This verse from Exodus 28:10 is describing how the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were to be engraved on two onyx stones, which would then be placed on the ephod (a type of priestly garment) worn by the High Priest. Let's break down the meaning:
"Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone": This simply states that the names of the twelve tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin) were to be split evenly, with six names on each of the two stones.
"in the order of their birth": This is the crucial part. It means the names of the tribes were to be engraved not alphabetically, not by any perceived importance, but chronologically, based on when each tribe's founder was born. The order of birth is as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin. Note: it should also be noted that because Joseph received a double inheritance, from his two sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), only the name of Joseph (or potentially Ephraim) would have been inscribed.
Significance and Interpretation
Representation of the Tribes: The stones served as a constant reminder of the twelve tribes before God. The High Priest, in wearing the ephod with the names, symbolically carried the tribes with him when he entered God's presence.
Memorial Before God: The stones were a "memorial before the LORD" (Exodus 28:12), signifying that God remembered and cared for the people of Israel.
Order Matters: The order of birth suggests that each tribe had its place in the family of Israel, and this lineage was important. Even the "less favored" or "less prominent" tribes were included in the covenant.
Unity in Diversity: Despite the tribes being different and having their own territories and characteristics, they were unified under God and represented on these stones.
In summary, Exodus 28:10 describes the careful engraving of the names of the twelve tribes on two stones, in the order of their birth, as a constant reminder and representation of the entire nation of Israel before God.
This verse from Exodus 28:10 is describing how the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were to be engraved on two onyx stones, which would then be placed on the ephod (a type of priestly garment) worn by the High Priest. Let's break down the meaning:
"Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone": This simply states that the names of the twelve tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin) were to be split evenly, with six names on each of the two stones.
"in the order of their birth": This is the crucial part. It means the names of the tribes were to be engraved not alphabetically, not by any perceived importance, but chronologically, based on when each tribe's founder was born. The order of birth is as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin. Note: it should also be noted that because Joseph received a double inheritance, from his two sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), only the name of Joseph (or potentially Ephraim) would have been inscribed.
Significance and Interpretation
Representation of the Tribes: The stones served as a constant reminder of the twelve tribes before God. The High Priest, in wearing the ephod with the names, symbolically carried the tribes with him when he entered God's presence.
Memorial Before God: The stones were a "memorial before the LORD" (Exodus 28:12), signifying that God remembered and cared for the people of Israel.
Order Matters: The order of birth suggests that each tribe had its place in the family of Israel, and this lineage was important. Even the "less favored" or "less prominent" tribes were included in the covenant.
Unity in Diversity: Despite the tribes being different and having their own territories and characteristics, they were unified under God and represented on these stones.
In summary, Exodus 28:10 describes the careful engraving of the names of the twelve tribes on two stones, in the order of their birth, as a constant reminder and representation of the entire nation of Israel before God.