Exodus 28:17

And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, [even] four rows of stones: [the first] row [shall be] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: [this shall be] the first row.

And thou shalt set {H4390} in it settings {H4396} of stones {H68}, even four {H702} rows {H2905} of stones {H68}: the first row {H2905} shall be a sardius {H124}, a topaz {H6357}, and a carbuncle {H1304}: this shall be the first {H259} row {H2905}.

Put on it settings of stones, four rows of stones: the first row is to be a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald;

And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;

And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row;

Commentary

Exodus 28:17 details the specific gemstones to be set in the first of four rows on the high priest’s breastplate, an essential component of the priestly garments. This verse names the sardius, the topaz, and the carbuncle as the stones for this initial row, emphasizing God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage in Exodus (chapters 25-31) where God provides Moses with detailed blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle and the vestments for the priests who would minister within it. The breastplate, known in Hebrew as the choshen mishpat (breastplate of judgment), was a square, folded pouch worn over the ephod. Its primary purpose was to bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord, symbolizing the high priest's role in representing the entire nation. Exodus 28:15-30 provides the full description of this significant garment, highlighting its intricate design and symbolic weight, particularly in bearing the names of the children of Israel upon his heart.

Key Themes

  • Representation of the Tribes: Each of the twelve stones on the breastplate corresponded to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying that the high priest carried the spiritual weight and identity of the entire nation into God's presence.
  • Divine Order and Beauty: The detailed instructions for the stones and their settings underscore God's desire for beauty, precision, and order in worship. Every element of the Tabernacle and its service was designed to reflect divine glory and holiness.
  • Intercession: The act of the high priest bearing the names of the tribes before the Lord symbolized his intercessory role, standing as mediator between God and His people.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the stones specified in this verse are ancient and their precise modern identifications can vary among scholars, though general characteristics are often agreed upon:

  • Sardius (Hebrew: Odem): This stone is generally identified with carnelian or sard, known for its reddish hue. It was a common and valued gemstone in ancient times.
  • Topaz (Hebrew: Pitdah): Often described as a yellowish-green stone, possibly referring to peridot or chrysolite, which were mined in ancient Egypt and Ethiopia.
  • Carbuncle (Hebrew: Bareqeth): This term typically refers to a deep red gemstone, often thought to be a type of garnet or even emerald in some interpretations, though the emphasis is on its fiery luster.

The selection of these vibrant and precious stones not only added to the visual splendor of the high priest's attire but also emphasized the value and preciousness of God's people in His sight.

Practical Application

While the physical breastplate and its stones are part of the Old Covenant, their symbolism carries profound meaning for believers today:

  • Christ, Our Great High Priest: The role of the high priest, bearing the names of the people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is our great High Priest who has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with earthly stones, but bearing us upon His heart in constant intercession before the Father. He ever liveth to make intercession for us.
  • God's Personal Care: The meticulous detail with which God commanded the breastplate's construction, ensuring each tribe was individually represented, speaks to His intimate knowledge and personal care for each of His children. He knows us by name, and we are precious in His sight.
  • Believers as a Royal Priesthood: In the New Testament, all believers are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). While we don't wear physical breastplates, we are called to bear one another's burdens and to intercede for the world, reflecting God's heart for humanity.

Exodus 28:17, though a seemingly small detail, is a testament to God's intricate design, His love for His people, and the foreshadowing of the perfect High Priesthood of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:10

    And they set in it four rows of stones: [the first] row [was] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this [was] the first row.

  • Exodus 39:21

    And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Ezekiel 28:13

    Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

  • Revelation 21:19

    And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

  • Revelation 21:21

    And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

  • Proverbs 8:11

    For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

  • Proverbs 20:15

    ¶ There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.
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