Original Word: מְשְׁבְּצָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mishbtsah
Pronunciation: mish-baw-tsaw'
Phonetic Spelling: (mish-bets-aw')
KJV: ouch, wrought
NASB: filigree, interwoven
Word Origin: [from H7660 (שָׁבַץ - set)]

1. a brocade
2. by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem

ouch, wrought

From shabats; a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem -- ouch, wrought.

see HEBREW shabats

Word Origin
from shabats
Definition
checkered or plaited work
NASB Translation
filigree (8), interwoven (1).

מִשְׁבְּצ(וֺ)ת noun feminine^{Exodus 28:25}

plural chequered (or plaited) work, usually of settings for gems; — צָהָב ׳מ (i.e. plaited with gold-thread) for two gems on high priest's ephod (P): Exodus 28:11,13; Exodus 39:6,13,16; ׳מ absolute Exodus 28:14,25,39; Exodus 39:18; לְבוּשָׁהּ ׳ז ׳מִמּ Psalm 45:14 her clothing is of chequer work in wrought with gold; < Krochm Gr Che^{comm. {abbrev}}מְּנִינִים בְּמִשְׁבְּצוֺת ז לְבוּשָׁהּ (see מְּנִימָה above) pearls in plaited settings of gold (-thread).

Meshbetsah: gold filigree setting

Physical description and function

Meshbetsah denotes the finely wrought gold work that forms a bezel or lattice around precious stones. It is not the stone itself but the mount that both secures and ornamentally frames the gem. The term embraces braiding, chaining, or net-like weaving of gold, producing a setting at once strong and delicate. Its appearance in priestly garments and royal finery links it to concepts of beauty, permanence, and value.

Occurrences in Exodus

1. Exodus 28:11–14 introduces meshbetsah in the instructions for the high priest’s ephod and shoulder pieces: “Then mount these stones in gold filigree settings… Fashion settings of gold filigree, and attach two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work”.
2. Exodus 28:25 repeats the requirement as the breastpiece chains are fastened to the ephod by the same golden lattice.
3. Exodus 39:6, 13, 16, and 18 record the fulfillment of those commands, emphasizing strict obedience: “They fashioned the onyx stones, mounted in gold filigree settings, and engraved them with the names of the sons of Israel” (Exodus 39:6).

Priestly symbolism

• Representation: The mounted stones bore the names of Israel’s tribes, declaring that the people were carried on the high priest’s shoulders and near his heart (Exodus 28:12, 29). The meshbetsah, therefore, became the visible union of divine glory (gold) and covenant people (jewels).
• Permanence: A setting prevents loss; similarly, the covenant relationship safeguarded Israel within God’s redeeming purpose.
• Holiness and beauty: Exodus 28:2 states the garments were “for glory and for beauty.” Meshbetsah displays meticulous workmanship that mirrors the holy character of the God who prescribed it.

Technique and craftsmanship

God endowed Bezalel and Oholiab “with skill… to perform every craft of the engraver and designer” (Exodus 35:35). Meshbetsah required:
• Purity of material—gold refined to convey divine worth.
• Precision—uniform filigree so each stone fits securely.
• Unity—twelve distinct gems held by one latticework, illustrating corporate identity within priestly intercession.

Royal application in Psalm 45:13

“All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold”. Here meshbetsah moves from priestly vestments to bridal attire, portraying the king’s daughter clothed in splendor. The filigree becomes a metaphor for regal dignity and joyful anticipation, anticipating the union between the Messianic King and His people.

Christological foreshadowing

The high priest’s filigreed settings prefigure Jesus Christ:
• He is the true High Priest who bears our names before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).
• Gold, symbolizing deity, embraces the stones—representative of redeemed humanity—pointing to the mystery of the Incarnation.
• As the gems could not slip from their meshbetsah, believers “are protected by the power of God through faith” (1 Peter 1:5).

Practical ministry reflections

1. Excellence in worship: The Lord values skillful, wholehearted service (Colossians 3:17). The perfection of meshbetsah encourages craftsmen, artists, and worship leaders to pursue beauty that honors God.
2. Spiritual security: Pastoral ministry can draw comfort from the imagery of names held fast by gold, reminding the flock of their secure position in Christ.
3. Corporate identity: Like stones united in one setting, the church is “being built together for a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:22). Diversity is framed by the glory of Christ.

Summary

Meshbetsah, though a small detail in the tabernacle narrative, conveys weighty truths: the union of glory and grace, the certainty of covenant love, and the splendor destined for God’s people. From priestly shoulders to royal bridal garments, its golden filigree celebrates the unfading beauty that flows from the presence of the LORD.

הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצ֑וֹת הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת׃ המשבצות המשבצת המשבצת׃ מִֽמִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֖ת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת ממשבצות משבצות משבצת ham·miš·bə·ṣō·wṯ ham·miš·bə·ṣōṯ hammišbəṣōṯ hammišbəṣōwṯ HammishbeTzot mim·miš·bə·ṣō·wṯ mimishbeTzot mimmišbəṣōwṯ miš·bə·ṣō·wṯ miš·bə·ṣōṯ mišbəṣōṯ mišbəṣōwṯ mishbeTzotInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts