Exodus 28:21

And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

And the stones {H68} shall be with the names {H8034} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, twelve {H8147}{H6240}, according to their names {H8034}, like the engravings {H6603} of a signet {H2368}; every one {H376} with his name {H8034} shall they be according to the twelve {H8147}{H6240} tribes {H7626}.

The stones will correspond to the names of the twelve sons of Isra'el; they are to be engraved with their names as a seal would be engraved, to represent the twelve tribes.

The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

Commentary

Exodus 28:21 describes a crucial detail of the high priestly garments: the twelve precious stones set on the breastplate, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This verse emphasizes the precise and permanent nature of this engraving, likening it to a signet seal, signifying its official and indelible quality.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the tabernacle and the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, given at Mount Sinai. The breastplate, also called the "breastplate of judgment" (Exodus 28:15), was a richly embroidered piece folded to form a pouch, worn over the ephod. It held the Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God's will. The twelve stones, arranged in four rows of three, represented the twelve tribes of Israel. While the names were also engraved on two onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces (Exodus 28:9-12), the breastplate carried them directly over the High Priest's heart.

Key Themes

  • Divine Representation: The High Priest, bearing the names of all the tribes of Israel, carried their identity and needs into the presence of God in the Holy Place. This symbolized his role as their intercessor and representative before the Lord.
  • God's Remembrance: The permanent engraving signifies God's constant remembrance of His people, individually and corporately. Each tribe, and by extension each person within that tribe, was held in divine memory.
  • Unity and Identity: The twelve distinct stones, each representing a tribe, were united on one breastplate, emphasizing the collective identity and unity of the nation of Israel before God, despite their individual tribal distinctions.
  • Preciousness and Value: The use of precious stones highlights the immense value God places on His people. Each tribe was unique and cherished in His sight.
  • Permanence and Authority: The phrase "engravings of a signet" (Hebrew: chotam) refers to a seal used to authenticate documents or signify ownership. This indicates the enduring, authoritative, and covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel. The names were not merely written but deeply etched, signifying an indelible mark.

Linguistic Insights

The term "signet" (Hebrew: chotam) refers to a seal or signet ring, which was pressed into wax or clay to make an official, authentic impression. The engraving on a signet was deep and permanent. This imagery conveys that the names of the tribes were not lightly placed but deeply and enduringly etched, reflecting God's unwavering commitment and the permanent identity of His people before Him.

Practical Application

This ancient instruction carries profound spiritual meaning for believers today. Just as the High Priest carried the names of Israel before God, Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us in heaven. He has entered into the very presence of God for us, bearing our names upon His heart. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance that we are precious in God's sight, constantly remembered, and eternally represented by our Savior.

  • We are individually known and valued by God, just as each tribe had its unique name on a precious stone.
  • Our names are, in a spiritual sense, "engraved" in God's book of life through faith in Christ, signifying an eternal and unbreakable relationship.
  • This verse reminds us of the importance of intercessory prayer, where we, like the High Priest, bring others before God's throne.

The symbolism of the breastplate underscores God's meticulous care for His people and the foundational role of the High Priest in mediating between God and humanity, ultimately pointing to the perfect and eternal high priesthood of Jesus Christ, who lives to make intercession for us.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 7:4 (3 votes)

    And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

  • Revelation 7:8 (3 votes)

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

  • Revelation 21:12 (3 votes)

    And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

  • 1 Kings 18:31 (2 votes)

    And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

  • Luke 22:30 (2 votes)

    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • James 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.