The Onyx Stones

We get next the onyx stones and the breastplate (Ex. 28:9-30). The names of the children of Israel were to be engraved upon two onyx stones, six names on each. These stones were to be set in gold, and then placed upon the shoulders of the ephod which was to be worn by the high priest. We should notice that these names were to be “according to their birth.” As a writer beautifully brings before us, “If looked at in the onyx stones, there was no difference between one of the children of Israel and another. They were alike children of the same father, and each was presented in the same glory and beauty. No order of precedence was adopted — no conduct evidenced by any altered the arrangement. Reuben might prove as unstable as water, and yet he was first in one of the stones. Benjamin and Joseph might be especial favorites, yet they were last. In point of fact, each of the two stones gave forth its glowing brilliancy equally to each of the six names inscribed thereon. Thus it is with all the redeemed now. If viewed with reference to their birth of God, there can be no difference. One is as precious and glorious as the other.”
These names were to be engraved on the stones — not simply written upon, but cut into them, there to remain. This pictures to us the blessed security of those whose names are written in the book of life, never to be erased. The stones were to be set in gold, which would speak to us of God’s righteousness surrounding and securing His people. The high priest was to bear the stones on his shoulders; this was the place of strength, and since it was not one, but both shoulders, it gives the thought of full strength. The thought connected with the onyx stone is blessedness; and with full strength, the One in the sanctuary above, to whom all power belongs, is bearing His people on to the blessedness that awaits them.