There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. Each of the twelve stones bears the engraved name of one tribe — engraved like a seal, as the shoulder stones were. The breastpiece carries twelve names individually, one per stone, each stone a personalized identifier for its tribe. The shoulder stones carried six names each in birth order; the breastpiece carries them one at a time, in their individual precious stones. The high priest carries the community corporately on his shoulders and individually on his heart. Both forms of carrying — corporate and individual — are part of the priestly intercession.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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