שמות, פרק ל״ט, פסוק י״ד

The breastplate featured twelve distinct stones, each serving as a dedicated placeholder for the tribes of Israel. The engraving process was carried out with exact precision, ensuring that the name of a single, specific tribe was carved into its own designated stone [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This careful carving went far beyond mere decoration or symbolism. It was a strict legal requirement for the priestly garments. The physical stones and the names carved into them were entirely dependent on one another. If the stones lacked these specific engravings, the entire breastplate was considered legally invalid and could not be used.

Carving the names of the tribes stood as an independent duty. This requirement was so absolute that it had to be carried out completely even during the era of the Second Temple, despite the fact that the Urim and Thummim were no longer present during that time [צפנת פענח].