Exodus 28:20

Translation
King James Version
And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And the fourth H7243 row H2905 a beryl H8658, and an onyx H7718, and a jasper H3471: they shall be set H7660 in gold H2091 in their inclosings H4396.
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Complete Jewish Bible
and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They are to be mounted in their gold settings.
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Berean Standard Bible
and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings.
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American Standard Version
and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be inclosed in gold in their settings.
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World English Bible Messianic
and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And in the fourth rowe a chrysolite, an onix, and a iasper: and they shall be set in golde in their embossements.
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Young's Literal Translation
and the fourth row is beryl, and onyx, and jasper; embroidered with gold are they in their settings,
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See also
Revelation 21:18Revelation 21:20Ezekiel 10:9Ezekiel 1:16Daniel 10:6Revelation 4:3Revelation 21:11
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In the KJVVerse 2,314 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 28:20 meticulously concludes the enumeration of the precious stones adorning the high priest's breastplate, specifying the beryl, onyx, and jasper for the fourth and final row. These three stones, like the preceding nine, were to be precisely set in gold, completing the twelve-stone array, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse underscores God's divine precision in the Tabernacle's construction and the profound symbolic representation of His covenant people, continually borne before Him by their divinely appointed mediator, the high priest, in an act of perpetual intercession and judgment.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Exodus 28 is a foundational chapter within the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's construction and the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, directly following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The chapter begins by outlining the divine call and sacred purpose of Aaron and his sons as priests in Exodus 28:1-5. The focus then shifts to the specific garments required for the high priest, starting with the ephod in Exodus 28:6-14. The passage then introduces the "breastplate of judgment" in Exodus 28:15, a central piece of priestly attire to be worn over the ephod. Verses 17-20 provide a precise inventory of the twelve precious stones, arranged in four rows, with each stone designated to represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, Exodus 28:20 serves as the concluding statement for this intricate list, completing the symbolic representation of the entire nation of Israel. This meticulous detailing emphasizes the sacredness, divine origin, and profound significance of every aspect of the priestly service and the Tabernacle.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, precious stones held immense value, often associated with royalty, divine favor, and even mystical properties. For the Israelites, these stones, particularly when set in pure gold, symbolized purity, immense worth, and divine glory. The high priest's role was unparalleled: he served as the primary mediator between a holy God and the nation of Israel, representing the people before the Lord and conveying God's will to them. The breastplate, worn over the high priest's heart, was not merely an adornment but a functional and deeply symbolic piece of sacred attire. Its design, with each tribe's name engraved on a distinct stone, highlighted God's personal knowledge and intimate care for each segment of His covenant people. The act of the high priest entering the Holy Place, bearing these names, was a tangible expression of Israel's collective access to God's presence through their divinely appointed representative, a concept central to ancient Israelite worship and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. This practice also resonated with broader ancient Near Eastern traditions of rulers wearing symbols of their people or deities.
  • Key Themes: Exodus 28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Divine Order and Holiness is a prominent theme, evident in the precise and detailed instructions given for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the garments for the priesthood. Every element, down to the specific stones and their settings, reflects God's demand for perfection and sacredness in approaching Him. The concept of Representation and Mediation is central, as the high priest, through his garments and actions, embodies the entire nation before God, interceding on their behalf. The breastplate, with its twelve stones, powerfully illustrates this theme, ensuring that all of Israel is continually brought into God's presence. Furthermore, the passage highlights the Value and Preciousness of God's People, as symbolized by the costly materials—gold, fine linen, and precious stones—used in their representation. This underscores God's covenant love and His desire for His people to dwell in His presence, as seen in the broader narrative of Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31, Exodus 32, Exodus 33, Exodus 34, Exodus 35, Exodus 36, Exodus 37, Exodus 38, Exodus 39, Exodus 40.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Beryl (Hebrew, tarshîysh', H8658): This word, referring to one of the precious stones in the fourth row, is likely named after the ancient city of Tarshish, suggesting a foreign origin or a stone imported from that region. While its exact identification has been debated (some scholars suggest topaz or chrysolite), it consistently denotes a valuable and beautiful gem. Its inclusion among the twelve stones signifies the preciousness and enduring nature of God's covenant people, each tribe uniquely valuable yet collectively forming a unified whole before the Lord.
  • Gold (Hebrew, zâhâb', H2091): Derived from a root meaning "to shimmer," zâhâb refers to the precious metal used to set the stones. Gold in biblical contexts frequently symbolizes divine glory, purity, enduring worth, and royalty. Here, it signifies the sacredness and divine origin of the priestly garments and, by extension, the purity and value of God's people as they are presented before Him. The use of gold elevates the breastplate from mere adornment to an object of immense spiritual significance, reflecting God's own perfect nature.
  • Inclosings (Hebrew, milluʼâh', H4396): This feminine noun, meaning "a filling" or "setting," refers to the intricate gold settings that securely held each precious stone in place. The term implies a complete and secure encasement, ensuring the permanence and stability of the stones within the breastplate. This detail underscores the meticulous craftsmanship required for the sacred garments, emphasizing God's demand for excellence, precision, and security in all matters pertaining to worship and the representation of His people. The "inclosings" not only enhanced the beauty of the stones but also ensured their permanence and stability, symbolizing the secure and cherished position of Israel before God.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper:": This clause completes the enumeration of the twelve stones on the breastplate, following the three rows previously described. This final row specifies the beryl, onyx, and jasper as the last three of the twelve unique stones. Each stone, though distinct in its appearance and possibly its tribal association (though not specified in this verse), contributes to the collective representation of the twelve tribes of Israel, ensuring that no tribe was omitted from the high priest's intercessory bearing before God. This meticulous detail highlights the divine care for each segment of the nation.
  • "they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.": This phrase reiterates the precise method of mounting for all the stones on the breastplate, not just those in the fourth row. The command for them to be "set in gold in their inclosings" emphasizes the inherent value, purity, and divine origin of the entire assembly. Gold, a precious metal, symbolizes divine glory, purity, and enduring worth, elevating the stones beyond mere gems. The "inclosings" (settings) signify the careful, secure, and permanent manner in which God's people are held and presented before Him, reflecting His meticulous care and the sacredness of their identity and position in His sight.

