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 meticulously details the first of four rows of precious gemstones to be set into the high priest's breastplate, specifying the sardius, topaz, and carbuncle. This verse underscores God's precise and elaborate instructions for the sacred garments, highlighting the divine order and beauty intended for worship, and foreshadowing the profound symbolic role of the breastplate in representing the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger block of divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, spanning [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Call of Bezalel and Oholiab"). Specifically, [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") is dedicated to the detailed blueprints for the sacred vestments of Aaron and his sons, who were consecrated to serve as priests. The breastplate, known in Hebrew as the *choshen mishpat* (breastplate of judgment), is a central feature described from [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-30 - Description of the Breastplate"). The preceding verses outline the breastplate's overall design, its dimensions, and its attachment to the ephod, while the subsequent verses detail the remaining rows of stones and the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing its primary purpose: 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" ([Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Purpose of the Breastplate")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the high priest served as the chief mediator between God and the nation, representing the people in the most holy acts of worship. The garments he wore were not merely decorative but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning, reflecting his sacred office and God's holiness. Gemstones, throughout the ancient Near East, were highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and often believed to possess protective or symbolic powers. The divine command for specific, precious stones on the breastplate elevated its significance, signifying the immense value God placed on each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastplate, worn over the heart, visually and symbolically placed the entire nation, represented by its tribes, directly before God's presence through the person of the high priest. This act underscored the covenant relationship and God's intimate knowledge and care for His people, even down to the individual tribal representation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sardius (Hebrew, _ʼōdem_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "red," is most commonly identified with carnelian or sard, a translucent to opaque reddish-brown gemstone. Its inclusion as the first stone suggests its prominence or perhaps its association with the first tribe in the traditional order.
* **Topaz (Hebrew, _piṭdāh_):** While the modern topaz is typically yellow, the ancient identification is more ambiguous. Scholars often suggest peridot (chrysolite) or a yellowish-green jasper, stones known and valued in ancient Egypt and Ethiopia. Its color would have provided a distinct contrast to the red sardius.
* **Carbuncle (Hebrew, _bāreqeṯ_):** This term is linked to a root meaning "to flash" or "to lighten," suggesting a stone with a brilliant, fiery luster. It is often identified with a deep red garnet or possibly an emerald, known for its intense green but sometimes used to describe any brilliant, deep-colored gem. The emphasis is on its radiant quality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt set in it settings of stones":** This phrase refers to the breastplate, indicating that the stones were not merely laid upon it but were to be firmly embedded within intricate "settings" or "fillings." This speaks to the permanence and security of the representation.
* **"even four rows of stones":** This establishes the overall structure of the breastplate's adornment, indicating that the twelve individual stones (one for each tribe) would be arranged in a grid of four horizontal rows, each containing three stones.
* **"the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle":** This is the specific command for the initial trio of stones. The naming of these distinct gems highlights God's precise and aesthetic requirements, ensuring variety in color and brilliance for the first row.
* **"this shall be the first row":** This concluding phrase serves as a reiteration and confirmation, emphasizing the completion and specific composition of this particular row before moving on to the subsequent ones. It underscores the divine order and meticulousness.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Precision** and **Detail** as primary literary devices, 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 paramount; each stone, though not explicitly linked to a tribe here, 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 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. 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.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Bearing the Names of Israel")
* [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - 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 details 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 and order 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.

#### 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.

**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.

**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.

### 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").

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.