responsibilities we bear for one another in the body of Christ.
In modern-day society, we often find ourselves divided by various concerns—cultural, political, and personal. Yet, Exodus 39:7 teaches us that our primary responsibility is to bear one another’s names before God in prayer and to live in unity as the body of Christ. It also reminds us that God is always remembering His people, and He calls us to remember and intercede for others.
Conclusion
Exodus 39:7 is a verse rich with meaning for both ancient Israel and modern-day Christians. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His people, the intercessory role we are called to take up for others, and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. As we reflect on this verse, we are encouraged to live in a way that reflects the holiness of God’s presence, bearing one another’s burdens in love, and faithfully representing God in our lives and communities. Just as the high priest carried the names of Israel on his shoulders, we too are called to carry the needs of others in prayer, lifting them before our great High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Exodus 39:7 Commentary
Exodus 39:7 reflects the deep theological significance of the high priest’s garments, not just as ceremonial attire but as symbols of God’s covenant and His relationship with His people. The stones on the ephod remind us that God’s people are always in His presence and that He continually intercedes for us through His appointed representatives. Today, Jesus Christ fulfills this role as our ultimate High Priest, interceding for us before the Father.
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