Exodus 28:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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;

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:17 provides the meticulous divine blueprint for the high priest's breastplate, specifically detailing the first of its four rows of precious gemstones: the sardius, topaz, and carbuncle. This verse is integral to God's precise instructions for the sacred priestly garments, underscoring the divine order, beauty, and profound symbolism intended for worship, and foreshadowing the breastplate's crucial role in representing the twelve tribes of Israel perpetually before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a comprehensive block of divine directives given to Moses on Mount Sinai, commencing in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and extending through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Call of Bezalel and Oholiab"), which outlines the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings and personnel. More specifically, [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") is dedicated entirely to the detailed specifications for the holy vestments of Aaron and his sons, who were consecrated for priestly service. The breastplate, known as the *choshen mishpat* or "breastplate of judgment," is a focal point, described from [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15-30 "Exodus 28:15-30 - Description of the Breastplate"). The verses immediately preceding establish its overall design, dimensions, and its attachment to the ephod, while subsequent verses elaborate on the remaining rows of stones and the inclusion of the Urim and Thummim. The overarching purpose of the breastplate, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Purpose of the Breastplate"), was to "bear the names of the children of Israel upon his heart, when he goeth in before the LORD, for a memorial before the LORD continually."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the high priest occupied a unique and indispensable role as the primary mediator between God and the nation, performing the most sacred acts of worship and intercession. The garments he wore were far from mere attire; they were divinely ordained, imbued with profound symbolic meaning that reflected his sacred office, God's holiness, and the covenant relationship. Throughout the ancient Near East, gemstones were highly prized not only for their inherent beauty and rarity but also often associated with status, power, and even protective or symbolic properties. The divine command for specific, precious stones to be meticulously set into the breastplate elevated its significance, signifying the immense value God placed on each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Worn over the high priest's heart, the breastplate visually and symbolically placed the entire nation, represented by its tribes, directly before God's presence, underscoring the intimacy of the covenant and God's unwavering knowledge and care for His people.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 28:17 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**, as the detailed instructions for the priestly garments underscore the sanctity required to approach a holy God. The meticulous design of the breastplate, with its specific gemstones, emphasizes **Divine Order and Precision**, revealing God as a God of meticulous detail and purpose. Most importantly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Representation and Intercession**, as the stones, later engraved with the names of the tribes, symbolize the high priest carrying the entire nation into God's presence. This act of bearing the names before the Lord, as stated in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Bearing the Names of Israel"), prefigures the ongoing intercessory work for God's people. Furthermore, the preciousness of the stones reflects the **Value and Esteem God Places on His People**, viewing each tribe, and by extension, each individual, as a cherished jewel in His sight.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **settings (Hebrew, _milluʼâh'_):** From a root meaning "to fill," this term refers to a "filling" or "setting" of gems. It denotes the intricate craftsmanship required to securely embed the precious stones into the breastplate, ensuring their permanence and stability. This suggests that the representation of the tribes was to be firm and enduring.
* **rows (Hebrew, _ṭûwr'_):** Derived from an unused root implying a "regular manner" or "to range," this word signifies an ordered sequence or arrangement. Its use here emphasizes the structured, grid-like pattern of the stones, indicating divine organization and the systematic representation of the twelve tribes.
* **sardius (Hebrew, _ʼôdem'_):** From the root meaning "red," this gemstone is identified as a red gem, likely carnelian or sard. Its position as the first stone in the first row is significant, potentially indicating the first tribe in the traditional tribal order (Reuben) or simply establishing a vibrant, foundational color for the breastplate's array.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt set in it settings of stones":** This clause directs Moses to ensure that the breastplate (referring to the *choshen mishpat* previously described) is adorned with gemstones that are not merely attached but securely "set" or embedded within specialized mountings. This speaks to the permanence and security of the representation of Israel.
* **"even four rows of stones":** This specifies the overall structural arrangement of the twelve gemstones that would represent the twelve tribes. They were to be organized into a grid of four horizontal rows, implying three stones per row, ensuring a balanced and ordered display.
* **"the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle":** This is the precise divine command for the initial trio of stones in the uppermost row. The naming of these distinct gems highlights God's meticulous and aesthetic requirements, ensuring a specific combination of colors and brilliance for this prominent row.
* **"this shall be the first row":** This concluding phrase serves as an emphatic reiteration and confirmation, underscoring the completion and exact composition of this specific row before the instructions proceed to the subsequent ones. It reinforces the divine order and meticulousness of the design.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 28:17 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, evident in the exhaustive enumeration of materials, dimensions, and specific gemstones. God's instructions leave no room for human improvisation, emphasizing the sanctity and divine origin of the Tabernacle and its service. **Symbolism** is also profoundly at play; each stone, though not explicitly linked to a tribe in this verse, is part of a larger symbolic system where the twelve gems represent the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the high priest's role as a representative and intercessor. The **Repetition** of "first row" at the beginning and end of the clause serves to emphasize and confirm the specific composition of this initial set of stones, reinforcing the divine order and the importance of adhering to the exact specifications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:17, while seemingly a technical detail, profoundly reveals God's character and His intimate relationship with His people. The meticulous selection and arrangement of precious stones underscore God's desire for beauty, order, and excellence in worship, reflecting His own glory and the splendor of His presence. More significantly, the breastplate, with its embedded stones representing each tribe, symbolizes God's intimate knowledge of and personal value for every individual within His covenant community. It speaks to the theme of divine election and the constant representation of His people before His presence, ensuring their remembrance and favor. This act of bearing the names before the Lord prefigures the ultimate intercessory work of Christ, our Great High Priest.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Bearing the Names of Israel")
* [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")
* [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine precision in designing the high priest's breastplate, down to the specific order and type of each gemstone, offers a powerful reflection on God's character. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in the minutiae of His creation and, more profoundly, in the lives of His people. Just as each tribe was uniquely represented by a precious stone, so too are we, as individual believers, known, valued, and carried in the heart of our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. This passage calls us to consider the immense privilege of being known by God and the profound responsibility of living as His representatives in the world. It reminds us that our worship and service should reflect the same commitment to excellence, order, and intentionality that God Himself demonstrates, and that, like the high priest, we are called to bear one another's burdens and intercede for the world, embodying the love and care that God has for humanity. Our lives, like the breastplate, should be a beautiful display of God's grace, reflecting His glory to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's design speak to His character and His expectations for our worship today?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, participate in a "royal priesthood" today, bearing one another's burdens and interceding for the world?**
* **How does the symbolism of the high priest carrying the names of Israel on his heart deepen our understanding of Christ's intercession for us?**

