Exodus 28:18

And the second row [shall be] an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

And the second {H8145} row {H2905} shall be an emerald {H5306}, a sapphire {H5601}, and a diamond {H3095}.

the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond;

in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;

and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;

Commentary

Exodus 28:18 is a precise instruction from God to Moses regarding the construction of the sacred garments for Aaron, the high priest. Specifically, it details the second row of precious stones to be set into the "breastplate of judgment" (or breastplate of decision), a significant piece of priestly attire.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Exodus 28) where God gives meticulously detailed instructions for the design and construction of the priestly garments, which were essential for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle worship. The breastplate itself (Exodus 28:15) was a square piece of fabric, folded to form a pouch, into which twelve precious stones were to be set in four rows of three. Each stone was to be engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The first row is described in Exodus 28:17, and our verse specifies the stones for the second row: an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exacting detail in God's instructions for the Tabernacle and priestly garments underscores His nature as a God of order, beauty, and holiness. Every element was designed with purpose and significance.
  • Representation of God's People: The twelve stones, each bearing the name of a tribe, meant that the high priest literally carried the names of all Israel before the Lord when he entered the Holy Place (Exodus 28:29). This symbolizes God's constant remembrance and care for His covenant people.
  • The Value of God's Elect: The use of precious and beautiful stones highlights the immense value and esteem God places upon each individual within His chosen nation. They were not just a collective, but each tribe, each person, was precious in His sight.
  • Symbolism of Light and Glory: Precious stones often symbolize light, glory, and divine presence throughout scripture, reflecting the splendor of God Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The specific identification of ancient gemstones can be challenging due to variations in translation and mineral classification. However, the KJV terms "emerald," "sapphire," and "diamond" represent stones known for their beauty, rarity, and symbolic significance in the ancient world:

  • Emerald (Hebrew: bareqeth): Often associated with a sparkling or flashing green stone.
  • Sapphire (Hebrew: sappir): Generally identified as a deep blue stone, often linked to the color of the sky or God's throne in prophetic visions (cf. Ezekiel 1:26).
  • Diamond (Hebrew: yahalom): This term likely refers to a very hard, brilliant stone, though not necessarily the carbon diamond we know today. Its primary characteristic would have been its hardness and ability to refract light.

Regardless of precise modern gemological identification, the emphasis is on the collective brilliance, value, and beauty these stones contributed to the breastplate, reflecting the glory of God and the preciousness of His people.

Practical Application

This verse, though detailing ancient priestly garments, offers several timeless insights:

  • God's Attention to Detail: It reminds us that God is deeply invested in every detail of His creation and our lives. He is not a God of chaos but of order, beauty, and intentional design.
  • Our Value to God: Just as each tribe was represented by a precious stone, each individual believer is incredibly valuable to God. He knows us by name and carries us in His heart, much like the high priest carried the names of Israel before the Lord.
  • Intercession and Representation: The high priest's role prefigures Jesus Christ, our ultimate Great High Priest, who continually intercedes for us before God. We, too, are called to intercede for others and bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2).
  • Worship with Excellence: The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and its service encourage us to offer our best to God in worship and service, reflecting His own excellence and holiness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:11 (2 votes)

    And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

  • Ezekiel 10:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

  • Ezekiel 27:16 (2 votes)

    Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

  • Exodus 24:10 (2 votes)

    And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

  • Revelation 4:3 (2 votes)

    And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

  • Ezekiel 28:13 (2 votes)

    Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

  • Job 28:6 (2 votes)

    The stones of it [are] the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.