Exodus 28:11
With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold. With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
Exodus 28:11 belongs to God's specific, detailed directions to Moses for the dress of those ministering as priests in tabernacle service, with garments specified to suit their work in the holy place. It directs that two onyx stones be engraved in the manner of a seal with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and be set in gold on the gold-embroidered shoulder pieces of the ephod. The ephod was a sleeveless, shorter outer garment worn over the blue robe, made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet and white and held by a beautifully wrought girdle of the same colors, with costly material and beautiful workmanship befitting the high priest's exalted station.
In the heavenly sanctuary Jesus is seen wearing a breastplate whose glittering letters appear as names engraved upon it. The attention to such details as the engraved stones set in gold shows that God requires order in everything and especially cleanliness, and that He is honored or dishonored by the apparel of those who officiate before Him. God gave special directions about everything connected with His service, including the dress of ministers and even the arrangement of houses, for He is the God of heaven who moves the world and sustains life and health.
Order and care in appearance were part of reverent service before God and helped the people recognize the holiness of God and His work. Aaron's garments were symbolic, showing that dress can convey meaning, and the dress of Christ's followers should likewise be symbolic and represent Him.