Exodus 28:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 28:18
18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Chapter Context
Exodus 28 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, holiness, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 28:18
18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
Analysis
The second row: emerald, sapphire, diamond (or jasper). Revelation 21:19-20 connects these stones to the New Jerusalem's foundations. Sapphire's blue suggests heaven; emerald's green suggests life; diamond's clarity suggests purity. Together they picture redeemed humanity—heavenly, living, pure in Christ. The continuity from breastplate to eternal city shows that what the high priest bore on his chest prefigured what God eternally treasures.
Historical Context
Ancient sapphires (Hebrew סַפִּיר, sappir) were likely lapis lazuli, deep blue stones highly prized. The emerald (בָּרֶקֶת, bareqeth) was bright green. These second-row stones continued the pattern of maximum beauty and value.
Reflection
- How does your identity in Christ reflect heaven, life, and purity simultaneously?
- What does the connection between the breastplate and New Jerusalem teach about covenant continuity?