Exodus 28:29

Upon his heart. Aaron, like the high priests who succeeded him, was to wear the names of the children of Israel not only upon his shoulders (verse 12) but also “upon his heart.” Thus he presented them continually before the Lord upon his shoulders to show that he carried a solemn responsibility for them, and upon his heart to indicate his love and affection for them. Whenever he went into the tabernacle for the people, his heart was bowed before the Lord in the consciousness of their sin and need. Christ, our High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven (Hebrews 3:1; 8:1, 2), has accepted responsibility for our salvation, for the “government” of the kingdom of grace is “upon his shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). He also bears us on His heart (see Galatians 2:20), for in all our “affliction” He is “afflicted,” and He is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Isaiah 63:8, 9; Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16).

For a memorial. The high priest bore the names of Israel “continually,” that they might ever be remembered before God. He was never to forget his position and responsibility as their representative. In the same way Christ “ever liveth to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25), having “graven” us upon the palms of His “hands” (Isaiah 49:16).