The Ephod and Shoulder Stones – Bearing the Names of God’s People

The ephod, woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, served as the foundational garment for the high priest. Attached to it were two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel—six names on each stone—set in gold and fastened on the shoulders.

This imagery of bearing names upon the shoulders is rich with spiritual meaning. It symbolizes the high priest’s role as the one who carries the people into the presence of God. He doesn’t come before the Lord on his own—he brings the whole nation with him.