Exodus 28:11-12 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord.
I know that I have read these verses in Exodus before, but, apparently, I blocked them. I have no memory of these minute, intricate, exhaustive details for….literally everything. When asked why Exodus goes into quite so much detail, Google AI says, “to emphasize the holiness of God, ensure precise obedience, and establish the Tabernacle as a ‘shadow’ or symbolic representation of heavenly realities and Jesus Christ.”
Exodus 28:13-14 Make gold filigree settings and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the chains to the settings.
I don’t know how much stock I put in AI (it hallucinates), but I can definitely see the symbolism and the holiness of God in these details, but, honestly, I’m ready to fast forward, move right on past all these details. So I continue to ask, “What does God want me to notice here?” in the hopes that I will not miss what’s important.
Exodus 28:15 “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.
Precious Savior, It is so easy to gloss over things (especially three chapters and counting of details). Help me to see You, to draw closer to You, even now, even here. Amen.
Exodus 28:16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double.
Have a blessed day.