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Exodus 28:21 - Tribal names on priestly stones?

Exodus 28:21 - שמות 28:21

Hebrew Text

וְהָאֲבָנִים תִּהְיֶיןָ עַל־שְׁמֹת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה עַל־שְׁמֹתָם פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם אִישׁ עַל־שְׁמוֹ תִּהְיֶיןָ לִשְׁנֵי עָשָׂר שָׁבֶט׃

English Translation

And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Yisra᾽el, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with its name shall they be, according to the twelve tribes.

Transliteration

Veha'avanim tihyena al-shemot bnei-yisrael shtem esre al-shemotam pitukhei chotam ish al-shemo tihyena lishnei asar shevet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠הָאֲבָנִ֠ים תִּֽהְיֶ֜יןָ עַל־שְׁמֹ֧ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה עַל־שְׁמֹתָ֑ם פִּתּוּחֵ֤י חוֹתָם֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־שְׁמ֔וֹ תִּֽהְיֶ֕יןָ לִשְׁנֵ֥י עָשָׂ֖ר שָֽׁבֶט׃
וְ֠הָאֲבָנִ֠ים תִּֽהְיֶ֜יןָ עַל־שְׁמֹ֧ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה עַל־שְׁמֹתָ֑ם פִּתּוּחֵ֤י חוֹתָם֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־שְׁמ֔וֹ תִּֽהְיֶ֕יןָ לִשְׁנֵ֥י עָשָׂ֖ר שָֽׁבֶט׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Twelve Stones on the Kohen Gadol's Breastplate

The verse describes the twelve stones on the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), each inscribed with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to Rashi (Shemot 28:21), these stones were not merely decorative but served a divine purpose—they facilitated communication between Hashem and the Jewish people through the Urim v'Tumim.

Symbolism of the Engraved Names

The phrase "פִּתּוּחֵי חוֹתָם" (like the engravings of a signet) emphasizes the permanence and uniqueness of each tribe's identity. Ramban (Shemot 28:21) explains that just as a signet ring bears an indelible imprint, the names of the tribes were deeply engraved, symbolizing their eternal role in the nation of Israel. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 8) further teaches that each stone corresponded to the tribe’s unique spiritual quality and the color of its banner in the wilderness.

The Order and Significance of the Tribes

  • Birth Order vs. Camp Arrangement: The Gemara (Sotah 36a) discusses whether the stones followed the birth order of Yaakov’s sons or the arrangement of the tribes around the Mishkan. Tosafot there suggests that the order on the Choshen aligned with the tribal encampments.
  • Representation of Unity: The Kli Yakar (Shemot 28:21) highlights that despite their individual distinctions, the tribes were united on the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate, reflecting the collective sanctity of Klal Yisrael.

The Divine Connection Through the Choshen

The Zohar (Terumah 152a) teaches that the stones’ luminosity would change to convey divine messages, illustrating Hashem’s direct guidance. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) clarifies that the Urim v'Tumim functioned only when the Kohen Gadol, wearing the Choshen, was in a state of ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 73b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen) and the significance of the twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel.
📖 Sotah 36a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the names of the tribes and their representation on the stones of the breastplate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the 12 stones on the High Priest's breastplate represent?
A: The 12 stones on the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen) represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Each stone was engraved with the name of one of the tribes, showing that the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) carried the entire nation before Hashem when serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This is based on Exodus 28:21 and explained by Rashi.
Q: Why were the names of the tribes engraved like a signet ring?
A: The Torah specifies that the names be engraved 'like the engravings of a signet' (Exodus 28:21) to teach that the letters had to be carved deeply into the stone, not merely painted on the surface. The Talmud (Sotah 48b) explains this was done through a special miraculous process since some stones were too hard for normal engraving.
Q: What can we learn from the High Priest wearing the names of the tribes?
A: The High Priest wearing the names of all 12 tribes teaches us about unity and representation. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the Kohen Gadol served as a representative for all Israel, and the breastplate reminded him of his responsibility to pray for and connect all the tribes to Hashem.
Q: Were all 12 stones on the breastplate the same type?
A: No, each of the 12 stones was a different type of precious gem, with each tribe having its own unique stone. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explains that each stone corresponded to the unique character and spiritual quality of that tribe, just as the flags in the wilderness camp reflected each tribe's distinct identity.
Q: Does the breastplate have any significance today?
A: While we no longer have the actual breastplate, it remains significant as a symbol of Jewish unity and the Kohen's role. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that we should remember its message - that all Jews, like the different stones, have unique roles but together form one complete service of Hashem. Many synagogues today have artistic representations of the breastplate to recall this ideal.