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.
The stones should have the names of the children of Israel on them—twelve stones, one for each name. They should be engraved like a signet ring, with each stone bearing the name of one of the twelve tribes.
God is instructing that twelve precious stones be engraved with the names of Israel's twelve tribes to be worn by the high priest as a constant reminder that he represents all of God's people.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes part of the elaborate priestly garments God commanded Moses to make for Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. These twelve engraved stones were to be set in the breastplate of judgment, which the high priest wore when ministering before God in the tabernacle. The detailed instructions emphasize how the high priest literally carried the names of all twelve tribes over his heart when he entered God's presence.
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