Exodus 39:6 - Priestly breastplate's engraved gems

Q: What were the shoham stones in Exodus 39:6?

The shoham stones (often translated as onyx) were precious stones set in the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) breastplate (Choshen Mishpat). According to Rashi, these stones bore the engraved names of the 12 tribes of Israel and were mounted in gold settings.

Q: Why were the names of the tribes engraved on the stones?

The names engraved on the stones represented the Jewish people before Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) teaches that these stones served as a remembrance for the tribes, showing that each one was precious before G-d. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that this was part of the Kohen Gadol's role in carrying the people's needs before Hashem.

Q: What is the significance of the gold settings around the stones?

The gold settings (mishbetzot zahav) highlight the importance and sanctity of the stones. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:9) compares this to how the Jewish people are 'set' in mitzvos and good deeds, which elevate and protect them like gold settings protect precious stones.

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ אֶת־אַבְנֵי הַשֹּׁהַם מֻסַבֹּת מִשְׁבְּצֹת זָהָב מְפֻתָּחֹת פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם עַל־שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And they arranged the shoham stones enclosed in fixtures of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Vaya'asu et-avnei hashoham musabot mishbetzot zahav mefutachot pituchei chotam al-shemot bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ אֶת־אַבְנֵ֣י הַשֹּׁ֔הַם מֻֽסַבֹּ֖ת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת זָהָ֑ב מְפֻתָּחֹת֙ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חוֹתָ֔ם עַל־שְׁמ֖וֹת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Shoham Stones

The verse describes the crafting of the shoham stones (often translated as onyx) for the choshen</em (breastplate) of the kohen gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi (Shemos 28:9), these stones were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and set in gold filigree. The phrase "mefutachos pituchei chosam" ("graven, as signets are graven") indicates that the engraving was deep and precise, ensuring the names would not fade or wear away.

Symbolism of the Stones

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) teaches that each stone corresponded to one of the tribes, representing their unique spiritual qualities. The gold settings ("mishbetzot zahav") symbolize the divine protection surrounding Israel, as gold represents purity and holiness. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the stones served as a constant reminder before Hashem of the merit of the tribes.

Technical Details of the Engraving

Method: The Talmud (Sotah 48b) states that the engraving was done with the shamir, a miraculous worm capable of cutting stone without physical tools, preserving the sanctity of the work.

Arrangement: The stones were arranged in four rows of three, corresponding to the order of the tribes' encampment in the wilderness (Rashi, Shemos 28:17-21).

Purpose: The choshen was part of the urim v'tumim, through which divine messages were conveyed (Ramban, Shemos 28:30).

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar (Shemos 28:9) emphasizes that the names of the tribes being "sealed" in gold and stone signifies the eternal covenant between Hashem and Israel. Just as a seal is permanent, so too is the bond between the Jewish people and their Creator. The shoham stones, being precious and durable, reflect the enduring nature of this relationship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 73b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen) and the stones that were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel.

📖 Sotah 36a

The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the craftsmanship and significance of the priestly garments, particularly the shoham stones.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the shoham stones in Exodus 39:6?
A: The shoham stones (often translated as onyx) were precious stones set in the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) breastplate (Choshen Mishpat). According to Rashi, these stones bore the engraved names of the 12 tribes of Israel and were mounted in gold settings.
Q: Why were the names of the tribes engraved on the stones?
A: The names engraved on the stones represented the Jewish people before Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) teaches that these stones served as a remembrance for the tribes, showing that each one was precious before G-d. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that this was part of the Kohen Gadol's role in carrying the people's needs before Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the gold settings around the stones?
A: The gold settings (mishbetzot zahav) highlight the importance and sanctity of the stones. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:9) compares this to how the Jewish people are 'set' in mitzvos and good deeds, which elevate and protect them like gold settings protect precious stones.