“Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate” (Exodus 25:7).
Firstly, Aaron wore a white coat, over that a blue robe, and thirdly the ephod. The ephod was
made of fine twined linen, embroidered with blue and purple, scarlet and gold (ch.28:6-8).
On the shoulder of the ephod were two onyx stones or “stones of memorial unto the children
of Israel”. They were engraved with the twelve names of the tribes, and, we are told, “Aaron
shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders” (verses 9-12).
This tells us that our Lord carries us upon His shoulders. Let the Lord Jesus carry your burdens.
Cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you (1 Pet. 5:7). When you learn that lesson,
and let the Lord carry your burden, you will enjoy His perfect rest and peace.
Over the ephod was the breastplate of embroidered linen with its chains and ouches of gold.
Upon the breastplate were twelve stones, upon which also were the twelve names of the
twelve tribes (Verse 15-21). These twelve stones were very near the heart of the High Priest.
Wherever he went the stones went with him and by them God reminds His people that He
wants them to be very close to His heart.