Exodus 28:12

28:12 You are to put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod, stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron will bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial. ¹ 

Exodus 28:20-22

28:20 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. ²  They are to be enclosed in gold in their filigree settings. 28:21 The stones are to be for the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to the number of ³  their names. Each name according to the twelve tribes is to be like ⁴  the engravings of a seal.

28:22 “You are to make for the breastpiece braided chains like cords of pure gold,

[28:12]  ¹ sn This was to be a perpetual reminder that the priest ministers on behalf of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their names would always be borne by the priests.

[28:20]  ² sn U. Cassuto (Exodus, 375-76) points out that these are the same precious stones mentioned in Ezek 28:13 that were to be found in Eden, the garden of God. So the priest, when making atonement, was to wear the precious gems that were there and symbolized the garden of Eden when man was free from sin.

[28:21]  ³ tn For clarity the words “the number of” have been supplied.

[28:21]  ⁴ tn The phrase translated “the engravings of a seal” is an adverbial accusative of manner here.