In the context of the Bible, "ouches" refers to settings or sockets used to hold precious stones, particularly in the garments of the high priest as described in the Old Testament. The term is primarily found in the King James Version of the Bible and is derived from the Hebrew word "mishbetsot," which means "filigree" or "settings."

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:11-14 : The instructions for the creation of the high priest's garments include detailed descriptions of the ephod, a sacred vestment worn by the high priest. The ephod was adorned with two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel. These stones were set in "ouches of gold," which served as ornate settings to hold the stones securely. The passage states: "Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones as a jeweler engraves a seal, and mount them in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones onto the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD. Fashion gold filigree settings and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings."

2. Exodus 39:6-7 : This passage recounts the actual construction of the ephod as commanded by God. It reiterates the use of "ouches of gold" to mount the onyx stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. The text reads: "They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, as a jeweler engraves a seal. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded Moses."

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of ouches in the high priest's garments holds significant symbolic meaning. The onyx stones, set in these golden settings, represented the twelve tribes of Israel and served as a constant reminder of the high priest's role as an intercessor between God and His people. The ouches, being crafted from gold, signify the precious and sacred nature of this duty. The high priest bore the names of the tribes on his shoulders, symbolizing the weight of responsibility and the act of carrying the people of Israel before the Lord in prayer and sacrifice.

Craftsmanship and Artistry:

The detailed craftsmanship involved in creating the ouches highlights the importance of beauty and precision in the service of God. The use of gold filigree settings not only provided a secure and beautiful mount for the stones but also demonstrated the skill and artistry that was dedicated to the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. This attention to detail reflects the reverence and honor due to God in all aspects of worship and service.

In summary, ouches in the biblical context are more than mere decorative elements; they are integral to the symbolism and function of the high priest's garments, representing the connection between God and His chosen people, Israel.An Old English word denoting cavities or sockets in which gems were set (Exodus 28:11). OUCHES

ouch'-ez, -iz (mishbetsoth (Exodus 28:11, 13, 14, 25; Exodus 39:6, 13, 16, 18) the American Standard Revised Version "settings," but in Exodus 39:13, "inclosings"): The secondary meaning of this now archaic word is the gold or silver setting of a precious stone. In Exodus, where it occurs 8 times, it is clear that the gold settings of the engraved stones forming the breast-plate of the high priest are intended; the onyx stones forming the fibula or brooch for holding together the two sides of the breast-plate being said to be "enclosed in ouches (settings) of gold" (Exodus 39:6). Not only were these two onyx or beryl stones so set, but the 12 stones forming the front of the breast-plate were "inclosed in gold in their settings" (Exodus 28:20). The same word occurs in Psalm 45:13, where the king's daughter is said to have her clothing "in-wrought with gold," i.e. embroidered with gold thread or wire. Exodus 39:3 tells us how this wire was produced. From this fact it may be inferred that the settings of the breast-plate were not solid pieces of gold, but were formed of woven wire wreathed round the stones, in a sort of filigree.

See also STONES, PRECIOUS.

W. Shaw Caldecott

O Gift that Camest up Without Price with the Diver!
... This crown is all spiritual pearls, which instead of gold are set in love, and instead
of ouches in faith; and instead of hands, let praise offer it up to the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn v o gift that.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... others for white, with wool dyed by the flowers aforementioned; and fine linen and
precious stones, which those that use costly ornaments set in ouches of gold ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... These stones, however, stood in three rows, by four in a row, and were inserted
into the breastplate itself, and they were set in ouches of gold, that were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning the garments.htm

Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ...
... There were also precious stones that were transparent, some set in crowns of gold,
and some in other ouches, as the workmen pleased; and of these such a vast ...
/.../chapter v concerning the sabbatic.htm

How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ...
... Now into the cordwork thus turned were precious stones inserted, in rows parallel
one to the other, enclosed in golden buttons, which had ouches in them; but ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how ptolemy philadelphus.htm

Ouches (8 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OUCHES. ... See also STONES, PRECIOUS. W. Shaw
Caldecott. Multi-Version Concordance Ouches (8 Occurrences). ...
/o/ouches.htm - 10k

Wreathed (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathed work shalt thou
make them, and fasten the wreathed chains to the ouches. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/w/wreathed.htm - 9k

Inclosed (12 Occurrences)
... (ASV JPS). Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold,
graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. ...
/i/inclosed.htm - 9k

Fasten (28 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 28:14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathed work
shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathed chains to the ouches. ...
/f/fasten.htm - 14k

Shoulderpieces (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:25 And the other two ends of the two wreathed chains thou shalt fasten
in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it. ...
/s/shoulderpieces.htm - 7k

Pieces (209 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:25 And the other two ends of the two wreathed chains thou shalt fasten
in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod before it. ...
/p/pieces.htm - 40k

Othonias

/o/othonias.htm - 6k

Graven (61 Occurrences)
... Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as
signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/g/graven.htm - 27k

Inclosings (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Exodus 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they
were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/i/inclosings.htm - 6k

Fastened (43 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 39:18 And the two ends of the two wreathed chains they fastened
in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it. ...
/f/fastened.htm - 19k

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