The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstonesThe leaders, or "rulers," in this context refer to the tribal leaders of Israel, who were responsible for guiding and organizing the people. Their contribution of onyx stones and gemstones signifies their leadership role in the community and their commitment to the construction of the Tabernacle. Onyx stones are mentioned in
Genesis 2:12 as being found in the land of Havilah, indicating their value and rarity. Gemstones were often used in ancient cultures for decoration and as symbols of wealth and status. In the biblical context, these stones were not only valuable but also held spiritual significance, as they were used in the priestly garments.
to mount on the ephod and breastpiece
The ephod and breastpiece were part of the high priest's garments, as described inExodus 28. The ephod was a sleeveless garment worn over the priest's robe, and the breastpiece was a square pouch attached to the ephod, containing the Urim and Thummim, which were used for divination. The onyx stones and gemstones were set into these garments, symbolizing the tribes of Israel. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes, and their placement on the high priest's garments signified that he bore the people of Israel before God. This foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before the Father, as described inHebrews 4:14-16. The use of precious stones also points to the heavenly Jerusalem, described inRevelation 21, where the foundations of the city are adorned with various gemstones, symbolizing the glory and beauty of God's eternal kingdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LeadersThese were the heads of the tribes of Israel, responsible for guiding and representing their people. Their role was crucial in organizing and contributing to the construction of the Tabernacle.
2.
Onyx Stones and GemstonesPrecious stones used in the making of the ephod and breastpiece, which were part of the high priest's garments. These stones symbolized the tribes of Israel and were integral to the priestly function.
3.
Ephod and BreastpieceSacred garments worn by the high priest. The ephod was a vest-like garment, and the breastpiece was a square pouch that held the Urim and Thummim, used for divine decision-making.
4.
TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.
5.
Israelites' OfferingThe broader context involves the Israelites bringing various offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle, demonstrating their willingness and devotion to God.
Teaching Points
Leadership in GivingThe leaders set an example by giving generously. In our communities, leaders should model generosity and commitment to God's work.
Symbolism of StonesThe onyx stones and gemstones represent the tribes of Israel, reminding us that we are all precious in God's sight and have a place in His kingdom.
Unity in PurposeThe collective effort of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving God's purposes.
Willingness to ServeThe leaders' willingness to contribute reflects a heart ready to serve God. We should examine our own willingness to offer our resources and talents for God's glory.
Sacredness of WorshipThe ephod and breastpiece were part of the high priest's attire, emphasizing the sacredness of worship and the need for reverence in approaching God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 35:27?
2.How can we contribute our resources to God's work like the leaders in Exodus 35:27?
3.What does Exodus 35:27 teach about the importance of leadership in giving?
4.How does Exodus 35:27 connect with New Testament teachings on generosity?
5.In what ways can we prioritize God's work in our financial decisions today?
6.How can we encourage others to give generously as seen in Exodus 35:27?
7.Why did the leaders bring onyx stones for the ephod in Exodus 35:27?
8.How does Exodus 35:27 reflect the importance of community contributions in worship?
9.What is the significance of onyx stones in biblical times according to Exodus 35:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 35?
11.What does 'ephod' mean?
12.Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks?
13.Exodus 39:8-21: How did they manage the sophisticated techniques required to craft and engrave the breastpiece with gemstone settings in a wilderness setting?
14.Exodus 28:6-14: How plausible is it that detailed and specialized craftsmanship for the ephod existed among a recently freed slave population?What Does Exodus 35:27 Mean
The leaders“Then the leaders brought onyx stones…” (Exodus 35:27a)
• These leaders were the chiefs of Israel’s tribes (compareNumbers 1:4–16;Numbers 7:2). Their initiative models servant leadership—those with greater responsibility leading in sacrificial giving.
• Their gifts fulfill Moses’ earlier invitation: “Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Everyone whose heart is willing shall bring it” (Exodus 35:5). The leaders respond first, encouraging the rest of the community (cf.1 Chronicles 29:6–9, where leaders’ generosity inspires the people).
