Exodus 39:10
And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְמַלְאוּ
And they set
H4390
וַיְמַלְאוּ
And they set
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
1 of 11
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֹ֤דֶם
was a sardius
H124
אֹ֤דֶם
was a sardius
Strong's:
H124
Word #:
7 of 11
redness, i.e., the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem
Historical Context
Identifying ancient gemstones with modern equivalents is challenging, but the Hebrew terms indicate precious, colorful stones. The stones' arrangement in four rows of three may correspond to the camp arrangement in Numbers 2, with three tribes per side of the tabernacle.
Questions for Reflection
- How do twelve distinct stones in one breastplate illustrate unity in diversity within the church?
- What does God's people being represented by precious, not common, stones reveal about believers' value to Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The first row—sardius (אֹדֶם, odem, red stone), topaz (פִּטְדָה, pitdah, yellow-green), and carbuncle (בָּרֶקֶת, bareqet, emerald)—begins the twelve stones representing Israel's tribes. Each stone's unique color and character symbolizes tribal distinctiveness within covenant unity. The sardius/ruby's blood-red hue may represent Reuben (firstborn); topaz's golden glow suggests divine light; carbuncle's green brilliance evokes life. Together, these precious stones teach that God's people, though diverse, form a unified, costly treasure. Revelation 21:19-20 echoes this imagery in the New Jerusalem's foundations.