Exodus 28:7-17

7 Two shoulder straps, by which it can be fastened, are to be attached to the sides.

8 A finely woven belt made of the same materials is to be attached to the ephod so as to form one piece with it.

9 Take two carnelian stones and engrave on them the names of the twelve sons of Jacob,

10 in the order of their birth, with six on one stone and six on the other.

11 Have a skillful jeweler engrave on the two stones the names of the sons of Jacob, and mount the stones in gold settings.

12 Put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. In this way Aaron will carry their names on his shoulders, so that I, the Lord, will always remember my people.

13 Make two gold settings

14 and two chains of pure gold twisted like cords, and attach them to the settings.

15 "Make a breastpiece for the High Priest to use in determining God's will. It is to be made of the same materials as the ephod and with similar embroidery.

16 It is to be square and folded double, 9 inches long and 9 inches wide.

17 Mount four rows of precious stones on it; in the first row mount a ruby, a topaz, and a garnet;

Exodus 28:7-17 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.