Exodus 39 19

Exodus 39:19 kjv

And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

Exodus 39:19 nkjv

And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which was on the inward side of the ephod.

Exodus 39:19 niv

They made two gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod.

Exodus 39:19 esv

Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod.

Exodus 39:19 nlt

Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the inside edges of the chestpiece next to the ephod.

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 19 Meaning

Exodus 39:19 describes the precise composition of the third row of precious stones set into the gold filigree of the high priest's breastpiece, an integral part of his holy garments. This particular row specifies a ligure (or jacinth), an agate, and an amethyst. These stones complete the initial nine of the twelve unique gemstones, each bearing the engraved name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse highlights God's meticulous instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred implements, emphasizing the precision and order required for divine service.

Exodus 39 19 Context

Exodus 39 details the meticulous execution of the instructions for crafting the Tabernacle and the sacred priestly garments, as previously commanded by the LORD in Exodus 28-31. The immediate context of verse 19 is the continued description of the high priest's breastpiece (also known as the breastpiece of judgment), following the details of its previous rows of stones. The chapter as a whole underscores the faithful obedience of Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen in replicating God's divine blueprint "just as the LORD had commanded Moses." This consistency between divine command and human fulfillment is a prominent theme throughout Exodus 39, setting a pattern for acceptable worship. Historically and culturally, the use of precious stones in priestly regalia was common in the Ancient Near East, symbolizing power, wealth, and divine connection. However, Israel's priestly garments stood apart through their specific divine design and the strict adherence to this pattern, providing a subtle polemic against any pagan practices where worship rituals or regalia might be derived from human imagination or preference rather than direct divine revelation. The detailed, specific nature of these instructions underscores God's sovereignty and His desire for ordered, consecrated worship.

Exodus 39 19 Word analysis

• And (וְ / ve-): This conjunction connects the current description to the preceding verse, indicating a continuation of the listing of stones for the breastpiece. It signifies progression and the systematic completion of a divine design.

• the third row (הַשּׁוּרָה הַשְּׁלִישִׁית / hashshurah hashshelishit): This specifies the position of these three stones within the twelve, indicating an organized, sequential pattern. The explicit enumeration emphasizes the methodical and complete nature of God's instructions for the high priestly garment.

• a ligure (לֶשֶׁם / leshem): This Hebrew term's exact identity is subject to some debate, variously translated as jacinth (hyacinth), amber, or opal by different versions and scholars. Regardless of its precise mineralogical identification, it signifies a specific, valuable gemstone. Its inclusion highlights God's particular choice in adorning the priestly garments with rare and distinct elements, each holding symbolic significance for one of Israel's tribes.

• an agate (שְׁבוֹ / shebho): This stone is generally agreed upon in translation. Agate is known for its distinct banded appearance and variety of colors. Its presence contributes to the rich visual tapestry of the breastpiece, symbolizing the diverse yet unified nature of the twelve tribes of Israel, each unique but bound together under God.

• and an amethyst (אַחְלָמָה / achlamah): This Hebrew word is consistently translated as amethyst, a purple quartz. The color purple was often associated with royalty, nobility, and high spiritual standing in the ancient world. The amethyst's inclusion further accentuates the splendor, sacredness, and representational glory of the breastpiece worn by the high priest.

• Words-group: "a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst": These three gemstones comprise the third specific group in the series of twelve for the breastpiece, indicating that the detailed list is precisely as God commanded. Each stone, unique in color and appearance, represents a distinct tribe of Israel. Their collective arrangement on the high priest's breastpiece symbolizes his sacred duty to bear all of God's people on his heart before the LORD continually. The inherent preciousness and beauty of these gems reflect the divine esteem for Israel and the glory suitable for God's holy presence and His dedicated service. This detail points to God's love for order, beauty, and His intention that all aspects of His worship be meticulously rendered and honorable.

Exodus 39 19 Bonus section

The significance of the Tabernacle and priestly garments lies deeply in their nature as types or patterns of heavenly realities, a concept developed in the Book of Hebrews. The extraordinary detail given to the materials and their arrangement was not merely for earthly aesthetics but was a shadow of superior things (Heb 8:5). The gems chosen for the breastpiece, including those in verse 19, contributed to an overall image of God's unblemished glory and the radiant splendor He intended for His sanctuary. The craftsmanship, enabled by the Spirit of God filling individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab (Exod 31:3, 35:31), ensured that these divine commands were executed with divine skill and wisdom. This attention to detail speaks to the unchangeable and perfect nature of God's design for His interaction with humanity. Later prophetic visions and descriptions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation also include specific precious stones in its foundations (Rev 21:19-20), echoing the divine use of such gems to represent eternal glory, purity, and the preciousness of God's redeemed people in their final dwelling place.

Exodus 39 19 Commentary

Exodus 39:19, in its precise listing of the ligure, agate, and amethyst for the high priest's breastpiece, is far more than a mere inventory of precious materials. It underscores the profound theological truth of God's meticulous care in defining worship. Every detail, down to the specific stones and their placement, was divinely prescribed. This emphasized that worship was not a human invention but a divine directive, designed for God's glory and for the proper mediation between God and His people. Each of the twelve stones on the breastpiece uniquely represented one of the tribes of Israel, ensuring that the high priest, in his sacred duties, continually bore the names and identity of God's entire covenant community on his heart before the LORD. This act symbolized divine remembrance, intercession, and the preciousness of God's people in His sight. Ultimately, the earthly high priest and his garments serve as a tangible foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who bears His church—His redeemed people—before the Father eternally, presenting us faultless and advocating on our behalf. The beauty and value of these specific gems reflect the glory, honor, and purity appropriate for God's sanctuary and His unblemished dwelling among His chosen ones.