Exodus 28:19

KJV

And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the third {H7992} row {H2905} a ligure {H3958}, an agate {H7618}, and an amethyst {H306}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the third row an orange zircon, an agate and an amethyst;

Berean Standard Bible

in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

American Standard Version

and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 28:19 meticulously details the specific precious stones—a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst—that were to comprise the third row of the high priest Aaron's sacred breastplate. These stones, part of a set of twelve, each represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying God's meticulous design for the priestly garments and the high priest's solemn role in bearing the names of God's people before the Lord in the sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 28 is a pivotal chapter within the larger narrative of the tabernacle's construction and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter specifically outlines the design and purpose of the sacred garments for Aaron and his sons, emphasizing their role in mediating between God and Israel. The breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment" or "breastplate of decision" (Hebrew: חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט, *choshen mishpat*), is described in [Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15-30 "Exodus 28:15-30 - The Breastplate of Judgment"), with the placement of the twelve stones being a central feature. [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17-20 "Exodus 28:17-20 - The Four Rows of Stones") list the four rows of three stones each, with verse 19 focusing on the third row. The purpose of these stones is explicitly stated in [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Aaron Bearing the Names of Israel"), where Aaron is commanded to "bear the names of the sons of Israel on his heart" as a "memorial before the Lord continually." The immediate verses preceding this passage (e.g., [Exodus 28:17-18](/exodus/28-17-18 "Exodus 28:17-18 - The First Two Rows of Stones")) describe the first two rows, setting the pattern for the precise enumeration of the stones.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, precious stones were highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and often for perceived magical or protective qualities. They were frequently used in royal regalia, religious artifacts, and as symbols of status and power. For Israel, however, the use of these stones was reoriented from pagan associations to reflect God's glory and His covenantal relationship with His people. The tabernacle itself was a portable sanctuary, a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people during their wilderness journey, and the priestly garments were essential for proper worship and access to God's presence. The high priest, as the chief mediator, embodied the entire nation before God. The specific selection of twelve distinct stones, each representing a tribe, underscored the unity and diversity of the covenant people, each equally precious in God's sight, and all brought into His presence through the designated priestly representative. The detailed instructions for the tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments, were given at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant Confirmed")), establishing the foundational elements of Israel's worship and national identity as a people set apart for God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the detailed instructions for the priestly garments, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing proper worship and the sacred space for His presence. Every aspect, down to the specific stones, is divinely ordained. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Representation and Mediation**, as the high priest, adorned with these stones, physically bears the names of the tribes before God, acting as their mediator. This emphasizes the need for a designated representative to approach a holy God. Thirdly, the twelve stones collectively symbolize **God's Covenantal Relationship with Israel**, showcasing His care for each tribe individually while uniting them as a single, precious people whom He has chosen and redeemed. This theme of God's people being precious to Him is woven throughout the narrative, from their deliverance from Egypt in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover") to their journey towards the promised land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ligure (Hebrew, _leshem'_):** From an unused root of uncertain meaning, this gem is perhaps the jacinth. The exact identification of this stone is debated among scholars. Some suggest it refers to amber, jacinth, or opal. The Septuagint translates it as *ligurion*, a stone of uncertain identity, possibly related to a fossilized resin. Regardless of its precise mineralogical classification, its inclusion signifies a distinct, valuable, and beautiful stone chosen by divine command for its place on the breastplate.
* **Agate (Hebrew, _shᵉbûw'_):** From an unused root meaning to flame, this gem is likely the agate, named for its sparkle. Similar to the ligure, the precise identification of *shᵉbûw* is not definitively settled. It is often associated with various forms of quartz, specifically banded agate, known for its layered patterns and diverse colors. The term likely refers to a stone characterized by its variegated appearance, adding to the rich visual tapestry of the breastplate. Its presence further emphasizes the unique beauty and distinctiveness of each element chosen by God.
* **Amethyst (Hebrew, _ʼachlâmâh'_):** Perhaps from a root meaning "dream" (and thus dream-stone), this gem is probably the amethyst. This stone is more consistently identified across ancient translations and scholarly consensus as amethyst, a purple or violet variety of quartz. The Hebrew word *ʼachlâmâh* is related to the word for "dream" (חֲלוֹם, *chalom*), leading some to speculate about ancient beliefs regarding its ability to ward off drunkenness or induce pleasant dreams. In the biblical context, however, its primary significance lies in its inherent beauty and value, contributing to the overall splendor of the high priest's attire and symbolizing the preciousness of God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the third row":** This phrase continues the meticulous enumeration of the stones for the breastplate, following the first two rows detailed in [Exodus 28:17-18](/exodus/28-17-18 "Exodus 28:17-18 - The First Two Rows of Stones"). It highlights God's systematic and precise instructions for every aspect of the priestly garments, underscoring the divine order required for sacred service. The term "row" (Hebrew, *ṭûwr*) implies a regular, ordered arrangement, emphasizing the intentionality of the design.
* **"a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst":** This lists the three specific precious stones designated for the third horizontal row of the breastplate. Each stone was unique in its appearance and value, yet together they formed a cohesive and beautiful arrangement. Their selection by God, rather than by human preference, emphasizes their symbolic importance as representations of the diverse yet unified tribes of Israel, each equally cherished and presented before the Lord. The inclusion of these specific stones, each with its own distinct hue and character, speaks to the richness and variety within the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 28:19, and indeed throughout the description of the priestly garments, is **Symbolism**. Each precious stone is a direct symbol of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying their individual identity yet collective unity. The breastplate as a whole symbolizes the high priest's role as the representative of the entire nation, bearing their names and needs before God. There is also an element of **Precision and Detail**, as the meticulous listing of each stone and its placement underscores God's demand for exactness and holiness in worship. This detailed enumeration also functions as a form of **Repetition** (across verses [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17-20 "Exodus 28:17-20 - The Four Rows of Stones")), reinforcing the completeness and divine authorization of the design, ensuring no tribe is overlooked and every aspect of the sacred attire is divinely ordained. The careful arrangement of colors and types of stones also hints at **Harmony and Beauty**, reflecting the divine artist's hand in creating a garment that was both functional and aesthetically magnificent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The selection and arrangement of these precious stones on the high priest's breastplate profoundly illustrate God's covenantal faithfulness and His profound value for His people. Each stone, representing a distinct tribe, speaks to the individuality within the collective body of Israel, yet their unified placement on the high priest's heart signifies their shared identity and common access to God through their mediator. This divine attention to detail in the physical representation of His people foreshadows the intricate beauty and diverse composition of God's spiritual house. The imagery of precious stones also reappears in eschatological visions, connecting the earthly sanctuary with the heavenly reality, where God's redeemed people are depicted as foundational elements of the New Jerusalem, reflecting His glory.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Aaron Bearing the Names of Israel")
* [Revelation 21:19-20](/revelation/21-19-20 "Revelation 21:19-20 - Foundations of the New Jerusalem")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 28:19, though seemingly a minor detail in a list of ancient instructions, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who cares not only about the grand narratives of salvation but also about the individual elements that comprise His plan. Just as each stone was uniquely beautiful and essential to the breastplate's splendor, so too is every individual believer precious and vital to the body of Christ. We are called to live lives of intentionality and excellence, knowing that our "small" acts of obedience contribute to the larger, beautiful design of God's kingdom. Furthermore, the high priest bearing the names of Israel on his heart before God should inspire us to embrace our own priestly calling as believers to intercede for one another and for the world, bearing the needs of others before our Heavenly Father with compassion and diligence. This passage encourages us to see ourselves as uniquely crafted and valued by God, part of a larger, beautiful tapestry of His people, and to live in a way that reflects the honor He has bestowed upon us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in the priestly garments challenge or affirm your understanding of His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, embody the concept of "bearing others on your heart" in prayer and service?**
* **Considering the unique beauty of each stone, how do you recognize and value the distinct gifts and contributions of others within the community of faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the overall purpose of the breastplate on which these stones were placed?**

