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.

And they set {H4390} in it four {H702} rows {H2905} of stones {H68}: the first row {H2905} was a sardius {H124}, a topaz {H6357}, and a carbuncle {H1304}: this was the first {H259} row {H2905}.

They put on it four rows of stones: the first row was a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald;

And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;

And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row;

Commentary

Exodus 39:10 describes the meticulous arrangement of the first row of precious stones on the high priest's breastplate, a central element of his sacred attire for ministering before the Lord. This verse highlights the divine precision required in the construction of the Tabernacle and its accompanying priestly garments.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account in Exodus 39 concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments, meticulously following the divine instructions given in Exodus 28. The breastplate, often called the "breastplate of judgment" (Exodus 28:15), was a richly embroidered piece designed to hold twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The construction here is the fulfillment of God's earlier commands.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Obedience: The meticulous detail in God's instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, and their faithful execution by Bezalel and Aholiab and the skilled craftsmen, emphasizes God's demand for accuracy and holiness in worship and service. Every element, down to the specific stones, was divinely ordained.
  • Representation of Israel: The primary purpose of these stones was to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, carried literally "upon his heart" by the high priest when he entered the holy place (Exodus 28:29). This signifies their constant remembrance before God.
  • Beauty and Holiness: The use of precious stones emphasized the glory, sanctity, and immense value God placed on His people and the sacred space of the Tabernacle. It underscored the beauty inherent in worshipping a holy God.

Linguistic Insights and Symbolism

The verse names three specific stones for the first row: sardius (Hebrew: *'odem*, typically a reddish stone, often carnelian or red jasper), topaz (Hebrew: *pitdah*, a yellowish-green stone), and carbuncle (Hebrew: *bareqeth*, meaning "sparkling," often identified as an emerald or garnet). While the exact modern identification of some ancient gems can be debated, their common characteristic is their beauty, rarity, and value.

Each of the twelve stones on the breastplate was meant to symbolize one of the tribes, though specific tribal assignments to individual stones are not given here (refer to Numbers 2 for tribal order). The arrangement of these precious stones in rows and their prominent placement on the breastplate underscore the concept of a chosen people, uniquely identified and precious in God's sight, brought near to Him through the ministry of the high priest.

Practical Application

  • God's Attention to Detail: This passage reminds us that God is a God of order and precision. He cares about every detail, not just the grand picture. This should inspire us to approach our service and daily lives with diligence and care, knowing our efforts are seen by Him.
  • Intercession and Representation: Just as the high priest bore the names of Israel before God, Christ, our ultimate High Priest, continually intercedes for us, bearing our names before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). We are eternally precious in His sight.
  • Our Value in God's Eyes: The preciousness of the stones reflects the immense value God places on His people. Believers are considered "living stones" built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), reflecting His glory and purpose in the world.

Reflection

Exodus 39:10, though detailing a specific construction, speaks to profound theological truths of God's character, His relationship with His people, and the beauty of His divine order. The breastplate, with its radiant stones, served as a tangible reminder of God's covenant and His people's constant presence before Him, foreshadowing the perfect representation we have in 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

  • 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.

  • Exodus 28:16

    Foursquare it shall be [being] doubled; a span [shall be] the length thereof, and a span [shall be] the breadth thereof.

  • 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.

  • Exodus 28:21

    And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
← Back