Exodus 28:12-22

12 Then put the two stones on the two straps of the holy vest as reminders of the twelve sons of Israel. Aaron is to wear their names on his shoulders in the presence of the Lord as reminders of the sons of Israel.

13 Make two gold pieces to hold the stones

14 and two chains of pure gold, twisted together like a rope. Attach the chains to the two gold pieces that hold the stones.

15 "Make a chest covering to help in making decisions. The craftsmen should make it as they made the holy vest, using gold and blue, purple and red thread, and fine linen.

16 The chest covering must be square -- nine inches long and nine inches wide -- and folded double to make a pocket.

17 Put four rows of beautiful gems on the chest covering: The first row must have a ruby, topaz, and yellow quartz;

18 the second must have turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

19 the third must have a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

20 the fourth must have a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. Put gold around these jewels to attach them to the chest covering.

21 There must be twelve jewels on the chest covering -- one jewel for each of the names of the sons of Israel. Carve the name of one of the twelve tribes on each of the stones as you would carve a seal.

22 "Make chains of pure gold, twisted together like rope, for the chest covering.

Exodus 28:12-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 28

This chapter informs us of the servants God would have to minister to him in the house, or tabernacle, he had ordered to be made, even Aaron and his sons, Ex 28:1 of the garments they were to wear in their service, Ex 28:2-5 and first of the garments of the high priest, and particularly of the ephod, with the girdle, on the shoulder pieces of which were to be two onyx stones, with the names of the children of Israel engraved on them, Ex 28:6-14, and that of the breastplate of judgment, with the Urim and Thummum in it, Ex 28:15-30 and of the robe of the ephod, Ex 28:31-35, and of the mitre, Ex 28:36-39 and then of the garments of the common priests, Ex 28:40-43.