The term "shoulder-piece" in the context of the Bible primarily refers to a component of the high priest's ephod, a sacred garment worn during religious ceremonies. The ephod, as described in the Old Testament, was an essential part of the high priest's attire, symbolizing his role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.

Biblical Description and Function

The shoulder-pieces of the ephod are detailed in the Book of Exodus. They were part of the elaborate design commanded by God to Moses for Aaron, the first high priest. Exodus 28:6-7 states, "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It must have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened."

These shoulder-pieces were not merely functional but held significant symbolic meaning. They were adorned with two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 28:9-12 explains, "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on these 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."

Symbolism and Significance

The shoulder-pieces, with the engraved stones, served as a perpetual reminder of the high priest's duty to represent the twelve tribes of Israel before God. The act of bearing the names on his shoulders symbolized the priest's role in carrying the spiritual and communal burdens of the people. This imagery underscores the concept of intercession, a key aspect of the high priest's responsibilities.

The use of onyx stones and gold settings highlights the precious and sacred nature of the high priestly office. The detailed craftsmanship and the specific instructions given by God emphasize the importance of obedience and reverence in worship practices.

Typological Interpretation

From a typological perspective, the shoulder-pieces of the ephod can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest. Just as the high priest bore the names of the tribes on his shoulders, Jesus Christ bears the burdens and sins of humanity, interceding on behalf of believers before God. Hebrews 4:14-16 reflects this understanding: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

In summary, the shoulder-pieces of the ephod are a significant element of the high priest's garments, rich in symbolism and theological meaning. They represent the priestly duty of intercession and point forward to the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ.SHOULDER-PIECE

shol'-der-pes (katheph): The word designates the two straps or pieces of cloth which passed from the back of the ephod (see EPHOD) of the high priest over the shoulder and were fastened at the front. These shoulder-pieces seem to have been made of a precious texture of linen (or byssos) with threads of gold, blue, purple and scarlet, to which two onyx (or beryl) stones were attached bearing the names of six tribes of Israel each. These are called the "stones of memorial" (Exodus 39:18). On these straps there were also fastened the plaited or woven bands ("wreathed chains") from which, by means of two golden rings, the breastplate was suspended. It is by no means clear from the descriptions (Exodus 28:7, 12, 25; Exodus 39:4, 7, 18, 20) how we have to imagine the form and attachment of these shoulder-pieces. It has been thought that the ephod might be of Egyptian origin, which is not very probable, though V. Ancessi, Annales de philosophie chretienne, 1872, 45;, reproduces some representations from the great work of Lepsius, Denkmaler, where costly royal garments have two shoulder straps, like the ephod. Usually Egyptian garments have no shoulder strap, or at most one.

H. L. E. Luering

3802. katheph -- shoulder, shoulder blade, side
... arm, corner, shoulderpiece, side. ... garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral
projection of anything -- arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter ...
/hebrew/3802.htm - 6k

646. ephod -- an ephod
... Rarely oephod {ay-fode'}; probably of foreign derivation; a girdle; specifically
the ephod or high-priest's shoulder- piece; also generally, an image -- ephod. ...
/hebrew/646.htm - 6k

Shoulderpiece
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHOULDER-PIECE. shol'-der-pes (katheph):
The word designates the two straps or pieces of cloth which ...
/s/shoulderpiece.htm - 7k

Shoulder-piece
Shoulder-piece. Shoulderpiece, Shoulder-piece. Shoulderpieces . Int. ... HLE Luering.
Shoulderpiece, Shoulder-piece. Shoulderpieces . Reference Bible.
/s/shoulder-piece.htm - 7k

Shoulderpieces (4 Occurrences)

/s/shoulderpieces.htm - 7k

Shoulder-blade (1 Occurrence)
Shoulder-blade. Shoulderblade, Shoulder-blade. Shoulderpiece . Int. ... (See JPS
ASV DBY WBS). Shoulderblade, Shoulder-blade. Shoulderpiece . Reference Bible
/s/shoulder-blade.htm - 7k

Shoulder (72 Occurrences)
... 31:35 f). The Hebrew word katheph comes very close in meaning to the above, though
it is occasionally used in the sense of arm-piece and shoulder-piece of a ...
/s/shoulder.htm - 37k

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