Exodus 28:7: “It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 28:7 is part of the detailed instructions given by God for the construction of the ephod, a key garment worn by the high priest. This verse specifies that the ephod should have two shoulder pieces attached at its corners, allowing it to be securely fastened. The shoulder pieces served both a functional and symbolic purpose in the high priest’s attire.
Functionally, the shoulder pieces helped to keep the ephod in place, ensuring that it fit properly and could bear the weight of the other sacred items, such as the breastpiece, that the high priest would wear. Symbolically, the shoulder pieces were significant because they would later be adorned with onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the high priest’s role in bearing the people of Israel before God in prayer and intercession.
The verse underscores the importance of order and precision in the worship of God. Every detail in the high priest’s attire was designed with a purpose, reflecting the care and reverence required when serving in God’s presence.
Historical Context
This instruction was given to Moses as part of the broader guidelines for establishing the priesthood and the tabernacle, which was the sacred place where God would dwell among His people. The Israelites, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, were being formed into a covenant community with specific laws and rituals that would define their relationship with God.
The ephod, with its shoulder pieces, was part of the high priest’s official garments, which set him apart for his special role. The high priest was the only one who could enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, and his garments, including the ephod, were made according to God’s exact instructions to ensure that he was properly prepared to serve in this holy capacity.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 28:7 highlights the concept of bearing responsibility before God. The shoulder pieces on the ephod were more than just a means of fastening the garment; they symbolized the weight of the high priest’s duties. As he carried the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders, the high priest was reminded of his role as a mediator between God and the people.
This verse also reflects the importance of following God’s instructions meticulously. The detailed nature of these instructions indicates that approaching God requires both reverence and obedience. The high priest’s role was not to be taken lightly, and every aspect of his attire had to meet God’s specifications, symbolizing the seriousness of his duties.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 28:7 is a technical, descriptive verse that contributes to the larger narrative of the priestly garments. The verse focuses on a specific detail of the ephod, emphasizing the importance of structure and design in the worship of God. The mention of “two shoulder pieces” that are “attached to two of its corners” adds to the sense of order and intentionality that characterizes the entire description of the priestly garments.
The literary style of this verse, like the rest of the instructions for the tabernacle and the priestly garments, is precise and clear, ensuring that there is no ambiguity about what is required. This reflects the broader theme of God’s holiness and the need for careful preparation when entering His presence.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible provide further insight into the significance of the ephod and its shoulder pieces:
- Exodus 39:4-7: Describes the actual making of the ephod, including the attachment of the shoulder pieces and the placement of the onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel.
- Leviticus 16:21-22: Illustrates the high priest’s role in bearing the sins of the people, symbolically carrying their burdens before God, much like how the names of the tribes were carried on the ephod’s shoulder pieces.
- Isaiah 9:6: Refers to the Messiah as having “the government upon his shoulders,” symbolizing responsibility and authority, a concept that resonates with the high priest’s duties.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 28:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of carrying our responsibilities with care and reverence. Just as the high priest bore the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders, we too have responsibilities in our spiritual lives. Whether it’s interceding for others, serving in our communities, or living out our faith, we are called to carry these duties faithfully.
This verse also challenges us to consider the precision and care with which we approach our spiritual practices. The attention to detail in the high priest’s attire reflects the broader principle that our worship and service to God should be marked by excellence and reverence.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 28:7 reveals God’s love in the way He provides clear and detailed instructions for how His people are to worship Him. By specifying how the ephod should be made and how it should be worn, God was ensuring that the high priest would be fully equipped to carry out his sacred duties. This attention to detail reflects God’s care for His people and His desire to maintain a relationship with them through proper worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest, who bears the weight of our sins on His shoulders. Just as the high priest in the Old Testament carried the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders before God, Jesus carries the burdens of humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews 9:11-12 describes Jesus as the High Priest who entered the heavenly tabernacle, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us.
In this way, the ephod’s shoulder pieces can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s role as the bearer of our burdens, fulfilling the priestly duties in a way that brings complete and lasting reconciliation with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you approach your responsibilities in your spiritual life? Are there areas where you can improve in carrying them with greater care and reverence?
- What does the high priest’s role in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel on his shoulders teach you about interceding for others?
- How does understanding Jesus as our High Priest, who bears our sins, impact the way you live your life and approach God in prayer?
- In what ways can you ensure that your worship and service to God are marked by the same precision and care that were required of the high priest?