Exodus 28 – The vestments shall
have breast-pieces, ephods, robes, brocaded tunic, miter and sash. Onyx
stones—one for each of the sons of Israel—engraved with the names in order of
birth, shall be set in the shoulder strap of the ephod. The breastplate “of decision” made with
various precious stones (the names of which seem to vary with each English
translation)—12 different ones: carnelian, topaz, emerald—garnet, sapphire,
beryl—jacinth, agate, amethyst—chrysolite, onyx, jasper (NAB).
Aaron will thus “bear the names of the sons of
Israel on the breastpiece of decision over his heart as a constant reminder
before the Lord” (28:29). In the breastpiece shall go the Urim and
Thummim (over his heart). Schocken
editors have little to add to explain but note that Urim starts with the
first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and Thummim with the last letter.
Aaron’s
robe shall be made of violet material, and all around the hem he shall have
gold bells and pomegranates alternating, and he must wear this whenever he is
ministering in the sanctuary or else he will die. On the miter there shall be a plate of gold engraved with
“Sacred to the Lord” and this shall hang on his forehead “Since Aaron bears whatever guilt the
Israelites may incur in consecrating their gifts” (28:38). He must
always have this plate on.
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