ouch´ez, -iz (משׁבּצות, mishbecōth ([Exo 28:11], [Exo 28:13], [Exo 28:14], [Exo 28:25]; [Exo 39:6], [Exo 39:13], [Exo 39:16], [Exo 39:18]) the American Standard Revised Version “settings,” but in [Exo 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” ([Exo 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” ([Exo 28:20]). The same word occurs in [Psa 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. [Exo 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.
