Exodus 28:9

And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:

Exodus 28:9 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to God’s detailed instructions to Moses for making the priestly garments. Aaron and his sons would wear these clothes when they served in the tabernacle. The high priest’s ephod, an apron-like garment, included two onyx stones set in gold on its shoulder pieces.

Meaning

The two onyx stones were precious stones, often black, white, or brown, valued in ancient times for engraving and jewellery. The Hebrew word for onyx, “shoham,” has been translated in different ways, such as beryl or sardonyx. God commanded that the names of the children of Israel be engraved on these stones, six names on each stone. The engraving was done like a signet seal, a common way to mark identity and ownership. This made the names permanent and unchangeable.

The high priest carried these stones on his shoulders, a place of strength and burden. This act signified that he represented the whole community of Israel before God. He bore the weight of the people’s needs, concerns, and sins as their intercessor. The following verse, Exodus 28:12, calls them “stones of memorial” so that Aaron would bear their names before the LORD for a memorial. The shoulders were not just a convenient place; they were a symbol of carrying responsibility. The names were engraved, not painted, showing that God’s remembrance of His people is lasting and secure.

Biblical connections

The engraving of the twelve tribes on the stones reminded Israel of their unity and identity. Each tribe was distinct, yet together they formed one nation under God’s covenant. The permanence of the engraving pointed to the enduring nature of God’s relationship with His people. This Old Testament practice foreshadows Christ, the ultimate high priest, who perfectly represents His people before the Father. He bears them not on stones but in His own person, and He ever lives to intercede for them. This shows that the Old Testament priesthood was a shadow of something greater to come.

Application

Christians today can learn from this picture of intercession. The high priest carried the names of others, reminding us to pray for one another (1 Timothy 2:1) and to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). The unity of the tribes also highlights the importance of fellowship within the Christian community. Each believer is unique, yet all are one body in Christ. Just as the stones were set in gold, our unity is precious and should be treated with care. We are called to remember each other before God, not casually, but with the same seriousness that the high priest showed.

Reflection

God’s detailed instructions show His attention to detail and His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence. The same principle applies today: we are to honour God in all aspects of our lives. The onyx stones remind us that God remembers His people and that Christ, our high priest, continually represents us before the Father. This truth gives us confidence and comfort, knowing that we are never forgotten.