Exodus 28:19
And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Agate (שְׁבוֹ, shebo) displayed beautiful banded patterns, each stone uniquely marked. This mirrors how each believer bears unique marks of God's craftsmanship while sharing equal worth in His sight.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God 'crafted' you uniquely rather than mass-producing generic believers?
- What does the royal stone (amethyst) teach about your identity in God's royal priesthood?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The third row: ligure (possibly jacinth), agate, amethyst. Each stone's unique properties contribute to the whole. Amethyst's purple suggests royalty—we are a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9). The varied stones show that God doesn't mass-produce believers but individually crafts each with unique beauty while maintaining collective glory. No two agates are identical, yet all are valuable—like believers in Christ's body.