Exodus 28:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As a jeweler engraves signets, so shall you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree.

NIV: Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings

NASB: As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold.

CSB: Engrave the two stones with the names of Israel’s sons as a gem cutter engraves a seal. Mount them, surrounded with gold filigree settings.

NLT: Engrave these names on the two stones in the same way a jeweler engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in settings of gold filigree.

KJV: With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.

NKJV: With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall set them in settings of gold.

Exodus 28:6–14 describes the "ephod:" a sacred garment (Exodus 28:1–5) something like a vest or smock. The ephod includes shoulder pieces rimmed with ornate gold wiring, which hold engraved onyx stones. These stones record the names of the twelve sons of Israel (Genesis 32:28; Exodus 1:1–5) by order of birth. Braided gold chains will connect the shoulder pieces to a jeweled breastpiece (Exodus 28:15). Only a high priest such as Aaron will wear this (Exodus 40:13–15).

The Lord will assign Aaron and his descendants to be Israel's priests (Numbers 3:10). In this chapter, God describes the priestly garments worn for this office. They are to be beautiful and made with great skill. A high priest's uniform included a breastpiece, a sleeveless smock called an "ephod," as well as a robe, coat, turban, and sash. Other priests wore caps, sashes, coats, and linen underclothes made for their roles. Some items are explained in detail. These garments embody various elements of worship under the Mosaic covenant.

Israel arrived at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) where God began to declare His laws (Exodus 19:5–6). These began with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and assorted rules (Exodus 21—23). The Lord also explained designs for His sanctuary and its accessories (Exodus 25—27). This chapter specifies how to make priestly garments, beginning with those of the high priest. The following passage shows how to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) before returning to describe the last items to be constructed (Exodus 30).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.