Exodus 28:12

KJV

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H7760} the two {H8147} stones {H68} upon the shoulders {H3802} of the ephod {H646} for stones {H68} of memorial {H2146} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: and Aaron {H175} shall bear {H5375} their names {H8034} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} upon his two {H8147} shoulders {H3802} for a memorial {H2146}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and put the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the vest as stones calling to mind the sons of Isra'el. Aharon is to carry their names before ADONAI on his two shoulders as a reminder.

Berean Standard Bible

Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before Jehovah upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:12 details a pivotal instruction for the High Priest's sacred attire: the placement of two onyx stones, meticulously engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, upon the shoulders of the ephod. These stones were to serve as a perpetual "memorial" before the LORD, symbolizing Aaron's unique and weighty role as the divinely appointed representative who bore the identity, needs, and collective being of the entire nation into God's holy presence, ensuring their constant remembrance and intercession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a broader narrative block of divine directives given to Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and the precise design of the sacred garments for Aaron and his priestly descendants. [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") meticulously outlines the High Priest's attire, including the ephod, the breastplate, the robe, and the turban, with each element carrying profound symbolic weight. Immediately preceding this verse, [Exodus 28:9-10](/exodus/28-9 "Exodus 28:9-10 - Engraving the Onyx Stones") specifies that the names of the twelve sons of Israel, representing the tribes, were to be skillfully engraved upon these two onyx stones, with six names on each stone, arranged "according to their birth." The subsequent verses detail the intricate method of attaching these stones to the ephod and the construction of the breastplate, which would also bear the tribal names. This meticulous instruction underscores the profound theological significance of every component of the High Priest's office and his indispensable role as mediator between a holy God and His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priestly figures often served as vital intermediaries, representing their communities before deities, and their attire frequently communicated their status, function, and symbolic significance. The concept of "bearing" or "carrying" names was a powerful and widely understood symbol of responsibility, representation, and remembrance. Shoulders, universally associated with strength and the bearing of burdens, were a fitting and visually impactful location for the High Priest to carry the names of the tribes. This act visually and symbolically conveyed Aaron's immense responsibility to "carry" the entire nation—their identity, their needs, their sins, and their prayers—into the very presence of the holy God. The setting is the wilderness journey, where the portable Tabernacle served as the central point of God's tangible presence among His people, reinforcing the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). The High Priest's garments were therefore not merely ceremonial vestments but divinely prescribed instruments that facilitated Israel's worship and maintained their unique, consecrated relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Presence and Access**, as the High Priest's garments and ministry were designed to facilitate Israel's approach to a holy God. The verse also highlights **Representation and Mediation**, emphasizing Aaron's unique role as the designated intercessor who stands on behalf of the entire nation. The concept of **Covenant Faithfulness** is underscored, as the "memorial" stones signify God's unwavering remembrance of His covenant with Israel. Furthermore, the meticulous instructions for the priestly garments reinforce the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, demonstrating that every aspect of worship and service to Yahweh must adhere to divine standards. The act of bearing the names also points to the theme of **Corporate Identity**, emphasizing that Israel stands as one unified people before God, despite its tribal divisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _zikrôwn'_):** This term (H2146) is derived from the root *zakhar*, meaning "to remember." In this context, "memorial" signifies something that serves as a memento or a memorable thing, day, or writing. It is intended to bring something to mind, not implying that God is forgetful, but rather emphasizing His active, continuous attention, care, and covenant faithfulness towards His people. The stones were a perpetual reminder *to God* of His covenant with the tribes of Israel, ensuring their constant presence in His divine consciousness and under His watchful eye, particularly as their High Priest ministered on their behalf.
* **Shoulders (Hebrew, _kâthêph'_):** The Hebrew word (H3802) refers to the shoulder, the upper end of the arm, which is the spot where garments hang and burdens are carried. It is figuratively associated with strength, responsibility, and the bearing of burdens. Placing the names of the tribes on the High Priest's shoulders powerfully symbolized his role in carrying the weight and identity of the entire nation. This physical placement underscored the immense responsibility of his office to represent and intercede for the people before the LORD.
* **Bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H5375) means "to lift" in a great variety of applications, both literal and figurative. It encompasses meanings such as to carry, to take away, to support, or to endure. In Exodus 28:12, Aaron is commanded to "bear" the names of the tribes, signifying his active role in carrying their identity and needs into God's presence. This verb emphasizes the physical and spiritual act of sustaining and presenting the people before the divine, highlighting the High Priest's function as a representative who takes on the responsibility for the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod":** This clause provides the precise divine instruction for the placement of the two engraved onyx stones. The "ephod" was a distinctive and elaborate priestly garment, a type of apron worn over a tunic, and its shoulders were specifically designed to bear these significant stones. This act physically positioned the representation of the twelve tribes directly upon the High Priest's person, making them an integral part of his sacred attire and ministry.
* **"for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel":** This phrase elucidates the profound theological purpose of the stones. They were not merely decorative elements but served as a "memorial" (Hebrew: *zikrôwn*) for the Israelites. This signifies that the stones were a constant, tangible reminder *to God* of His covenant people, ensuring their perpetual remembrance and presence before Him through the High Priest's ongoing ministry. It underscores God's unwavering attention, faithfulness, and active engagement with His chosen nation.
* **"and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial":** This concluding clause reiterates and powerfully reinforces the previous statement, emphasizing Aaron's personal and active responsibility in this act of representation. By bearing "their names" (the names of the twelve tribes) on his shoulders, Aaron literally carried the identity, burdens, and collective being of the entire nation into the holy presence of God. This act was a continuous "memorial," a perpetual presentation of Israel before the divine, signifying ongoing intercession, divine remembrance, and the enduring nature of the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 28:12 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Representation**. The onyx stones themselves, meticulously engraved with the names of the tribes, are potent symbols of the chosen people of Israel, encapsulating their collective identity. Their placement on the High Priest's shoulders is deeply symbolic of the burden, responsibility, and strength required for his office, as shoulders are universally associated with carrying weight and undertaking significant tasks. This physical act visually represents Aaron's spiritual burden of carrying the entire nation before God. The phrase "stones of memorial" functions as **Metonymy**, where the object (stones) stands for the abstract concept of remembrance, perpetual presence, and divine attention. The entire scene is also a profound example of **Typology**, foreshadowing a greater reality. Aaron, as the High Priest, represents the people before God, a role that finds its ultimate, perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents and intercedes for His people. The meticulous detail of the instructions further highlights divine **Order and Precision**, underscoring God's intentionality in establishing the precise means by which His people could approach Him and maintain their covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:12 profoundly illustrates the foundational themes of divine remembrance, priestly representation, and the enduring covenant relationship between God and His people. The High Priest, Aaron, literally bore the names of the twelve tribes into the very presence of the LORD, signifying that the entire nation was continually on God's heart and mind. This act was a tangible assurance that despite their wanderings, imperfections, and potential for disobedience, Israel remained God's chosen people, always remembered and interceded for. It underscores the vital concept of a mediator, one who stands between a holy God and a sinful people, presenting them before the divine throne and ensuring their acceptance. This foundational understanding of representation and intercession is crucial for grasping the broader narrative of salvation history and the ongoing work of God in redeeming and sustaining His people.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Names on the Breastplate")
* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Leviticus 16:16 - Atonement for the Sanctuary")
* [Numbers 10:10](/numbers/10-10 "Numbers 10:10 - Trumpets for Memorial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 28:12 offers profound comfort, assurance, and insight for believers today. The vivid image of Aaron bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders, serving as a constant "memorial" before the LORD, speaks volumes about God's unwavering attention, steadfast love, and meticulous care for His people. We are reminded that we are not forgotten or overlooked, but are continually brought into God's presence through our ultimate and perfect High Priest. This verse encourages us to live with the profound awareness that our identity in Christ means we are perpetually "on His shoulders," carried by His divine strength, and presented blameless and beloved before the Father. It invites us to trust implicitly in His ongoing intercession for us, knowing that our needs, our struggles, our prayers, and our very being are always before God's gaze. This truth should inspire immense confidence in prayer, deep assurance in our salvation and standing with God, and a profound sense of belonging to God's eternal family, empowering us to walk in faith and gratitude.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of Aaron bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders impact your understanding of God's personal and corporate care for His people?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the importance of intercession, both by our High Priest and by us for others within the body of Christ?**
* **What does it mean for you to be a "memorial" before the LORD through Christ, and how might this truth influence your daily walk of faith and sense of security?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "shoulders" in Exodus 28:12?**

