Exodus 39:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:10 meticulously details the arrangement of the first row of precious stones on the high priest's breastplate, a sacred garment crafted according to divine specifications. This verse underscores the precise execution of God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing the beauty, value, and symbolic significance of the materials used in the worship of the Lord and the representation of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39 is a comprehensive account of the actual construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments, serving as the fulfillment of the detailed divine commands given earlier in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). Specifically, [Exodus 39:10](/exodus/39-10 "Exodus 39:10 - The First Row of Stones") follows the general description of the breastplate's construction in [Exodus 39:8-9](/exodus/39-8 "Exodus 39:8-9 - Construction of the Breastplate") and precedes the description of the subsequent rows of stones and the breastplate's attachment to the ephod. This chapter highlights the meticulous obedience of Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled craftsmen, demonstrating their faithfulness in replicating every detail as commanded by the Lord, reinforcing the sanctity and divine origin of the entire Tabernacle system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly vestments occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period foundational to their identity as God's chosen people. The high priest, wearing the breastplate, served as the primary mediator between God and Israel, entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement to make intercession for the nation. The breastplate, often called the "breastplate of judgment" ([Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")), was designed to carry twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolized the high priest's role in bearing the people before the Lord's presence, signifying their constant remembrance and representation before God, a concept deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern priestly practices where representatives carried symbols of their people. The use of precious stones also reflected the immense value and glory associated with divine presence and sacred service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sardius (Hebrew, _'odem'_):** This term refers to a reddish stone, commonly identified as carnelian or red jasper. Its vibrant red color would have stood out prominently. In ancient cultures, red stones often symbolized life, vitality, and sometimes sacrifice or royalty. Its inclusion as the first stone suggests a foundational or primary significance within the arrangement.
* **Topaz (Hebrew, _pitdah'_):** Typically described as a yellowish-green stone, possibly a chrysolite or peridot. This stone would have offered a contrasting hue to the deep red of the sardius. The specific color and brilliance of topaz would have contributed to the overall radiance of the breastplate, reflecting light and adding to its visual splendor.
* **Carbuncle (Hebrew, _bareqeth'_):** Meaning "sparkling" or "flashing," this stone is often identified as an emerald or garnet, known for its deep green or fiery red luminescence. The name itself suggests a stone that catches and reflects light brilliantly, further enhancing the breastplate's dazzling appearance and emphasizing the glory and preciousness associated with the high priest's office and the people he represented.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they set in it four rows of stones:"**: This clause establishes the overarching structure for the breastplate's adornment. It indicates a systematic and ordered arrangement, not a haphazard placement, emphasizing the divine precision required in the Tabernacle's construction. The "it" refers to the breastplate, which was a square, folded piece of fabric designed to hold these stones securely.
* **"[the first] row [was] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle:"**: This specifies the exact composition of the inaugural row. The naming of these three distinct precious stones highlights their individual beauty and collective contribution to the breastplate's splendor. Each stone was likely unique in color and cut, contributing to a mosaic of brilliance. This detail underscores the meticulousness of God's design and the craftsmen's faithful execution.
* **"this [was] the first row."**: This concluding phrase serves as a reiteration and emphatic confirmation. It clearly delineates the completion of the first segment of the breastplate's adornment, preparing the reader for the description of the subsequent rows. The repetition reinforces the importance of this initial set of stones and the orderly progression of the work.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 39:10 is **Symbolism**. The precious stones themselves are highly symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, each unique yet united in their placement on the high priest's heart. Their beauty, rarity, and intrinsic value symbolize the immense worth God places on His people and the holiness required in His presence. The act of "setting" these stones in "rows" also employs **Order and Structure** as a literary motif, reinforcing the divine precision and meticulousness that characterized all aspects of the Tabernacle's construction and Israel's worship. The repetition of "first row" at the end of the verse serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the completion of this initial, foundational segment of the breastplate's adornment and underscoring the importance of each step in the divinely ordained process.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:10, in its precise description of the breastplate's first row, speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people. The meticulous detail underscores divine order, holiness, and the immense value God places on His covenant community. The breastplate, with its radiant stones, served as a tangible reminder that Israel was continually borne upon the high priest's heart before the Lord, signifying God's unceasing remembrance and intercession for His people. This foreshadows the perfect and perpetual intercession of a greater High Priest.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - The Names of Israel on the Breastplate")
* [Leviticus 8:8](/leviticus/8-8 "Leviticus 8:8 - Aaron's Consecration and the Urim and Thummim")
* [Isaiah 62:3](/isaiah/62-3 "Isaiah 62:3 - Israel as a Crown of Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of Exodus 39:10, though describing an ancient artifact, offer profound insights for contemporary believers. God's meticulous attention to every aspect of the breastplate's construction reveals His nature as a God of order, beauty, and intentionality. Just as He cared for the precise arrangement of these precious stones, He cares for every detail of our lives, valuing us individually and collectively as His chosen people. This passage reminds us that our service to God, no matter how small, should be characterized by excellence and faithfulness, reflecting the divine precision seen in the Tabernacle. Moreover, the symbolism of the high priest bearing the tribes on his heart should stir within us a deep appreciation for the intercessory work of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who continually presents us before the Father, ensuring our constant remembrance and access to God's grace. We are His precious jewels, set in His crown.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways can you apply the principle of "divine precision and obedience" to your own service and daily life?**
* **How does the imagery of the high priest bearing the tribes on his heart deepen your appreciation for Christ's intercessory work on your behalf?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of the breastplate and its stones?**

Answer: The breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment," was a sacred garment worn by the high priest of Israel. Its primary purpose was to symbolize the high priest bearing the twelve tribes of Israel before the Lord when he entered the holy place ([Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - The Names of Israel on the Breastplate")). Each of the twelve stones was engraved with the name of one of the tribes, signifying their constant remembrance and representation before God. It also served as a means for the high priest to discern God's will through the Urim and Thummim, which were placed within the breastplate ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")).

**Were specific stones assigned to specific tribes?**

Answer: While the text of Exodus clearly states that each of the twelve stones was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel ([Exodus 28:21](/exodus/28-21 "Exodus 28:21 - Engraving of the Stones")), it does not explicitly assign a particular stone to a specific tribe. Later Jewish tradition and various commentators have attempted to make such assignments, often based on the birth order of the sons of Jacob or the tribal encampment order described in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Tribal Encampment"). However, the biblical text itself leaves these specific assignments unstated, emphasizing the collective representation of all tribes rather than individual stone-tribe connections.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of the breastplate's construction, particularly the setting of its precious stones, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Just as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart before the Lord, Christ continually bears His people, the new Israel, before the Father's throne. His intercession is not a once-a-year ritual but a perpetual reality, for He "always lives to intercede" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")). The beauty and preciousness of the stones symbolize the immense value God places on His redeemed people, a value perfectly demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial death, which purchased us for God ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthy Sacrifice")). Moreover, believers are now described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")). Thus, the radiant breastplate foreshadows the glorious reality of Christ's perfect representation of His church, making us eternally precious and perpetually present before the very heart 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.