Literary Devices

The verse, like the surrounding passages detailing the Tabernacle and priestly garments, employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Symbolism is paramount, with each of the twelve stones unequivocally symbolizing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The collective breastplate, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of the entire nation brought into God's holy presence through their chosen mediator. The use of specific precious stones like beryl, onyx, and jasper, meticulously "set in gold," employs vivid Imagery that conveys immense value, beauty, and purity, underscoring the preciousness of God's covenant people in His sight. Furthermore, the meticulous and repetitive detailing of materials and construction methods throughout Exodus 28, including the specific mention of "set in gold in their inclosings," functions as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the divine demand for precision, order, and holiness in worship and service. The breastplate itself can be seen as a form of Synecdoche or Metonymy, where the object (the breastplate with the names) stands for the high priest's intercessory role and, by extension, the people he represents before God.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 28:20, by completing the description of the breastplate's stones, powerfully conveys the theological truth of God's intimate knowledge and profound value for His covenant people. The high priest, bearing the names of Israel on his heart as he entered God's presence, symbolized God's unwavering commitment to His chosen nation, continually bringing them into His holy presence. This act of representation speaks to the concept of intercession, where one stands on behalf of others before a holy God. It also highlights the divine precision and holiness required in approaching God, demonstrating that every detail of worship is divinely ordained and holds deep significance. The preciousness of the stones reflects the immense worth God places on His people, whom He calls His treasured possession, a people He delights to carry close to His heart.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The imagery of the high priest bearing the names of Israel on his heart, represented by precious stones set in gold, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It powerfully reminds us of God's personal, intimate, and unwavering knowledge of each individual within His covenant family. Just as each stone was distinct yet part of a unified whole, so too are we uniquely known and valued by God, yet united in the body of Christ. This passage encourages us to embrace our identity as God's treasured possession, recognizing the immense worth He places on us, not based on our merit, but on His gracious election and love. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider our own role in intercession, not as mediators in the same sense as the high priest, but as those called to bear one another's burdens and needs before God in prayer, reflecting the very heart of our perfect High Priest. We are called to live lives that reflect the purity and holiness symbolized by the gold settings, striving for excellence and faithfulness in our service to God, knowing that every detail of our lives matters to Him and contributes to His grand design.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of the high priest bearing the names of Israel on his heart deepen your understanding of God's personal and intimate care for you?
  • In what specific ways can you, as a believer, "bear" others before the Lord in prayer and practical support, reflecting the spirit of intercession?
  • What does the meticulous detail in the construction of the breastplate (including the gold settings) teach us about the importance of precision, excellence, and holiness in our own service and worship of God?
  • How does knowing you are a "precious stone" in God's sight, securely set in His divine plan, influence your self-worth and your view of other believers within the body of Christ?

FAQ

What was the significance of the specific stones in the fourth row (beryl, onyx, jasper)?

Answer: While the exact mineralogical identification of ancient stones can be debated, their primary significance in Exodus 28:20 and the preceding verses is symbolic. Each of the twelve stones, including the beryl, onyx, and jasper in the fourth row, was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Therefore, their individual properties were secondary to their collective purpose: to represent the entirety of God's covenant people, ensuring that the high priest carried all of Israel into the presence of the Lord. The use of precious stones underscored the immense value and importance God placed on His chosen nation, making them a visual testament to His covenant faithfulness.

Why were the stones "set in gold in their inclosings"?

Answer: The instruction that the stones be "set in gold in their inclosings" (or settings) emphasizes several key points. Gold, a precious and pure metal, symbolizes divine glory, holiness, and the enduring nature of God's presence and His covenant. The "inclosings" signify the secure and permanent way in which the stones—representing the tribes—were held. This detail highlights the divine demand for meticulous craftsmanship and perfection in all elements related to the Tabernacle and priestly service. It also visually communicated the preciousness of God's people and their secure position in His sight, continually brought before Him by the high priest, signifying their cherished and protected status.

How did the breastplate function in the high priest's ministry beyond just representation?

Answer: Beyond symbolizing the representation of the twelve tribes, the breastplate, often called the "breastplate of judgment" (Exodus 28:15), also served a crucial role in discerning God's will. It contained the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30), mysterious objects used by the high priest to inquire of the Lord and receive divine guidance for the nation. Thus, the breastplate was not merely an adornment but an instrument through which God communicated His judgment and revelation to His people, underscoring the high priest's multifaceted role as a conduit of divine wisdom and authority.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 28:20, with its description of the final stones on the high priest's breastplate, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament high priest, bearing the names of Israel on his heart as he entered God's presence, served as a profound type, or foreshadowing, of our Lord. Jesus is our great High Priest, who has passed through the heavens, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own precious blood, entering once for all into the true Holy Place—heaven itself (Hebrews 9:24). Just as the earthly priest carried the names of the tribes, Jesus, our perfect Mediator, bears us—His redeemed people, the new Israel—continually before the Father. He knows each of us by name, and His intercession for us is not merely symbolic but eternally effective, for He ever lives to make intercession for us, ensuring our secure standing before God. The preciousness of the stones set in gold foreshadows the immense value God places on those who are in Christ, His "chosen race, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), who are now living stones being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). The meticulous detail of the breastplate points to the flawless perfection of Christ's priestly ministry, which perfectly secures our access to God and guarantees our eternal presence in His sight.

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Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 15–30

The most considerable of the ornaments of the high priest was this breast-plate, a rich piece of cloth, curiously wrought with gold and purple, etc., two spans long and a span broad, so that, being doubled, it was a span square, Exo 28:16. This was fastened to the ephod with wreathen chains of gold (Exo 28:13, Exo 28:14, Exo 28:22, etc.) both at top and bottom, so that the breast-plate might not be loosed from the ephod, Exo 28:28. The ephod was the garment of service; the breast-plate of judgment was an emblem of honour: these two must by no means be separated. If any man will minister unto the Lord, and do his will, he shall know his doctrine. In this breast-plate,

