Exodus 28:18 Study Bible: and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

◄ Exodus 28:18 ►

in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;

in the second row
The breastpiece of judgment, worn by the High Priest, contained four rows of stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The second row signifies the continuation of the divine order and the importance of each tribe in the covenant community. The arrangement of stones reflects God's meticulous design and the value He places on His people.

a turquoise
Turquoise, known for its vibrant blue-green color, was a precious stone in ancient times, often associated with protection and healing. Its inclusion in the breastpiece highlights the beauty and diversity of God's creation. Turquoise may symbolize the tribe of Simeon, though interpretations vary. The stone's color can remind believers of the heavenly realm and the peace that comes from God.

a sapphire
Sapphire, a deep blue gemstone, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing divine favor and heavenly glory. It is associated with the throne of God in Ezekiel 1:26 and Revelation 21:19. The sapphire's presence in the breastpiece underscores the connection between the High Priest's role and the divine presence, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers.

and a diamond
The diamond, known for its hardness and brilliance, represents strength and purity. In the context of the breastpiece, it may symbolize the tribe of Zebulun, though interpretations differ. The diamond's qualities can be seen as a reflection of God's unchanging nature and the purity required of His people. It also points to the enduring nature of God's promises and the eternal covenant established through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. High Priest
The instructions in Exodus 28 are given for the garments of the High Priest, who served as the mediator between God and the Israelites. The breastplate, which includes the stones mentioned, is part of his sacred attire.

2. Breastplate of Judgment
This is the specific garment being described. It is a piece of the High Priest's attire that holds twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel.

3. Israelite Tribes
The twelve stones on the breastplate symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying their unity and representation before God.

4. Tabernacle
The context of these instructions is the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness journey.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received these detailed instructions from God on Mount Sinai.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Stones
Each stone on the breastplate represents a tribe of Israel, emphasizing the importance of each individual in the community of God's people. This teaches us about the value of unity and diversity within the body of Christ.

God's Attention to Detail
The specific instructions for the High Priest's garments reflect God's concern for order and beauty in worship. This encourages us to approach worship with reverence and intentionality.

Representation Before God
The High Priest bore the names of the tribes on his heart, symbolizing intercession. As believers, we are called to intercede for others, carrying them in prayer before God.

Christ as Our High Priest
The Old Testament priesthood points to Jesus, our eternal High Priest. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and His ongoing intercession for us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of the stones on the High Priest's breastplate enhance our understanding of the unity and diversity within the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of God's attention to detail in our personal and corporate worship practices?

3. How does the role of the High Priest in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for Jesus' role as our High Priest?

4. What practical steps can we take to carry others "on our hearts" in prayer, following the example of the High Priest's intercession?

5. How do the descriptions of precious stones in Revelation 21 connect to the stones on the High Priest's breastplate, and what does this reveal about God's eternal plan for His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 21
The description of the New Jerusalem includes foundations adorned with precious stones, drawing a parallel to the stones on the High Priest's breastplate, symbolizing God's eternal covenant with His people.

1 Peter 2
Believers are described as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly garments to the spiritual identity and responsibilities of Christians today.

Hebrews 4
The role of the High Priest is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate mediator and High Priest, making the Old Testament priestly garments a foreshadowing of Christ's work.

Sermons

Aaron in His Priesthood the Type of Jesus	J. Urquhart	Exodus 28:1-38
The Priests and Their Garments	J. Orr	Exodus 28:1-43
The Agate	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Amethyst	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Breastplate	T. Champness.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Breastplate	G. Rodgers.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Conqueror's Jewel	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Diamond	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Emerald	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Sapphire	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30
The Topaz	R. Newton, D. D.	Exodus 28:15-30

People

Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, Shoham

Places

Mount Sinai

Topics

Carbuncle, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Row, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 28:1-43

1065 God, holiness of

Exodus 28:9-21

4342 jewels

Exodus 28:15-21

4306 minerals
5211 art

Exodus 28:15-30

5140 breasts
7320 breastpiece

Library

Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

Exodus 28:18 NIV
Exodus 28:18 NLT
Exodus 28:18 ESV
Exodus 28:18 NASB
Exodus 28:18 KJV

Exodus 28:18 Commentaries

Bible Hub