Answer: The shoulders are profoundly significant in Exodus 28:12 because they are the part of the body universally associated with strength, responsibility, and the bearing of burdens. By placing the onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, on the High Priest's shoulders, the text powerfully emphasizes Aaron's weighty responsibility to "carry" the entire nation—their identity, their needs, their spiritual well-being, and their very existence—into the presence of the LORD. It visually represents his role as the one who bears the people before God, undertaking the immense task of intercession and representation. This symbolism is consistent with other biblical passages where shoulders denote authority or responsibility, such as when the government is said to be upon the Messiah's shoulder in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Government on His Shoulder").

**What does "stones of memorial" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "stones of memorial" (Hebrew: *zikrôwn*) signifies that these stones served as a perpetual reminder to God of the children of Israel. It does not imply that God is forgetful, but rather emphasizes His active and continuous attention, care, and covenant faithfulness towards His people. The High Priest, by bearing these stones, ensured that the tribes were always "brought to remembrance" before the LORD, affirming their status as His chosen nation and the recipients of His covenant promises. This concept of "memorial" is also seen in other contexts, such as the Passover, which serves as a "memorial" of God's deliverance from Egypt for all generations ([Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Passover as a Memorial")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:12, with Aaron bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders as a perpetual memorial before the LORD, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Aaron's limited, earthly representation is perfectly fulfilled and infinitely surpassed by Christ. Just as Aaron carried the names of the tribes into the earthly sanctuary, Jesus, our great High Priest, has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, bearing us—His redeemed people—before God the Father. He is not merely a memorial, but the living, eternal intercessor who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ has perfectly represented us, carrying our sins and burdens, and presenting us as righteous and holy before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). We are eternally "on His shoulders," not as a heavy burden, but as His beloved flock, whom He seeks and carries home with joy and security ([Luke 15:5](/luke/15-5 "Luke 15:5 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")). Thus, the ancient imagery of Exodus 28:12 finds its glorious and complete reality in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who ensures our constant remembrance, acceptance, and advocacy before the throne of grace, inviting us to draw near with confidence ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 28:29

And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy [place], for a memorial before the LORD continually.

Joshua 4:7

Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Exodus 39:6

And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

Exodus 39:7

And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, [that they should be] stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 16:40

[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

Leviticus 24:7

And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, [even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Numbers 31:54

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, [for] a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.