Exodus 28 12

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.

Exodus 28:12 nkjv

And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders as a memorial.

Exodus 28:12 niv

and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

Exodus 28:12 esv

And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance.

Exodus 28:12 nlt

Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the LORD.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 12 Meaning

Exodus 28:12 describes a specific command concerning the High Priest's ephod. It instructs that two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, be placed on the ephod's shoulder pieces. The verse explicitly states these are "stones of remembrance" for the sons of Israel, meaning they serve as a perpetual reminder to the Lord of His covenant people. Thus, Aaron, as the High Priest, bore the identity and concerns of the entire nation before God, symbolizing constant representation and intercession in the divine presence.

Exodus 28 12 Context

Exodus chapter 28 is part of a lengthy section detailing God's precise instructions for building the Tabernacle and its associated articles, including the sacred vestments for the priests. Chapters 25-31 lay out the divine blueprint, ensuring that everything accurately reflected God's holy presence and the means by which His people could approach Him. Specifically, Exodus 28 outlines the specific garments for Aaron, the first High Priest, and his sons, emphasizing their distinction and sacred duties. Verse 12 is found within the detailed description of the ephod, a highly significant priestly garment. It follows the instruction to engrave the names of the twelve sons of Israel on two onyx stones, six names on each stone, in the order of their birth (Ex 28:9-11). The immediate context underscores the importance of the High Priest as the representative of the entire nation before the Lord, bridging the gap between a holy God and His people.

Exodus 28 12 Word analysis

• "And you shall set": A divine imperative (Hebrew: וְשַׂמְתָּה w'samta from שׂוּם sum), indicating a direct, non-negotiable command from God for specific action regarding the construction of the sacred garments.
• "the two stones": Refers to the precious onyx stones (Hebrew: שֹׁהַם shoham) specified in Exodus 28:9. Onyx was highly valued for its beauty and durability, symbolizing the preciousness and enduring nature of God's people and His covenant with them.
• "on the shoulder pieces": Hebrew: כְּתֵפֹת k'tefot. The shoulders are symbolic of strength, support, responsibility, and the capacity to bear burdens. Placing the names on the shoulders signified that Aaron, as High Priest, bore the weight and concerns of the entire nation before the Lord. This contrasts with the breastpiece, which rested over the heart, symbolizing judgment and compassion (Ex 28:29-30).
• "of the ephod": A sleeveless garment that formed a critical part of the High Priest's attire (Ex 28:6). It was made of intricately woven gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen, signifying its divine origin and sacred purpose in mediating between God and Israel.
• "as stones of remembrance": Hebrew: אַבְנֵי זִכָּרֹן avnei zikaron. The word זִכָּרֹן zikaron (remembrance/memorial) implies more than simple recollection; it signifies a perpetual, active bringing to mind or a formal memorial before God. While God is omniscient and does not literally "forget," this phrase indicates His divine decree that the High Priest, representing Israel, should constantly stand in a memorial relationship with Him. It's a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and ensures His constant attentiveness to His people's presence and needs.
• "for the sons of Israel": Refers to the collective twelve tribes, emphasizing that the High Priest's representation was for the entire covenant community, not just individuals.
• "So Aaron shall bear": Indicates the direct mandate for Aaron as the High Priest to carry out this specific duty of representation. This highlights the vital role of the divinely appointed mediator.
• "their names": The actual names of Jacob's sons, engraved on the stones (Ex 28:10). Names in ancient cultures often carried significant meaning, representing identity, essence, and authority. Bearing their names meant Aaron bore their full identity and status before God.
• "before the LORD": Hebrew: לִפְנֵי יְהוָה lifnei YHWH. Signifies being in the direct presence of the holy God, where all matters of covenant and intercession were addressed. It underscores the profound sanctity and spiritual significance of the act.
• "on his two shoulders": Reiteration emphasizing the weight, responsibility, and the all-encompassing nature of this burden-bearing representation by the High Priest. The emphasis on "two" ensures complete and balanced representation.
• "for remembrance": Reinforces the primary purpose of the stones – a constant memorial before God, assuring His people that they were perpetually kept in His divine mind and presence through their High Priest.

Exodus 28 12 Bonus section

• The meticulous detail concerning the ephod and its stones, alongside the breastpiece over the heart, showcases God's intricate design for the priesthood, establishing order and a clear pathway for divine interaction for the Israelites.
• The fact that God commanded these items and their functions demonstrates His proactive desire for humanity's reconciliation and sustained relationship, long before Christ's advent.
• The ephod stones represented collective Israel, while the breastpiece (mentioned in subsequent verses, Ex 28:29-30) represented individual Israelites and was connected to seeking God's judgment and guidance (the Urim and Thummim). Together, they presented the full scope of God's covenant with His people, collectively and individually, through the High Priest.
• This act underscores a divine principle: representation is key in the relationship between God and humanity. God ordained specific means for His people to be "present" before Him, culminating in Christ as the perfect and eternal Representative.

Exodus 28 12 Commentary

Exodus 28:12 is a foundational verse articulating the symbolic and functional role of the High Priest in mediating for Israel before God. The placement of the engraved tribal names on the onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces signifies Aaron's powerful intercessory position. The shoulders, symbols of strength and authority, demonstrate that Aaron literally bore the identity, weight, and spiritual condition of the entire nation into God's holy presence. These were not mere decorative items; they were "stones of remembrance"—a divinely commanded visual and theological memorial, ensuring that Israel was constantly kept in God's mind, a testimony to His unfailing covenant faithfulness. This act powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who bears His people not merely on earthly shoulders but fully in His very being and priestly intercession, forever representing them before the Father in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24), actively carrying their burdens, weaknesses, and even their very being into the divine presence for complete and eternal remembrance.