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 precise arrangement of the first row of precious stones on the high priest's breastplate, a sacred garment integral to Israel's worship. This verse, part of the extensive record of the Tabernacle's construction, underscores the divine demand for exact adherence to God's blueprint, emphasizing the inherent beauty, profound value, and deep symbolic significance of the materials consecrated for the Lord's service and the representation of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments") serves as the culminating narrative of Israel's obedience to God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, initially outlined in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle"). This chapter provides a meticulous account of the actual construction, demonstrating the faithful execution of every divine command by Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled artisans. Specifically, [Exodus 39:10](/exodus/39-10 "Exodus 39:10 - The First Row of Stones") follows the general description of the breastplate's intricate design and materials in [Exodus 39:8-9](/exodus/39-8-9 "Exodus 39:8-9 - Construction of the Breastplate") and precedes the enumeration of the subsequent rows of stones and the final attachment of the breastplate to the ephod. The repetitive nature of the descriptions throughout [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35-40 "Exodus 35-40 - The Construction and Erection of the Tabernacle") emphasizes the sanctity and divine origin of the entire Tabernacle system, highlighting Israel's unwavering commitment to God's revealed will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly vestments was a pivotal event during Israel's wilderness wanderings, solidifying their identity as a unique nation set apart by God. The high priest, adorned with the breastplate, functioned as the primary mediator between Yahweh and His people, entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement to make intercession for the entire nation. The breastplate, often referred to as the "breastplate of judgment" ([Exodus 28:15](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15 - The Breastplate of Judgment")), was designed to bear twelve distinct precious stones, each meticulously engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This arrangement profoundly symbolized the high priest's role in carrying the people continually before the Lord's presence, ensuring their constant remembrance and representation before God. This practice resonated with ancient Near Eastern priestly traditions where representatives bore symbols of their people, but here it was uniquely tied to the covenant God of Israel. The selection of precious stones also underscored the immense value, glory, and holiness associated with divine presence and sacred service, reflecting the splendor of God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:10 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in all matters pertaining to His worship and the representation of His holiness. Every instruction, down to the specific stones and their arrangement, was divinely ordained, reinforcing the idea that true worship requires careful adherence to God's revealed will. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Representation and Intercession**, as the stones on the breastplate symbolize the high priest bearing the tribes of Israel before God, a constant reminder of their covenant relationship and need for mediation. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Thirdly, the use of precious stones speaks to the theme of **Holiness and Glory**, emphasizing the sacredness of God's dwelling place and the honor bestowed upon those who serve Him. The radiant beauty of the breastplate reflects the glory of God and the preciousness of His people in His sight, as seen in passages like [Exodus 28:2](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2 - Holy Garments for Glory and Beauty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sardius (Hebrew, _ʼôdem'_):** From the root meaning "redness," this term refers to a reddish gem, commonly identified as carnelian or red jasper. Its vibrant red color would have been visually striking, symbolizing life, vitality, perhaps the blood of atonement, or the vibrant life of the tribes. As the first stone in the first row, its prominence suggests a foundational or primary significance within the overall arrangement of the breastplate.
* **Topaz (Hebrew, _piṭdâh'_):** Described as a gem of foreign derivation, likely a yellowish-green stone such as chrysolite or peridot. This stone would have provided a distinct contrasting hue to the deep red of the sardius, contributing to the overall visual diversity and brilliance of the breastplate. Its inclusion underscores the variety and richness of the materials God commanded for His sacred garments.
* **Carbuncle (Hebrew, _bâreqeth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to flash" or "to sparkle," this gem is often identified as an emerald or garnet, known for its deep green or fiery red luminescence. The name itself suggests a stone that brilliantly catches and reflects light, enhancing the dazzling appearance of the breastplate. This "flashing" quality would have further emphasized the glory and preciousness associated with the high priest's office and the people he represented before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they set in it four rows of stones:"**: This opening clause establishes the fundamental structural design for the breastplate's adornment. The verb "set" (H4390, _mâlêʼ_, meaning "to fill" or "to furnish") implies a deliberate, precise, and complete placement, not a casual arrangement. The "it" refers to the breastplate, a folded square of fabric specifically designed to securely hold these precious gems. The mention of "four rows" immediately communicates a systematic and ordered arrangement, emphasizing the divine precision required in all aspects of the Tabernacle's construction.
* **"[the first] row [was] a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle:"**: This segment specifies the exact composition of the inaugural row. The naming of these three distinct precious stones—sardius, topaz, and carbuncle—highlights their individual beauty, unique colors, and their collective contribution to the breastplate's overall splendor. Each stone was likely unique in its cut and brilliance, contributing to a mosaic of radiance. This detail underscores the meticulousness of God's design and the craftsmen's faithful execution, ensuring that every element was perfectly aligned with the divine blueprint.
* **"this [was] the first row."**: This concluding phrase serves as an emphatic reiteration and confirmation. The repetition of "first row" (H259, _ʼechâd_, meaning "one" or "first"; H2905, _ṭûwr_, meaning "row") clearly delineates the completion of this initial segment of the breastplate's adornment. It functions as a literary marker, drawing attention to the significance of this foundational set of stones and preparing the reader for the subsequent descriptions of the remaining rows, reinforcing the orderly progression of the sacred work.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:10 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the precious stones themselves are rich with meaning. They represent the twelve tribes of Israel, each unique yet united, borne upon the high priest's heart before God. Their inherent beauty, rarity, and intrinsic value symbolize the immense worth God places on His covenant people and the holiness required in His presence. The act of "setting" these stones in "four rows" also utilizes **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. This structured arrangement mirrors the divine order in creation and in God's covenant relationship with His people. Furthermore, the repetition of "this was the first row" at the end of the verse serves as a form of **Emphasis** and **Clarity**, 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. This repetition ensures the reader grasps the meticulousness of the work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:10, in its precise description of the breastplate's first row, reveals profound truths about God's character and His intimate 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, care, and intercession for His people. This ancient priestly function powerfully foreshadows the perfect and perpetual intercession of a greater High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents His people before God.

* [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 or seemingly insignificant, should be characterized by excellence, faithfulness, and a deep reverence for His commands, reflecting the divine precision seen in the Tabernacle. Moreover, the powerful 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, uniquely set in His crown, cherished and eternally secured in His love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge or affirm your understanding of His character and His involvement in your life?**
* **In what practical ways can you apply the principle of "divine precision and faithful obedience" to your own service, relationships, and daily walk with God?**
* **How does the imagery of the high priest bearing the tribes on his heart deepen your appreciation for Christ's perfect and perpetual intercessory work on your behalf, knowing He bears you before the Father?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The breastplate, often called 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 meticulously engraved with the name of one of the tribes, signifying their constant remembrance and representation before God. Furthermore, the breastplate served as a means for the high priest to discern God's will through the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects placed within it, which were used to receive divine guidance for the nation ([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 within the biblical narrative. 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, highlighting the unity and comprehensive nature of God's care for His entire people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of the breastplate's construction, particularly the setting of its precious stones, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Just as the high priest of old bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart before the Lord, Christ continually bears His people—the redeemed, 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 "from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([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, bearing the names of God's people, 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, secured by His unfailing love and intercession.

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

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.