“And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.”
Context:Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions from God to Moses about the garments to be worn by the high priest and other priests during their service in the tabernacle. This chapter specifically focuses on the ephod, a special priestly garment. Verse 21 is a part of this description, detailing the stones that are to be placed on the ephod.
Meaning and Key Themes:
- Priestly Representation:The ephod was a significant and elaborate part of the high priest’s attire. It represented his authority and responsibility in ministering before God on behalf of the people of Israel. The twelve stones on the ephod, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes, symbolized the unity and representation of the entire nation before God. The high priest bore the weight of the tribes on his shoulders and over his heart, signifying that he interceded and carried the burdens of the people before the Lord.
- Divine Selection:The names of the children of Israel were specifically engraved on the stones. This process shows that God had chosen and called each tribe and knew them individually. It emphasizes the personal relationship God has with His people, acknowledging them by name and incorporating them into His divine plan.
- Equality and Unity:All twelve tribes were represented equally on the ephod, regardless of their size, status, or history. This conveys the idea that in the eyes of God, every tribe and every individual within those tribes is equally valued and significant. It reinforces the principle of unity among God’s people, as they are all part of the same covenant community.
- Remembrance:The stones on the ephod served as a reminder to the high priest and the people of Israel of their shared identity as a chosen and set-apart nation. It reminded them of their covenant relationship with God and His faithfulness to His promises throughout their history.
Application:The significance of Exodus 28:21 goes beyond the historical context of the priestly garments. As Christians, we can draw valuable lessons and applications from this verse:
- Intercession:Just as the high priest interceded on behalf of the people, Jesus Christ serves as our High Priest who intercedes for us before God (Hebrews 4:14-16). We can trust in His perfect mediation and find comfort in knowing that He bears our burdens.
- Unity in the Church:The representation of the twelve tribes on the ephod reminds us of the unity we should maintain in the body of Christ. As believers, we are one body with different members, and each member is vital to the overall functioning of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
- God’s Personal Relationship with Us:Just as God engraved the names of the tribes on the stones, He knows each one of us personally and calls us by name (Isaiah 43:1). We have a unique and intimate relationship with our Creator.
- God’s Faithfulness:The stones were a reminder of God’s faithfulness in leading and guiding the nation of Israel. In our lives, we can look back and see how God has been faithful in fulfilling His promises, and we can trust that He will continue to do so.
Conclusion:Exodus 28:21 reminds us of God’s desire for unity, representation, and His faithfulness to His people. It encourages us to embrace our role as a chosen and beloved people of God, interceding for one another and living in harmony as one body in Christ. Let us seek to carry each other’s burdens and rely on the intercession of Jesus, our eternal High Priest, as we journey together in faith.
