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Exodus 28:11 - Priestly gems: Divine names engraved?

Exodus 28:11 - שמות 28:11

Hebrew Text

מַעֲשֵׂה חָרַשׁ אֶבֶן פִּתּוּחֵי חֹתָם תְּפַתַּח אֶת־שְׁתֵּי הָאֲבָנִים עַל־שְׁמֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מֻסַבֹּת מִשְׁבְּצוֹת זָהָב תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם׃

English Translation

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 Yisra᾽el: thou shalt make them to be set in fixtures of gold.

Transliteration

Ma'aseh charash even pituchei chotam t'fatch et-shtei ha'avanim al-shmot bnei Yisrael musabot mishb'tzot zahav ta'aseh otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה חָרַשׁ֮ אֶ֒בֶן֒ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חֹתָ֗ם תְּפַתַּח֙ אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י הָאֲבָנִ֔ים עַל־שְׁמֹ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מֻסַבֹּ֛ת מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת זָהָ֖ב תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה חָרַשׁ֮ אֶ֒בֶן֒ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חֹתָ֗ם תְּפַתַּח֙ אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י הָאֲבָנִ֔ים עַל־שְׁמֹ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מֻסַבֹּ֛ת מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת זָהָ֖ב תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Engraving the Stones for the Choshen

The verse (Shemot 28:11) describes the intricate craftsmanship required for the two avnei shoham (shoham stones) on the choshen (breastplate) of the Kohen Gadol. Rashi explains that the phrase "ma'aseh charash even" ("the work of an engraver in stone") refers to a specialized artisan who could engrave letters in reverse, like a signet ring, so that when pressed into wax, the impression would appear correctly. This required exceptional skill, as the letters had to be carved deeply and precisely.

The Significance of the Names

According to the Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7), the names of the twelve tribes were engraved on these stones, six on each, in the order of their birth. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) elaborates that the names were written with the letters shin and tav added to Reuven's name and Binyamin's name, respectively, to complete the names of Avraham and Yaakov—emphasizing the divine covenant with the forefathers.

Mishbetzot Zahav (Gold Settings)

The phrase "musabbot mishbetzot zahav" ("set in fixtures of gold") refers to the gold bezels that held the stones securely on the choshen. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the gold settings symbolized the refinement of character—just as gold is purified through fire, so too must a leader (like the Kohen Gadol) refine his middos (character traits) to properly serve Hashem and the nation.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Precision in Divine Service: The meticulous engraving teaches that avodas Hashem (service of G-d) requires careful attention to detail, as emphasized in the Mishnah (Avos 2:1): "Be as careful with a minor mitzvah as with a major one."
  • Unity of the Tribes: The placement of all twelve names on two stones, as noted by the Kli Yakar, symbolizes the unity of Klal Yisrael despite their individual distinctions.
  • Leadership Responsibility: The Kohen Gadol carried these names "al libo" (on his heart), teaching that a leader must bear the concerns of the people with genuine compassion (Ramban).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the craftsmanship of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate, emphasizing the skill required to engrave the names of the tribes of Israel.
📖 Yoma 73b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the details of the High Priest's garments, particularly the breastplate and the engraving of the stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of engraving the names of the tribes on the stones?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 28:11), engraving the names of the 12 tribes on the stones (for the Kohen Gadol's breastplate) symbolizes that the Kohen Gadol carries the entire nation of Israel close to his heart when serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This teaches us about unity and the responsibility of leaders to represent all the people.
Q: Why were the stones set in gold fixtures?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the gold settings elevated the importance of the stones, showing the honor and sanctity of the tribes they represented. Gold, being a precious metal, was used in the Mishkan to signify holiness and the special relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: What do we learn from the craftsmanship described in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 72a) derives from this verse that just as the engravings on the stones were permanent and could not be erased, so too the Torah's teachings must be deeply engraved in our hearts. The precision in craftsmanship also teaches the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments) when serving Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) teaches that just as the names of the tribes were unified on the Kohen Gadol's breastplate, we must strive for unity among the Jewish people. Even though we no longer have the breastplate, we can still embody this lesson by supporting and caring for all Jews, no matter their background.
Q: Why were the names engraved like a signet ring?
A: Rashi (Exodus 28:11) explains that a signet ring's engraving is unique and personal, just as each tribe had its own distinct role within the Jewish nation. This teaches that while we are one people, each individual and group has unique talents and contributions to make.