I. The tribes of Israel were recommended to God's favour in twelve precious stones, Exo 28:17-21, Exo 28:19. Some question whether Levi had a precious stone with his name or no. If not, Ephraim and Manasseh were reckoned distinct, as Jacob had said they should be, and the high priest himself, being head of the tribe of Levi, sufficiently represented that tribe. If there was a stone for Levi, as is intimated by this, that they were engraven according to their birth (Exo 28:10), Ephraim and Manasseh were one in Joseph. Aaron was to bear their names for a memorial before the Lord continually, being ordained for men, to represent them in things pertaining to God, herein typifying our great high priest, who always appears in the presence of God for us. 1. Though the people were forbidden to come near, and obliged to keep their distance, yet by the high priest, who had their names on his breast-plate, they entered into the holiest; so believers, even while they are here on this earth, not only enter into the holiest, but by faith are made to sit with Christ in heavenly places, Eph 2:6. 2. The name of each tribe was engraven in a precious stone, to signify how precious, in God's sight, believers are, and how honourable, Isa 43:4. They shall be his in the day he makes up his jewels, Mal 3:17. How small and poor soever the tribe was, it was a precious stone in the breast-plate of the high priest; thus are all the saints dear to Christ, and his delight is in them as the excellent ones of the earth, however men may esteem them as earthen pitchers, Lam 4:2. 3. The high priest had the names of the tribes both on his shoulders and on his breast, intimating both the power and the love with which our Lord Jesus intercedes for those that are his. He not only bears them up upon his heart, as the expression here is (Exo 28:29), carries them in his bosom (Isa 40:11), with the most tender affection. How near should Christ's name be to our hearts, since he is pleased to lay our names so near his! and what a comfort it is to us, in all our addresses to God, that the great high priest of our profession has the names of all his Israel upon his breast before the Lord for a memorial, presenting them to God as the people of his choice, who were to be made accepted in the beloved! Let not any good Christians fear that God has forgotten them, nor question his being mindful of them upon all occasions, when they are not only engraven upon the palms of his hands (Isa 49:16), but engraven upon the heart of the great intercessor. See Sol 8:6.

II. The urim and thummim, by which the will of God was made known in doubtful cases, were put in this breast-plate, which is therefore called the breast-plate of judgment, Exo 28:30. Urim and thummim signify light and integrity; many conjectures there are among the learned what they were; we have no reason to think they were any thing that Moses was to make more than what was before ordered, so that either God made them himself, and gave them to Moses, for him to put into the breast-plate, when other things were prepared (Lev 8:8), or no more is meant than a declaration of the further use of what was already ordered to be made. I think the words may be read thus, And thou shalt give, or add, or deliver, to the breast-plate of judgment, the illuminations and perfections, and they shall be upon the heart of Aaron; that is, "He shall be endued with a power of knowing and making known the mind of God in all difficult doubtful cases, relating either to the civil or ecclesiastical state of the nation." Their government was a theocracy: God was their King, the high priest was, under God, their ruler, the urim and thummim were his cabinet-council; probably Moses wrote upon the breast-plate, or wove into it, these words, Urim and Thummim, to signify that the high priest, having on him this breast-plate, and asking counsel of God in any emergency relating to the public, should be directed to take those measures, and give that advice, which God would own. If he was standing before the ark (but without the veil) probably he received instructions from off the mercy-seat, as Moses did (Exo 25:22); thus, it should seem, Phinehas did, Jdg 20:27, Jdg 20:28. If he was at a distance from the ark, as Abiathar was when he enquired of the Lord for David (Sa1 23:6, etc.), then the answer was given either by a voice from heaven or rather by an impulse upon the mind of the high priest, which last is perhaps intimated in that expression, He shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart. This oracle was of great use to Israel; Joshua consulted it (Num 27:21), and, it is likely, the judges after him. It was lost in the captivity, and never regained after, though, it should seem, it was expected, Ezr 2:63. But it was a shadow of good things to come, and the substance is Christ. He is our oracle; by him God in these last days makes known himself and his mind to us, Heb 1:2; Joh 1:18. Divine revelation centres in him, and comes to us through him; he is the light, the true light, the faithful witness, the truth itself, and from him we receive the Spirit of truth, who leads into all truth. The joining of the breast-plate to the ephod denotes that his prophetical office was founded in his priesthood; and it was by the merit of his death that he purchased this honour for himself and this favour for us. It was the Lamb that had been slain that was worthy to take the book and to open the seals, Rev 5:9.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–30. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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