Exodus 39:13
And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.
Original Language Analysis
שֹׁ֖הַם
an onyx
H7718
שֹׁ֖הַם
an onyx
Strong's:
H7718
Word #:
4 of 9
a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)
וְיָֽשְׁפֵ֑ה
and a jasper
H3471
וְיָֽשְׁפֵ֑ה
and a jasper
Strong's:
H3471
Word #:
5 of 9
a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name)
מֽוּסַבֹּ֛ת
they were inclosed
H4142
מֽוּסַבֹּ֛ת
they were inclosed
Strong's:
H4142
Word #:
6 of 9
a reversal, i.e., the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)
מִשְׁבְּצֹ֥ת
in ouches
H4865
מִשְׁבְּצֹ֥ת
in ouches
Strong's:
H4865
Word #:
7 of 9
a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of a gem
Historical Context
Gold filigree settings (ouches) secured each stone and enhanced its beauty through contrast. This technique, well-developed in ancient metallurgy, ensured the stones remained in place despite the high priest's active ministry. The gold framework unified the diverse stones into a cohesive whole.
Questions for Reflection
- How do gold settings 'holding' the stones illustrate God's sovereign preservation of His elect?
- What does the New Jerusalem's gem-adorned foundations reveal about God's eternal purpose for His people?
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Analysis & Commentary
The fourth row—beryl (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, tarshish, aquamarine), onyx (שֹׁהַם, shoham), and jasper (יָשְׁפֵה, yashpheh)—completes the twelve. Each stone being 'inclosed in ouches of gold' (מִשְׁבְּצֹת זָהָב, mishbetsot zahav, gold filigree settings) signifies that individual tribes exist within the golden framework of God's covenant. The gold settings prevent the stones from being lost, teaching eternal security—God preserves His elect. Jasper's opacity contrasts with beryl's translucence, showing tribal diversity. The breastplate's cumulative beauty prefigures Revelation 21:19-21, where the New Jerusalem's foundations bear precious stones.