It shall have two shoulder piecesThe shoulder pieces of the ephod were integral to the high priest's garments, symbolizing the burden of leadership and intercession for the people of Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shoulders often represented strength and responsibility. The high priest bore the names of the tribes of Israel on these shoulder pieces, signifying his role as a mediator between God and the people.
attached at two of its corners
The attachment at the corners indicates a precise and intentional design, ensuring stability and functionality. This detail reflects the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the tabernacle and priestly garments, emphasizing the importance of obedience and order in worship. The corners may also symbolize the encompassing nature of God's covenant with Israel, as the high priest represents all the tribes.
so it can be fastened
The fastening of the shoulder pieces ensured that the ephod remained secure during the high priest's duties. This stability is crucial, as it reflects the unchanging and steadfast nature of God's covenant. The fastening mechanism may also point to the binding nature of the priestly role, as the high priest is bound to his duties and responsibilities. In a typological sense, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of the eternal high priest, securing the covenant between God and humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
AaronMoses' brother, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The instructions for the garments were specifically for him and his descendants.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were to be served by the priests in the tabernacle.
4.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.
5.
Priestly GarmentsSpecial clothing designed for the high priest, symbolizing holiness and the unique role of the priesthood.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of the EphodThe ephod, with its shoulder pieces, symbolizes the responsibility and burden of the priestly role. It reminds us of the weight of spiritual leadership and the call to bear one another's burdens.
Unity and ConnectionThe joining of the shoulder pieces signifies unity and connection. In the body of Christ, we are called to be united, working together for the common purpose of glorifying God.
Holiness and Set-ApartnessThe detailed instructions for the priestly garments highlight the importance of holiness and being set apart for God's service. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.
Obedience to God's InstructionsThe precise nature of the instructions for the garments underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are called to follow God's Word carefully and faithfully.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 28:7?
2.How does Exodus 28:7 emphasize the importance of detailed obedience to God?
3.What role do the ephod's shoulder pieces play in the priestly garments?
4.How can we apply the concept of "joined at its two ends" today?
5.Connect Exodus 28:7 to New Testament teachings on spiritual leadership and responsibility.
6.How does understanding Exodus 28:7 enhance our appreciation for God's design in worship?
7.What is the significance of the ephod's design in Exodus 28:7 for priestly garments?
8.How does Exodus 28:7 reflect God's instructions for worship and holiness?
9.Why are specific materials and designs emphasized in Exodus 28:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 28?
11.What are the components of Priestly Garments?
12.What are the Horns of the Altar's significance?
13.What does 'ephod' mean?
14.Why was Israel chosen by God?What Does Exodus 28:7 Mean
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,” andLuke 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, paralleling2 Timothy 2:4: “A soldier refrains from entangling himself,” so a believer, rightly fastened in faith, can focus on God’s work.
summaryExodus 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.
(7)
The two shoulder pieces thereof.--Rather,
two shoulder pieces.Verse 7. -
Thetwo shoulder-pieces thereof, Literally, "Two shoulder-pieces." There is no article, and no possessive pronoun.
At the two edges thereof. Literally, "at its two ends." A union of the back and front flaps of the dress by a seam at the top of the shoulder seems to be intended. Female dresses were made in this way among the Greeks, but fastened with a brooch or buckle.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
It shall haveיִֽהְיֶה־(yih·yeh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, betwoשְׁתֵּ֧י(šə·tê)Number - fdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)shoulder piecesכְתֵפֹ֣ת(ḵə·ṯê·p̄ōṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3802:The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anythingjoinedחֹֽבְרֹ֗ת(ḥō·ḇə·rōṯ)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 2266:To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charmatאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toits twoשְׁנֵ֥י(šə·nê)Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)ends,קְצוֹתָ֖יו(qə·ṣō·w·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7098:A terminationso it can be fastened.וְחֻבָּֽר׃(wə·ḥub·bār)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2266:To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm
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OT Law: Exodus 28:7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined (Exo. Ex) 
