And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; And mount on it a setting of gemstonesThis phrase refers to the intricate craftsmanship required for the high priest's breastplate, a sacred garment worn during his service. The Hebrew word for "mount" (מִלֵּאתָ) implies a filling or setting, indicating the precision and care in placing each gemstone. The "setting of gemstones" signifies the beauty and value of the priestly office, reflecting God's glory and the spiritual richness of His covenant with Israel. The use of gemstones also symbolizes the diversity and preciousness of God's people, each tribe represented by a unique stone. four rows of stones
The breastplate was designed with "four rows of stones," each row containing three stones, making a total of twelve. This arrangement is significant, as it represents the twelve tribes of Israel. The number four often symbolizes completeness in the Bible, suggesting the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with His people. The orderly arrangement of the stones reflects the order and structure within the community of Israel, as well as the divine order established by God. The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald
The specific mention of these gemstones highlights their importance and symbolic meaning. The "ruby" (אֹדֶם, 'odem) is often associated with blood and sacrifice, pointing to the atoning work of the priest. The "topaz" (פִּטְדָה, pitdah) is a stone of great value and beauty, symbolizing the preciousness of God's people and His favor towards them. The "emerald" (בָּרֶקֶת, bareqet) is known for its vibrant green color, representing life, growth, and renewal, which are central themes in God's relationship with Israel. Each stone's unique characteristics remind us of the multifaceted nature of God's grace and the diverse gifts within the body of believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. High PriestThe instructions in Exodus 28 are given for the garments of the High Priest, who served as the spiritual leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. 2. Breastpiece of JudgmentThis is the specific garment being described in Exodus 28:17. It was worn by the High Priest and was a symbol of his role in seeking God's will and making decisions for the people. 3. TabernacleThe context of this passage is the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received these instructions from God on Mount Sinai. 5. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, for whom these priestly garments were being made to facilitate worship and atonement. Teaching Points Symbolism of StonesThe precious stones on the breastpiece symbolize the value and beauty of God's people. Each stone represents a tribe of Israel, showing that every individual is precious in God's sight. Role of the High PriestThe High Priest's garments, including the breastpiece, remind us of the importance of holiness and dedication in our service to God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect our priestly calling. God's Attention to DetailThe specific instructions for the priestly garments demonstrate God's concern for order and beauty in worship. This encourages us to approach our worship with reverence and intentionality. Intercession and MediationThe High Priest's role as a mediator points to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. We are reminded of the privilege and responsibility to intercede for others in prayer. Unity and DiversityThe different stones represent the diversity within the unity of God's people. This calls us to appreciate and celebrate the unique gifts and roles within the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the breastpiece in Exodus 28:17 enhance our understanding of the High Priest's role in Israelite worship? 2. In what ways can the symbolism of the precious stones on the breastpiece be applied to our identity as believers today? 3. How does the detailed design of the priestly garments reflect God's character and His expectations for worship? 4. What parallels can we draw between the High Priest's intercessory role and our call to pray for others? 5. How can the diversity of the stones on the breastpiece inspire us to embrace and celebrate diversity within the church community? Connections to Other Scriptures Revelation 21The description of the New Jerusalem includes a foundation adorned with precious stones, similar to the breastpiece, symbolizing the beauty and value of God's eternal kingdom. 1 Peter 2:9This verse speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly role in Exodus to the calling of all Christians to serve and represent God. Hebrews 4:14-16Highlights Jesus as our High Priest, who fulfills and surpasses the role described in Exodus, providing direct access to God. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Beryl, Carbuncle, Carnelian, Chrysolite, Cornelian, Emerald, Hast, Jewels, Line, Lines, Mount, Precious, Row, Rows, Ruby, Sardius, Sardoin, Settings, Smaragd, Stone, Stones, TopazDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:9-21 4342 jewels Exodus 28:15-21 4306 minerals
5211 art Exodus 28:15-30 5140 breasts
7320 breastpiece Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 28:17 NIVExodus 28:17 NLTExodus 28:17 ESVExodus 28:17 NASBExodus 28:17 KJV
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