a jacinth
Jacinth, often associated with a reddish-blue or deep blue color, is linked to the tribe of Gad. The stone's color may symbolize the heavens or divine authority. In Revelation 21:20, jacinth is mentioned as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, indicating its enduring significance in God's eternal plan.

an agate
Agate, a stone with varied colors and patterns, is traditionally associated with the tribe of Asher. Its diverse appearance can symbolize the multifaceted nature of God's people and His provision. Agate's presence in the High Priest's breastpiece underscores the beauty and diversity within the unity of the twelve tribes.

and an amethyst
Amethyst, known for its purple hue, is linked to the tribe of Issachar. Purple is often associated with royalty and priesthood, reflecting the tribe's role in understanding the times and seasons (1 Chronicles 12:32). Amethyst is also mentioned in Revelation 21:20 as a foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the eternal priesthood and kingship of Christ.

Exodus 28:19 opens the third row with “a jacinth.” On the high priest’s breastpiece every gem sat in gold and bore one tribal name (Exodus 28:21).

• Color and image: Jacinth glows in fiery orange-red hues. Scripture often pairs that color with judgment and zeal—note the horse “breastplates the color of fire and of hyacinth” in Revelation 9:17, a passage flashing with divine wrath yet controlled by God’s sovereign plan.

• Covenant assurance: When the priest carried this stone over his heart, the tribe it represented was literally pressed to the place of intercession (Exodus 28:29). God’s people were not guessed at or grouped; they were named and known.

• Future glory: Jacinth reappears in the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19). The same God who engraved a tribe on the priest’s vest will engrave His redeemed people on the eternal city.

Takeaway—every fiery moment in a believer’s life is still framed in gold, held close to the heart of our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Next comes “an agate.”

• Beauty in bands: Agate forms in layered stripes, reminding us that God builds faith through seasons, one stratum upon another (Psalm 40:1-3).

• Strength under pressure: Agate is a hard, durable stone. Its presence on the breastpiece spoke of a tribe chosen to stand firm. The same promise is given to every believer: “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

• Walls of protection: Isaiah 54:12 pictures the restored Zion with “your gates of sparkling jewels.” The verse nestles in a context of covenant peace (Isaiah 54:10), showing that God adorns what He also shields.

Takeaway—our layered stories of trial and triumph are not random; each stripe of experience showcases the Keeper who never lets go (Jude 24-25).

The row ends with “an amethyst.”

• Royal color: Amethyst’s deep purple instantly evokes kingship and priesthood. When Esther wore “royal purple” (Esther 8:15), the hue announced authority granted by the king—an echo of the priest’s gem announcing authority granted by the King of kings.

• Sobriety and worship: Purple also marked the tabernacle curtains (Exodus 26:1), setting an atmosphere of reverent awe. The amethyst on the breastpiece whispered, “Approach God with honor.”

• Eternal placement: Amethyst crowns the final list of foundation stones in Revelation 21:20. What graced the breast of Aaron will one day grace the very city where God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).

Takeaway—the royal priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9) is not future only; it is present reality, calling us to walk in dignity and worship today.

Exodus 28:19’s third row—jacinth, agate, amethyst—shows the Lord’s heart for His covenant family: fiery zeal that protects, layered strength that endures, and royal dignity that worships. Each stone, first carried over Aaron’s heart, will later adorn the everlasting city, proving that the God who names His people now will celebrate them forever.