Connect Exodus 28:17 to Revelation's description of the New Jerusalem's foundations. The High Priest’s Breastplate: Exodus 28:17 “You shall mount on it four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald.” The City’s Foundations: Revelation 21:19–20 “The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.” Shared Themes in Stone • Twelve stones in both passages—twelve tribes, twelve apostles, one unified people of God. • Precious gems named specifically, underscoring that every detail in Scripture is intentional and accurate. • Stones are displayed publicly (on the priest, in the city), proclaiming God’s glory before all. Side-by-Side Snapshot 1. Sardius / Jasper 2. Topaz / Sapphire 3. Emerald / Chalcedony 4. (second-row) Carbuncle / Emerald 5. Sapphire / Sardonyx 6. Diamond / Carnelian 7. Jacinth / Chrysolite 8. Agate / Beryl 9. Amethyst / Topaz 10. Beryl / Chrysoprase 11. Onyx / Jacinth 12. Jasper / Amethyst (Exact names vary in English transliteration.) Why the Continuity Matters • God’s dwelling among His people moves from a movable tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) to a permanent city where “the dwelling place of God is with man” (Revelation 21:3). • The breastplate stones rested over the high priest’s heart as he bore Israel before the LORD (Exodus 28:29). The New Jerusalem’s foundations carry those same covenant realities into eternity, set beneath the feet of all the redeemed. • The repetition of gems highlights God’s unchanging nature—what He began in Israel He brings to completion in the church (Romans 11:29; Ephesians 2:19–22). Living Truths to Embrace • The Lord treasures His people; each name is engraved “like a seal” (Exodus 28:21). • Our eternal future is tangible and radiant—literal stones, literal city, literal glory (John 14:2–3). • Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), secures our place in that city whose “foundations…whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). |
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