International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Ouches

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Ouches


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ouch´ez, -iz (משׁבּצות, mishbecōth (, , , ; , , , ) the American Standard Revised Version “settings,” but in , “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” (). 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” (). The same word occurs in , where the king's daughter is said to have her clothing “in-wrought with gold,” i.e. embroidered with gold thread or wire. 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.