Exodus 36-40

“They fashioned the breastpiece ...There were twelve stones...each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes” (39:8-14). Every piece of the tabernacle communicated something important to the Israelites about their covenant with God. The high priest’s breastpiece held 12 precious stones engraved with the names of the tribes, and his shoulders carried onyx stones with the same names (39:6). As the high priest walked into the holy place to meet the Lord, he carried all Israel with him.

“The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (40:34). Jesus our high priest carries us with him into God’s holy presence, so that we can share in his glorious fellowship with the Father.