Exodus 28:10

Six of their names on one stone, and [the other] six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.

Six {H8337} of their names {H8034} on one {H259} stone {H68}, and the other six {H8337} names {H8034} of the rest {H3498} on the other {H8145} stone {H68}, according to their birth {H8435}.

six of their names on one stone and the six remaining names on the other, in the order of their birth.

six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth.

six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, according to their birth.

Commentary

Exodus 28:10 is part of God's meticulous instructions to Moses regarding the sacred garments for Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. This verse specifies the arrangement of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on the two onyx stones that were to be placed on the high priest's shoulders.

Context

The preceding verses (specifically Exodus 28:9) describe the two onyx stones to be set on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, a key priestly garment. These stones were not merely decorative; they held profound symbolic significance. The instruction here for "Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth" ensures an orderly and complete representation of all the tribes of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Remembrance and Representation: The primary purpose was for the high priest to bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord. This symbolized God's constant remembrance of His people and the high priest's role as their representative and intercessor.
  • Order and Completeness: The specific instruction to divide the names six on each stone, "according to their birth," underscores God's emphasis on divine order and the inclusion of every tribe, ensuring none were forgotten or overlooked in the divine sight.
  • Bearing the Burden: The placement on the shoulders suggests the high priest carried the responsibility and identity of the entire nation, symbolizing his burden of intercession and service for them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "names" is shemot (Χ©Φ΅ΧΧžΧ•ΦΉΧͺ), which in biblical thought signifies more than just a label; it represents identity, character, and essence. For these names to be engraved on durable "stone" (ΧΦΆΧ‘ΦΆΧŸ - 'even) implies permanence and an enduring memorial before God, as further explained in Exodus 28:12.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. Just as the high priest carried the names of Israel, so too does Christ, our perfect High Priest, bear our names before God. He represents us, intercedes for us, and remembers us always in the heavenly sanctuary (see Hebrews 7:25). This truth provides immense comfort and assurance that we are individually known, valued, and continually brought before the Father by our Lord.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 1:1

    ΒΆ Now these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.

  • Exodus 1:4

    Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

  • Genesis 43:33

    And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another.