Commentary for Sotah 96:12

ור' נחמיה שמיר למאי אתא מיבעי ליה לכדתניא אבנים הללו אין כותבין אותן בדיו משום שנאמר (שמות כח, יא) פתוחי חותם ואין מסרטין עליהם באיזמל משום שנאמר במלואותם

[It means] that they prepared them outside and brought them within. Rabbi said: The statement of R. Judah is probable in connection with the stones of the Sanctuary, and the statement of R. Nehamiah in connection with [Solomon's] house. For what purpose, then, according to R. Nehemiah, was the Shamir necessary? — It was required as taught in the following: We may not write with ink upon these stones,<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' On the ephod and High Priest's breastplate. ');">²¹</span> because it is said: Like the engravings of a signet,<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Ex. XXVIII, 11. ');">²²</span>

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