### FAQ
**Why were specific gemstones chosen for the breastplate?**

Answer: The selection of specific gemstones was not arbitrary but was a direct divine command, emphasizing God's meticulous design for the sacred garments. Each stone was precious and distinct, symbolizing the unique identity and value of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The variety in color and brilliance also contributed to the overall beauty and glory of the high priest's attire, reflecting the splendor of God's presence and the preciousness of His people in His sight. This divine instruction underscores that every detail of the Tabernacle and its service was to be a precise reflection of heavenly realities, as indicated in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern").

**What is the significance of the "four rows of stones" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The instruction for "four rows of stones" is significant because it dictates the arrangement of the twelve total gemstones, with three stones in each row, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. This structured arrangement ensured that each tribe was individually represented and visually prominent on the breastplate. It underscores the divine order and completeness of God's covenant people, all brought into His presence through the high priest. This systematic representation highlights God's comprehensive care for all His people, from the least to the greatest, as seen throughout the biblical narrative of Israel.

**Are the modern identifications of the gemstones mentioned in Exodus 28:17 certain?**

Answer: While scholars have made educated guesses based on linguistic analysis, ancient texts, and archaeological findings, the precise modern identifications of some of the gemstones mentioned in the Bible, including sardius, topaz, and carbuncle, are not absolutely certain. Ancient Hebrew terms for minerals and gems sometimes encompassed a broader range of stones than their modern counterparts, or their exact characteristics may have been lost to time. However, the general characteristics (e.g., color, luster) and their precious nature are widely agreed upon. The theological significance of the stones, representing the tribes of Israel, remains clear regardless of the precise mineral identification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:17, with its detailed description of the high priest's breastplate and its precious stones, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his heart, representing them before God in the Tabernacle; this was a shadow of the true and greater High Priest, Jesus, who perpetually intercedes for His people in the heavenly sanctuary. Unlike the temporary and imperfect sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ entered "not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is our compassionate and faithful High Priest who "sympathizes with our weaknesses" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sympathy")), bearing not just the names of ancient tribes, but the very hearts and lives of all who believe in Him. He carries us, His new covenant people, not on a breastplate of earthly stones, but eternally upon His heart, presenting us spotless before the Father. His intercession is continuous and perfect, for "He always lives to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), ensuring our constant access to God's grace and mercy. The meticulous care God commanded for the breastplate symbolizes the infinite value He places on each of us, a value supremely demonstrated in the sacrifice of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making us "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.