Exodus 28:21 - The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.
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What does "Exodus 28:21" mean?
Exodus 28:21 describes a specific detail about the high priest's breastplate (the "ephod"), a sacred garment worn during worship. Let's break down the meaning:
"The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve...": This refers to twelve precious gemstones that were to be set in the breastplate. Each stone was to represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin).
"...according to their names...": This reinforces that each stone was associated with a specific tribe and likely engraved with the tribe's name.
"...like the engravings of a signet...": A signet was a personal seal, often carved into a stone or ring, and used to mark documents or property. Signets were often intricate and carefully crafted. This indicates that the engraving of the tribal names on the stones was to be done with skill and precision.
"...everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.": This reiterates that each stone and its engraving were to correspond uniquely to one of the twelve tribes, symbolizing the representation of all Israel before God.
In summary, the verse mandates that:
The high priest's breastplate would have twelve distinct gemstones.
Each gemstone would represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The name of each tribe was to be engraved on its respective stone, similar to the fine craftsmanship of a signet seal.
This arrangement symbolized that the high priest carried the names of all the tribes of Israel before God when he ministered in the sanctuary.
Significance:
Representation: The breastplate with the twelve stones acted as a constant reminder of the covenant between God and all twelve tribes of Israel. The High Priest bore them on his heart as he ministered.
Unity: The placement of all twelve tribes together on the breastplate symbolized the unity of the nation before God, despite their individual differences.
Intercession: By wearing the names of the tribes, the High Priest served as an intercessor, bringing the needs and concerns of the people before God.
Preciousness: The use of valuable gemstones emphasizes the preciousness of God's people in His sight.
The arrangement and significance of the stones on the breastplate were an important part of the symbolism and rituals associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
Exodus 28:21 - The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.
What does "Exodus 28:21" mean?
Exodus 28:21 describes a specific detail about the high priest's breastplate (the "ephod"), a sacred garment worn during worship. Let's break down the meaning:
"The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve...": This refers to twelve precious gemstones that were to be set in the breastplate. Each stone was to represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin).
"...according to their names...": This reinforces that each stone was associated with a specific tribe and likely engraved with the tribe's name.
"...like the engravings of a signet...": A signet was a personal seal, often carved into a stone or ring, and used to mark documents or property. Signets were often intricate and carefully crafted. This indicates that the engraving of the tribal names on the stones was to be done with skill and precision.
"...everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.": This reiterates that each stone and its engraving were to correspond uniquely to one of the twelve tribes, symbolizing the representation of all Israel before God.
In summary, the verse mandates that:
The high priest's breastplate would have twelve distinct gemstones.
Each gemstone would represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The name of each tribe was to be engraved on its respective stone, similar to the fine craftsmanship of a signet seal.
This arrangement symbolized that the high priest carried the names of all the tribes of Israel before God when he ministered in the sanctuary.
Significance:
Representation: The breastplate with the twelve stones acted as a constant reminder of the covenant between God and all twelve tribes of Israel. The High Priest bore them on his heart as he ministered.
Unity: The placement of all twelve tribes together on the breastplate symbolized the unity of the nation before God, despite their individual differences.
Intercession: By wearing the names of the tribes, the High Priest served as an intercessor, bringing the needs and concerns of the people before God.
Preciousness: The use of valuable gemstones emphasizes the preciousness of God's people in His sight.
The arrangement and significance of the stones on the breastplate were an important part of the symbolism and rituals associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple.