Exodus 28 17

Exodus 28:17 kjv

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.

Exodus 28:17 nkjv

And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row;

Exodus 28:17 niv

Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl;

Exodus 28:17 esv

You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row;

Exodus 28:17 nlt

Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 17 Meaning

Exodus 28:17 provides precise divine instructions for the meticulous arrangement of the first three precious stones—sardius, topaz, and carbuncle—in the inaugural row of the breastplate for Aaron, the high priest. This commandment marks the initial step in constructing a sacred garment designed to symbolize the high priest bearing the tribes of Israel continually before the Lord.

Exodus 28 17 Context

Exodus chapter 28 initiates God's detailed instructions to Moses for the construction of sacred garments for Aaron and his sons, particularly emphasizing those for Aaron, the high priest. These garments, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, were designed not merely for adornment but primarily for holiness, beauty, and functional symbolism in worship within the Tabernacle. The immediate context of verse 17 is the precise specifications for the "breastplate of judgment" (Ex 28:15), a folded square pouch upon which twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel, were to be set. This section underscores the meticulous nature of divine command and the importance of sacred order in approaching a holy God. Historically and culturally, while other ancient Near Eastern priesthoods had distinct attire, the Mosaic instructions emphasize God's unique revelation and the sacred responsibility of the priest to represent Israel before a covenant-keeping God, sharply contrasting any chaotic or self-originated pagan cult practices.

Exodus 28 17 Word analysis

• You shall mount (וּמִלֵּאתָ - u'milleta): From the Hebrew root מָלֵא (male), meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to set." This is a Piel verb, indicating intense action, implying the careful, meticulous setting or inlaying of the stones. It conveys the deliberate, exact placement of each stone, not simply attaching them. This reflects the precise fulfillment of God's command.
• in it (בּוֹ - bo): Refers to the "breastplate" or "breastpiece of judgment" (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט - choshen mishpat) introduced in Ex 28:15. This specific item was a double pouch where the Urim and Thummim were also placed, linking the stones not only to tribal representation but also to divine judgment and guidance.
• four rows (אַרְבָּעָה טוּרִים - arba'ah turim): Specifies the precise organization of the twelve stones into a structured pattern. "Four" often symbolizes completeness and order (e.g., four cardinal directions, four rivers in Eden), here applied to the structured representation of God's complete people.
• of stones (אֶבֶן - even): Singular, used collectively for the precious gems. Each stone signifies a unique tribe of Israel. Their preciousness highlights the value of God's people in His sight.
• a row of sardius (טוּר אֹדֶם - tur odem):
  • sardius (odem): Hebrew אֹדֶם means "redness," referring to a deep red or reddish-brown stone, likely carnelian or a red jasper/sard. This stone's color could symbolize life, blood (covenant), or zeal. In Revelation 4:3, sardius is associated with the appearance of God on His throne, signifying His fiery nature and sovereignty. It being the first stone on the breastplate might underscore foundational attributes of Israel or the leadership within it (e.g., Judah).
• topaz (פִּטְדָה - pitdah): Identified as a yellowish-green or olive-green stone, perhaps chrysolite or peridot. Its clarity and warm hue may symbolize prosperity, vibrancy, or light.
• and carbuncle (וּבָרֶקֶת - u'bareqeth):
  • carbuncle (bareqeth): From a root meaning "to flash" or "to lighten," suggesting brilliance. It is generally understood as an emerald (a deep green, brilliant stone) or a red garnet. This stone symbolizes splendor, brilliance, or the shining of divine glory through His people. Its sparkling nature signifies vibrancy.
• shall be the first row (הַטּוּר הָאֶחָד - hattūr hā’eḥād): Emphasizes that this combination of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle specifically constitutes the first in a series of four, setting the order and commencement for the entire arrangement of the breastplate.

Words-group analysis

• "You shall mount in it four rows of stones": This phrase establishes the divine imperative and the structural framework for the breastplate. It highlights that the design is not human innovation but a direct command from God, emphasizing precision and divine order. The use of "stones" (plurality from a singular Hebrew term) indicates the individual significance of each while belonging to a collective whole, foreshadowing the tribes.
• "a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle": This specific grouping for the first row demonstrates God's detailed attention to every aspect of worship and the garments representing His people. Each stone, with its unique color and property, contributed to the overall beauty and symbolism, reflecting the diversity and yet unity of the tribes of Israel, each precious in God's eyes. The brilliant and varying hues of these initial stones would have immediately conveyed the radiance and spiritual richness of the people borne by the high priest into the divine presence.

Exodus 28 17 Bonus section

• The breastplate was often called the "breastpiece of judgment" (choshen mishpat), as it also contained the Urim and Thummim, tools through which divine judgment and will could be ascertained (Ex 28:30). The stones, therefore, were linked not only to representation but also to divine counsel and justice concerning the tribes they represented.
• The selection of twelve distinct stones, each beautiful in its own right, for the breastplate, symbolically illustrated the diversity within the unity of Israel. Each tribe maintained its unique identity and characteristics yet was bound together as one nation under God, collectively represented by the priest. This mirrors the New Covenant truth of the Church as one body with diverse members (1 Cor 12:12-27).
• The continuous presence of the names over the priest's heart and shoulders (with onyx stones bearing names on the ephod's shoulder pieces) emphasizes God's perpetual remembrance and His strong arm upholding His people, even in their journey through the wilderness. This constant "carrying" signifies protection, support, and intercession.
• The exact identity of some ancient gemstones can be challenging to pin down precisely with modern classifications. However, their specific characteristics of color, luminosity, and perceived value would have been clearly understood by the original audience, conveying divine beauty and worth.
• Polemically, the divine specificity for these stones countered the arbitrary use of gems in pagan religions, often associated with chaotic magic or divination not rooted in God's revelation. God's system brought order, holiness, and true divine communication, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty.

Exodus 28 17 Commentary

Exodus 28:17 introduces the divine blueprint for the first of four rows of precious stones on the high priest's breastplate, specifying sardius, topaz, and carbuncle. This detailed instruction reveals several key theological truths. Firstly, it underscores the importance of exact adherence to God's revealed will in matters of worship and service. The meticulous selection and placement of each stone indicated that human creativity had no place in diminishing or altering what God commanded. Secondly, these stones, later engraved with the names of the tribes, were not mere decorations but profound symbols. They meant that the high priest, when ministering before God, bore the entire nation—each tribe and every individual within it—upon his heart (Ex 28:29-30). This represented a perpetual intercession and remembrance, highlighting God's constant presence with and care for His people, and the priest's responsibility to bring them before Him. The brilliance and preciousness of the stones further communicate God's view of His covenant people as treasured possessions, glorified through their relationship with Him. Theologically, this arrangement prefigures Christ, our Great High Priest, who bears us, His living stones (1 Pet 2:5), not on a breastplate, but eternally in His heart, constantly interceding for us in the true, heavenly sanctuary (Heb 7:25, 8:1-2).