Exodus 28:12-22

12 Fasten the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the Ephod - they are memorial stones for the Israelites. Aaron will wear these names on his shoulders as a memorial before God.

13 Make the settings of gold filigree.

14 Make two chains of pure gold and braid them like cords, then attach the corded chains to the settings. The Breastpiece

15 "Now make a Breastpiece of Judgment, using skilled craftsmen, the same as with the Ephod. Use gold; blue, purple, and scarlet material; and fine twisted linen.

16 Make it nine inches square and folded double.

17 Mount four rows of precious gemstones on it. First row: carnelian, topaz, emerald.

18 Second row: ruby, sapphire, crystal.

19 Third row: jacinth, agate, amethyst.

20 Fourth row: beryl, onyx, jasper.

21 The twelve stones correspond to the names of the Israelites, with twelve names engraved, one on each, as on a seal for the twelve tribes.

22 "Then make braided chains of pure gold for the Breastpiece, like cords.

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.