Exodus 39:13

KJV

And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: [they were] inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fourth {H7243} row {H2905}, a beryl {H8658}, an onyx {H7718}, and a jasper {H3471}: they were inclosed {H4142} in ouches {H4865} of gold {H2091} in their inclosings {H4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in settings of gold.

Berean Standard Bible

and the fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones were mounted in gold filigree settings.

American Standard Version

and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in inclosings of gold in their settings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:13 meticulously details the final three precious stones—beryl, onyx, and jasper—that complete the fourth row of the High Priest's breastplate. This verse underscores the precise fulfillment of God's divine instructions for the construction of the sacred garments, emphasizing the beauty, holiness, and symbolic representation of the twelve tribes of Israel perpetually borne before the Lord, all securely set in gold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:13 is situated within the concluding chapters of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously describe the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, along with the priestly garments, all in precise obedience to the divine blueprint revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. Specifically, this verse is part of the detailed account of the making of the High Priest's breastplate, also known as the `choshen mishpat` (breastplate of judgment), which was first commanded and described in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments"). The breastplate was designed to hold twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, arranged in four rows of three. This particular verse completes the description of the stones, specifying the final three for the fourth and last row, echoing the initial instructions given in [Exodus 28:19-20](/exodus/28-19-20 "Exodus 28:19-20 - The Third and Fourth Rows of Stones"). The narrative here emphasizes the faithful execution of God's detailed commands, highlighting the Israelites' obedience and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in preparing a dwelling place for the Holy One.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle served as the portable sanctuary, the dwelling place of God among His people, and the center of their worship. The High Priest, as the chief mediator between God and Israel, wore garments that were not only beautiful but also deeply symbolic. The breastplate, worn over the ephod, was perhaps the most significant piece, as it bore the names of all the tribes of Israel before the Lord, signifying the High Priest's role as their representative and intercessor. The use of precious stones like beryl, onyx, and jasper, set in gold, conveyed the immense value, holiness, and glory associated with God's presence and the sacred duties of the priesthood. Such materials were rare and costly, reflecting the divine majesty and the importance of the sacred space and its rituals. The meticulous attention to detail in their crafting, as seen in this verse, reflects a cultural understanding that divine service demanded the highest quality and absolute adherence to revealed patterns, ensuring the purity and acceptability of worship before a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its priestly garments, culminating in verses like [Exodus 39:13](/exodus/39-13 "Exodus 39:13 - The Fourth Row of Stones on the Breastplate"), contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place, and every detail, from its structure to the priestly attire, was designed to reflect His transcendent holiness and to facilitate a holy people's approach to a holy God. Second, the meticulous obedience to God's precise instructions highlights the theme of **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness**. The repeated phrase "as the Lord commanded Moses" (e.g., [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Exodus 39:1 - Priestly Garments Made as Commanded")) emphasizes that Israel's blessing and continued relationship with God were contingent upon their faithful adherence to His revealed will. Finally, the breastplate, with its twelve stones, powerfully conveys the theme of **Representation and Intercession**. The High Priest carried the names of all Israel before God, symbolizing the constant intercession and remembrance of God's covenant people in His sight, a foreshadowing of the ultimate intercessory work of Christ as seen in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fourth (Hebrew, _rᵉbîyʻîy'_):** From the root `רָבַע` (raba), meaning "to lie down" or "to be squared," this word signifies the ordinal number "fourth." In the context of the breastplate, it specifically denotes the final row of three stones, completing the twelve-stone arrangement. This numerical precision underscores the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the comprehensive representation of all twelve tribes of Israel.
* **Onyx (Hebrew, _shôham'_):** This term refers to a precious gem, often identified as onyx, characterized by its layered appearance, or possibly beryl due to its pale green color. While its exact mineralogical identification is debated, its significance lies in its inclusion on the breastplate as one of the twelve stones representing a tribe, and notably, it was also used for the two large stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces (cf. [Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9-12 "Exodus 28:9-12 - The Engraved Onyx Stones on the Ephod")), where the names of the tribes were engraved. Its presence signifies the weight and identity of Israel borne by the High Priest.
* **Inclosed (Hebrew, _mûwçabbâh'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to turn around" or "to encompass," describes the secure setting of the stones. It implies that the gems were firmly fixed within their golden frames, preventing them from falling out. This detail highlights the craftsmanship and the enduring nature of the representation of Israel before God, signifying that the tribes were perpetually held fast in God's sight and in the High Priest's intercession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper:"** This clause specifies the final three stones that complete the twelve gems on the breastplate of judgment. Following the pattern of three stones per row, these are the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth stones, completing the representation of the twelve tribes of Israel. The listing of these specific stones—beryl (likely a topaz or chrysolite), onyx, and jasper—underscores the meticulous adherence to God's precise instructions given to Moses, demonstrating the exactness required in the construction of sacred objects for divine worship and the comprehensive inclusion of all the tribes.
* **"[they were] inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings."** This phrase describes the method by which the precious stones were securely fastened to the breastplate. "Inclosed in ouches of gold" refers to the settings or bezels made of gold, which held each stone firmly in place. The Hebrew term for "ouches" (mishbᵉtsâh) suggests a reticulated or interwoven setting, indicating intricate craftsmanship. "In their inclosings" (milluʼâh) further emphasizes the secure and precise nature of these settings, literally "fillings" or "settings," ensuring that each valuable gem was not only prominently displayed but also permanently affixed. This detail highlights the divine value placed upon the people of Israel, who were to be perpetually borne before the Lord in beauty and security.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:13, like much of the Tabernacle narrative, employs several literary devices to convey its theological significance and underscore the divine imperative of obedience. **Repetition** is a dominant feature throughout chapters 35-40, as the meticulous description of the breastplate's construction here mirrors the divine command given in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for the Priestly Garments"), reinforcing the theme of faithful obedience and divine precision. The listing of the specific stones—beryl, onyx, and jasper—is a form of **Enumeration**, which serves to emphasize the exactness of God's instructions and the comprehensive nature of the representation of all twelve tribes. The breastplate itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, where the twelve stones collectively symbolize the entirety of the nation of Israel, each tribe uniquely represented before the Lord. The phrase "inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings" uses rich **Imagery** to paint a vivid picture of the secure and beautiful setting, conveying the preciousness of the stones and, by extension, the preciousness of God's people in His sight, held securely by divine design. The entire passage contributes to the overarching **Thematic Development** of God's holiness, His desire for ordered worship, and His covenant relationship with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:13, in its detailed description of the final stones on the High Priest's breastplate, powerfully reinforces several core theological truths. It speaks to God's nature as a God of order, beauty, and meticulous detail, demanding excellence and precision in all matters pertaining to His worship. The breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes, served as a constant reminder of God's unwavering covenant commitment to His people, signifying that they were perpetually before His gaze and carried by their mediator. This act of "bearing their names" underscored the High Priest's intercessory role, representing the entire nation before a holy God and securing their access to His presence. The use of precious stones like beryl, onyx, and jasper, set in gold, also speaks to the inherent holiness and glory associated with God's presence and the sacred duties of those who served Him, emphasizing that what is dedicated to God should be of the highest quality and beauty, reflecting the divine glory it serves.