Answer: The breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment" (or "decision"), served several crucial purposes. Primarily, it was designed to bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord, signifying the high priest's role as the representative of the entire nation when he entered the Holy Place. [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - Aaron Bearing the Names of Israel") explicitly states this: "And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually." It also contained the Urim and Thummim, objects used for discerning God's will and making divine judgments, hence its name. The breastplate thus symbolized both representation and divine revelation, ensuring that the high priest's ministry was always tied to the identity and needs of God's people and guided by divine wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate design of the high priest's breastplate, with its precious stones representing the tribes of Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Just as Aaron bore the names of God's people on his heart as he ministered before the Lord, so Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice and ongoing intercession, continually bears His people before the Father in the heavenly sanctuary. He is not merely a symbolic representative but the very embodiment of God's people, having taken on human flesh to fully identify with us ([Hebrews 2:14-18](/hebrews/2-14-18 "Hebrews 2:14-18 - Jesus Shares in Our Humanity")). As our perfect High Priest, Jesus has entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")). The beauty and preciousness of the stones on the breastplate point to the immeasurable value God places on His redeemed people, whom Christ has purchased with His own blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). In Christ, all believers, regardless of their background, are united as a "royal priesthood, an holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), becoming living stones built into a spiritual house, with Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The vision of the New Jerusalem, with its foundations adorned with twelve precious stones ([Revelation 21:19-20](/revelation/21-19-20 "Revelation 21:19-20 - Foundations of the New Jerusalem")), further illustrates the glorious and eternal reality of God's redeemed people, perfectly displayed and eternally secure in Christ, our perfect and everlasting High Priest.

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

Isaiah 54:12

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

Exodus 39:12

And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.