The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; from those upon whom honour is put, service is expected. The Son of man Himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. And mark how each account of these garments ends with 'as the Lord commanded Moses', a pattern for all God's ministers, to make His word their rule in all their ministrations.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 39:1-31
And the stones [were] according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes. (d) That is, every tribe had his name written on a stone.
The passage catalogs the priestly garments in strict order: ephod, breastplate, robe, tunics, turbans, sashes, and finally the diadem on Aaron's turban. Note that the Urim and Thummim, specified in the original design, are conspicuously absent here; the text records only what was actually made. The generic singular 'girdle' applies to all the priests alike, not Aaron alone, since Scripture nowhere describes separate girdles for his sons.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 39:1-31