* [Exodus 28:29](/exodus/28-29 "Exodus 28:29 - The Names of the Tribes on the Breastplate")
* [Leviticus 8:8](/leviticus/8-8 "Leviticus 8:8 - Moses Dresses Aaron with the Breastplate")
* [Isaiah 62:3](/isaiah/62-3 "Isaiah 62:3 - Israel as a Crown of Beauty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 39:13, though detailing ancient priestly garments, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. The meticulous precision with which God commanded the breastplate's construction, down to the specific stones and their settings, reminds us that God is a God of order and excellence. This calls us to consider the quality of our own worship and service: are we offering our best to God, or merely what is convenient or half-hearted? Just as the High Priest carried the names of the tribes before the Lord, we are called to bear one another's burdens and to intercede for fellow believers and the world around us, recognizing our shared identity in Christ and our priestly calling as believers ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The beauty and value of the stones also reflect the inherent worth God places on His people. We are precious in His sight, not because of our own merit, but because of His covenant love and the redemptive work of Christ. This verse encourages us to live lives that reflect the beauty of God's holiness, striving for integrity, faithfulness, and excellence in all our endeavors, knowing that our service, however small, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan and brings Him glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to offer God less than my best, and how can I cultivate a spirit of excellence in all I do for Him?**
* **How does the High Priest's role of bearing the tribes' names on his heart encourage me in my own responsibility to intercede for others and bear their burdens?**
* **Considering the value God placed on the materials for His Tabernacle and priesthood, how does this inform my understanding of my own value and purpose as a follower of Christ, uniquely precious in His sight?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the breastplate of judgment, and why were these specific stones used?**

Answer: The breastplate of judgment (`choshen mishpat`) was a sacred garment worn by the High Priest, designed to hold twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its primary purpose was to signify the High Priest's role as the representative and intercessor for all Israel before God. By bearing their names over his heart, he continually brought the people into God's presence, signifying their constant remembrance and inclusion in God's covenant. The specific stones, including beryl, onyx, and jasper mentioned in [Exodus 39:13](/exodus/39-13 "Exodus 39:13 - The Fourth Row of Stones on the Breastplate"), were chosen according to divine command (see [Exodus 28:17-20](/exodus/28-17-20 "Exodus 28:17-20 - The Twelve Stones of the Breastplate")). While the exact symbolic meaning of each individual stone is not explicitly stated in the Old Testament, their collective beauty, rarity, and diversity underscored the glory of God, the preciousness of His covenant people, and the holiness required in His service. The breastplate also housed the Urim and Thummim, objects used for discerning God's will and judgment (see [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")), which is why it was called the "breastplate of judgment."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:13, in its meticulous description of the High Priest's breastplate, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The High Priest of the Old Covenant, bearing the names of the twelve tribes on his heart, served as a type and shadow of our Great High Priest, Jesus. While Aaron carried the names of a physical nation, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, bears the names of His spiritual Israel—all who believe in Him—not merely on a breastplate, but eternally on His heart before the Father. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") proclaims Jesus as our sympathetic High Priest who has passed through the heavens, interceding for us always. Just as the stones were "inclosed in ouches of gold," securely set and precious, so too are believers eternally secured in Christ, precious in God's sight, not through our own merit but through His perfect work and divine love. The beauty and radiance of the breastplate, adorned with precious gems, foreshadow the surpassing glory of Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through Him, we have confident access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Places")), fulfilling the very purpose the Tabernacle and its priesthood pointed towards: intimate, unhindered communion between a holy God and His redeemed people.

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.