Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.
The verse describes two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six names on one stone and six on the other, arranged according to birth, set on the gold-embroidered shoulder-pieces of the high priest's ephod. The ephod was a shorter, sleeveless outer garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white, held by a beautifully wrought girdle of the same colors and worn over the blue robe in addition to the common priest's linen dress. Its costly material and beautiful workmanship were suited to the high priest's exalted station.
The verse belongs to God's specific, detailed directions about everything connected with tabernacle service, distinctly prescribing what garments the priests must wear to serve in the holy place and minister in the priest's office, in a particular style suited to their work. Aaron's robes were symbolic, showing that dress can carry meaning. The garments bearing the engraved names correspond to Jesus' heavenly ministration, where He appears with a glittering breastplate bearing letters like names.
The apparel of those who officiate before God can honor or dishonor Him, so their service was to be marked by order in everything and especially cleanliness. Their care in appearing before God was meant to teach the people reverence for His holiness and for sacred service, showing that those who serve God should dress as His representatives.
The verse describes two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six names on one stone and six on the other, arranged according to birth, set on the gold-embroidered shoulder-pieces of the high priest's ephod. The ephod was a shorter, sleeveless outer garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white, held by a beautifully wrought girdle of the same colors and worn over the blue robe in addition to the common priest's linen dress. Its costly material and beautiful workmanship were suited to the high priest's exalted station.
The verse belongs to God's specific, detailed directions about everything connected with tabernacle service, distinctly prescribing what garments the priests must wear to serve in the holy place and minister in the priest's office, in a particular style suited to their work. Aaron's robes were symbolic, showing that dress can carry meaning. The garments bearing the engraved names correspond to Jesus' heavenly ministration, where He appears with a glittering breastplate bearing letters like names.
The apparel of those who officiate before God can honor or dishonor Him, so their service was to be marked by order in everything and especially cleanliness. Their care in appearing before God was meant to teach the people reverence for His holiness and for sacred service, showing that those who serve God should dress as His representatives.