Exodus Chapter 28 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִלֵּאתָ֥
And thou shalt set
H4390
וּמִלֵּאתָ֥
And thou shalt set
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
1 of 13
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֹ֤דֶם
shall be a sardius
H124
אֹ֤דֶם
shall be a sardius
Strong's:
H124
Word #:
9 of 13
redness, i.e., the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem
Cross References
Ezekiel 28:13Thou 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.Proverbs 8:11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Historical Context
These twelve stones were among the ancient world's most precious gems, making the breastplate extraordinarily valuable. The priest literally wore a fortune close to his heart, demonstrating the infinite worth of the people he represented before God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as a 'precious stone' set in Christ's priestly ministry affect your self-worth?
- What does the diversity of stones (different colors, types) teach about unity within Christ's body?
Analysis & Commentary
Twelve precious stones in four rows adorn the breastplate, each representing a tribe of Israel. The variety of stones (sardius/ruby, topaz, carbuncle/emerald, etc.) shows God values diversity within unity—each tribe unique yet all part of one people. The Hebrew אֶבֶן (even, stone) connects to Christ the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22, 1 Peter 2:6). These set stones prefigure believers as 'living stones' (1 Peter 2:5). Four rows suggest universal representation; three stones per row points to Trinitarian completeness.