• By acting promptly, they demonstrate faith that God’s exact instructions will be carried out without compromise (Exodus 25:8-9). Their obedience underscores the reliability of God’s Word.
brought onyx stones and gemstones“…onyx stones and gemstones…” (Exodus 35:27b)
• Onyx and other precious stones were rare in the wilderness, indicating the leaders’ willingness to surrender treasures likely acquired in Egypt (Exodus 12:35-36).
• The stones symbolize beauty and permanence, reflecting God’s own glory (Ezekiel 28:13) and foreshadowing the splendor of the New Jerusalem, whose foundations are adorned with jewels (Revelation 21:19-21).
• Their value teaches that worship costs something meaningful (2 Samuel 24:24) and reminds us that whatever we give to God, He first provided (1 Chronicles 29:14).
to mount on the ephod and breastpiece“…to mount on the ephod and breastpiece” (Exodus 35:27c)
• The ephod and breastpiece were priestly garments designed “for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2), enabling Aaron to represent the nation before the Lord.
– Twelve stones on the breastpiece bore the names of Israel’s tribes (Exodus 28:21), while two onyx stones on the ephod’s shoulders carried the same names (Exodus 28:9-12).
– Each day, the high priest carried Israel on his shoulders (strength) and over his heart (love), a vivid picture later embodied by Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16;John 10:11).
• By providing the stones, the leaders affirm their desire to be remembered before God, aligning with His covenant promise: “I will be their God, and they will be My people” (Jeremiah 31:33).
• The precision of God’s design—down to the kind of stones and their placement—underscores Scripture’s literal reliability (Matthew 5:18).
summaryExodus 35:27 highlights how Israel’s tribal leaders set the pace in generous, voluntary worship. By giving their finest gems for the ephod and breastpiece, they honor God’s detailed instructions, ensure the priest can bear the tribes before the Lord, and foreshadow the perfect mediating work of Christ. Their example calls every believer to joyful, wholehearted participation in God’s work, trusting that what we place in His hands becomes part of a bigger, beautiful display of His glory.
(27)
The rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set.--The "rulers" here intended are probably the
"princes of the tribes" of Israel (
Numbers 1:16;
Numbers 3:3;
Numbers 3:5, &c.). The twelve stones required for the breastplate would naturally be contributed by the twelve chiefs of the tribes whose names they were to bear (
Exodus 28:21). The two onyx stones for the ephod (
Exodus 28:9-12), may have been the further gift of two of the number, who happened to possess stones of the large size needed.
Verses 27, 28. -
The rulers are, no doubt, the "elders" of
Exodus 3:16;
Exodus 4:29;
Exodus 24:9, etc. Moses had made them "rulers," or rather, "princes" (sarey), according to the advice of Jethro (
Exodus 18:25). They brought
onyx stones for the ephod (
Exodus 28:9-12) and
stones to be set, -
i.e., gems for the breastplate (
ibid. 17-20); oil of olive for the lamp (
Exodus 27:20) and the holy ointment (
Exodus 29:24), and spice for the same (
ibid. 23, 24) and for the incense (
ibid. 34).
CHAPTER 35:30-35
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The leadersוְהַנְּשִׂאִ֣ם(wə·han·nə·śi·’im)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5387:An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mistbroughtהֵבִ֔יאוּ(hê·ḇî·’ū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goonyxהַשֹּׁ֔הַם(haš·šō·ham)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7718:(a gem) perhaps an onyxstonesאַבְנֵ֣י(’aḇ·nê)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68:A stoneand gemstonesאַבְנֵ֣י(’aḇ·nê)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68:A stoneto mountהַמִּלֻּאִ֑ים(ham·mil·lu·’îm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4394:A fulfilling, a setting, consecrationon the ephodלָאֵפ֖וֹד(lā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 646:A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an imageand breastpiece,וְלַחֹֽשֶׁן׃(wə·la·ḥō·šen)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2833:A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest
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OT Law: Exodus 35:27 The rulers brought the onyx stones (Exo. Ex) 
