Exodus 28:29 - Exposition

And Aaron shall bear , etc. "Aaron," i.e; "shall not only bear the names of the twelve tribes upon his shoulders ( Exodus 28:12 ), but also upon his heart." He shall thus make a double presentation of them to God continually. The explanation is somewhat fanciful, that the names on the shoulder-stones indicated that the people were a burthen to him, while those on the stones of the breast-plate, being upon his breast, indicated that he bore them affection. The breast and the shoulder were probably chosen as being conspicuous and honourable positions.