The term "shoulderpiece" 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 shoulderpieces of the ephod are first mentioned in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the priestly garments. In Exodus 28:6-12 , the ephod is described as being made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. The shoulderpieces were integral to the ephod's design, serving both a functional and symbolic purpose.

Exodus 28:9-12 states: "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 the two stones as a jeweler engraves a seal. Mount them in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones onto the shoulderpieces 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."

The shoulderpieces thus served as a memorial, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This act of bearing the names on his shoulders symbolized the high priest's role in carrying the spiritual and communal burdens of the people before God. The use of onyx stones, set in gold, underscores the precious and sacred nature of this responsibility.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The shoulderpieces of the ephod hold deep theological significance. They represent the high priest's duty to intercede for the people, carrying their concerns and sins before the divine presence. This act of bearing the tribes on his shoulders is a powerful image of leadership, responsibility, and service.

In a broader theological context, the shoulderpieces can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest. Just as the high priest bore the names of Israel on his shoulders, Christ bears the sins and burdens of humanity, offering Himself as the perfect mediator between God and mankind. 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."

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, garments and adornments often held significant cultural and religious meanings. The ephod, with its shoulderpieces, was not merely a piece of clothing but a sacred vestment that set the high priest apart for his divine duties. The craftsmanship involved in creating the ephod, including the engraving of the onyx stones, reflects the importance of the high priest's role and the reverence with which these garments were regarded.

The shoulderpieces, therefore, are a testament to the intricate relationship between the divine and the chosen leaders of Israel, highlighting the themes of remembrance, intercession, and divine service that permeate the biblical narrative.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
... 26), sides (3), slope (4), slopes (1), supports (4). arm, corner,
shoulderpiece, side. From an unused root meaning to clothe; the ...
/hebrew/3802.htm - 6kShoulderpiece

/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

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

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