What is the meaning of Exodus 39:12? The third row had a jacinth • Exodus 39:12 notes that, in the breastpiece of judgment, “the third row was a jacinth,” set in gold just like the other gems (Exodus 39:13). • Scripture consistently links jacinth (also called ligure) with glory and fire-like brilliance. Ezekiel 28:13 places it among the dazzling stones that adorned Eden’s cherub, while Revelation 21:20 lists it in the New Jerusalem’s foundations, underscoring its lasting worth. • By longstanding Jewish tradition this stone represents the tribe of Dan. Jacob had prophesied, “Dan shall judge his people” (Genesis 49:16-17). The fiery hue of jacinth fits that calling—judgment and discernment carried close to the high priest’s heart. • Takeaway: God literally placed a reminder of righteous judgment in the priest’s breastpiece, assuring Israel that every tribe, even one tasked with judging, remained precious to Him. an agate • The second stone in the row is agate, a gem known for its swirling bands of color—earthy reds, whites, and grays. Like the others, it was “mounted with gold filigree” (Exodus 28:19). • Agate’s layered appearance pictures diversity held together in unity. Psalm 133:1 celebrates brothers dwelling in harmony; agate visually echoes that truth. • Tradition assigns this gem to Naphtali, of whom Moses said, “Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:23). The shifting bands can remind us of the tribe’s free-flowing blessing and agility (cf. Genesis 49:21). • Takeaway: The agate assures believers that God delights in variety within His covenant family, knitting contrasting “bands” into one beautiful testimony. an amethyst • Completing the third row, amethyst gleams in royal purple. The same stone adorns the eleventh foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20), confirming its lasting value. • Purple speaks of both royalty and victory. Fittingly, amethyst is linked to Gad, of whom Moses declared, “Blessed is he who enlarges Gad… he executed the justice of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:20-21). • Judges 11:1-32 shows God granting Gad’s territory triumph amid conflict—victory mirrored in the regal amethyst worn over the high priest’s heart. • Takeaway: Amethyst testifies that God’s people are destined for royal victory, a truth carried into His presence by their mediator. summary The third-row gems—jacinth, agate, and amethyst—literally rested over the high priest’s heart, each stone crying out a distinct message: righteous judgment remembered (jacinth), diverse unity blessed (agate), and royal victory assured (amethyst). Together they affirm that every tribe, and every believer represented by our perfect High Priest, stays continually before the LORD, secure in His covenant love and purpose. |
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