Exodus 35:9
And Onix stones, and stones to be set for the Ephod, and for the brestplate. Exodus 35:9 (KJV)
The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. It recounts the historical events of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey through the wilderness under Moses’ leadership. In Exodus 35 the Lord commands Moses to gather the people of Israel and instructs them regarding the construction of the tabernacle, which would serve as a sacred place of worship.
The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, a tent, where God’s presence would dwell among His people during their journey in the wilderness. It was a central place for worship and sacrifices.
Exodus 28:9‑10 specifies that two onyx stones were to be engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and placed on the ephod, a priestly garment worn by the high priest. The verse also mentions stones to be set for the breastplate, described in Exodus 28:17‑20 as four rows of precious stones.
God instructed that the work of building the tabernacle should be carried out by skilled craftsmen. Exodus 35:35 states that He filled them with wisdom to work as engravers, cunning workmen, and embroiderers in blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. The passage records “Two onyx stones, and four rows of stones, and the work of a cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and in fine linen.”
Traditional interpretation associates the colors blue with the heavenly nature of God, purple with royalty and majesty, and scarlet with sacrifice and redemption.
The tabernacle was not merely a functional structure but held deep spiritual symbolism. It represented God’s desire to dwell among His people, signifying His presence in their midst, and the various elements and rituals pointed to spiritual truths that foreshadowed the coming of Christ and the new covenant.
Application of these truths is clear. Just as God called skilled workers to construct the tabernacle, we are reminded that God values excellence in the service of His kingdom; whatever talents and skills we have should be used for the glory of God and the benefit of others. The tabernacle represented God’s presence among His people, and today believers are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19‑20), called to honor Him in our bodies and lives. Its symbolism points to the fulfillment in Christ, inviting us to study the Old Testament foreshadowing and see the deeper spiritual truths fulfilled in the New Testament.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:9 reminds us of the careful craftsmanship and symbolic significance of the tabernacle, encouraging believers to offer their skills to God and recognize the spiritual truths hidden within the Old Testament, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
