What is the meaning of Exodus 28:17? And mount on it a setting of gemstones Every detail of the high priest’s breastpiece is commanded by God, showing that worship must follow His revealed pattern (Exodus 25:8–9). “And mount on it” ties the stones to the gold-embroidered breastpiece (Exodus 28:15). The high priest was to bear these stones close to his heart when he entered the Holy Place, a vivid picture of Christ, our perfect High Priest, carrying His people before the Father (Hebrews 4:14–16). • Exodus 28:29 confirms this purpose: “So Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the breastpiece of judgment over his heart...”. • Revelation 1:13–16 echoes the same priestly imagery in Christ’s appearance among the lampstands. four rows of stones God requires “four rows of stones” to give order and completeness. Twelve stones in four rows match the twelve tribes (Genesis 35:22–26) and mirror the camp’s four-sided arrangement around the tabernacle (Numbers 2). • Order reflects God’s character; “all things must be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). • The matching pair of onyx stones on the shoulders (Exodus 28:9–12) and the twelve stones on the breastpiece together proclaim that the whole nation is carried on the high priest’s shoulders and upon his heart—strength and affection united in one mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald The first row sets the tone for the other three. Precious stones speak of worth, reflecting the glory God places on His covenant people (Isaiah 62:3). • Ruby: brilliance and blood-red color hint at redemption. “Wisdom is more precious than rubies” (Proverbs 3:15); Christ is “the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). • Topaz: often golden, suggesting divine purity and holiness (Job 28:19). The breastpiece was called “the breastpiece of judgment” (Exodus 28:15), reminding Israel that holiness and justice walk together. • Emerald: deep green, a color of life and new creation (Revelation 4:3 shows an emerald rainbow around God’s throne). In Christ we become “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Taken together, the first row proclaims that the redeemed (ruby) stand holy (topaz) and alive (emerald) before God. Ezekiel 28:13 and Revelation 21:19 list similar gemstones in Eden’s splendor and the New Jerusalem, tying Israel’s history to God’s ultimate restoration. summary Exodus 28:17 commands that the high priest’s breastpiece be adorned with three precious stones in the first of four rows, visibly carrying Israel’s tribes before God. The arrangement reveals God’s orderly design, the priceless value He places on His people, and the mediating work of the high priest—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bears believers on His shoulders and over His heart forever. |
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