Exodus 28:6-14

⁶ “And they should make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked. ⁷ It should have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together. ⁸ And the skillfully woven band on it should be made like it and be of one piece with it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. ⁹ You should take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, ¹⁰ six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. ¹¹ As a jeweler engraves signets, so should you engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You should enclose them in settings of gold filigree. ¹² And you should set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron should bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance. ¹³ You should make settings of gold filigree, ¹⁴ and two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; and you should attach the corded chains to the settings.

bearing the names

Aaron’s ephod was a long sleeveless vest that distinguished him from the other priests. His ephod also contained shoulder straps at the top that contained engraved stones on each shoulder. These were engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, six on each side. Every time Aaron entered the tabernacle, he would be literally bearing the names of the tribes with him. His purpose was “to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD”.[1] This speaks to me of the evangelistic prayer ministry of the priesthood. Aaron was to represent the people before the LORD, seeking their deliverance and blessing.

Christ, as our great high priest, bears our names before the Father in a similar way. This is because “he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”[2]

LORD, we bring the names of our lost loved ones to you today. We ask you to bear their names before the Father, and bring them to full deliverance. We trust you, and know you are able to save them, once and forever.

[1] 28:29.

[2] Hebrews 7:25 NLT.