Exodus 28:18: “The second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 28:18 continues the detailed description of the breastpiece worn by the high priest. This verse specifically lists the stones that are to be placed in the second row of the breastpiece: turquoise, lapis lazuli, and emerald. Each of these stones represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the tribe’s presence before God whenever the high priest enters the Holy Place.
The choice of these particular stones reflects their beauty and value. Turquoise is often associated with protection and healing, lapis lazuli with wisdom and truth, and emerald with growth and renewal. These qualities reflect the nature of God’s relationship with His people—He protects, guides, and renews them. The high priest carrying these stones over his heart symbolizes his role in interceding for the people, bringing their needs and their identity before God in worship and prayer.
Historical Context
The instructions for creating the breastpiece were given during the time the Israelites were at Mount Sinai. God was providing them with a detailed blueprint for how they were to worship Him and how the priesthood was to function. The high priest’s garments, including the breastpiece, were central to the religious life of Israel. The stones on the breastpiece were not only decorative but carried deep spiritual significance, representing the twelve tribes and their unique place in God’s plan.
In the ancient world, gemstones were highly prized for both their aesthetic value and their perceived spiritual properties. The selection of specific stones for the high priest’s breastpiece would have been understood by the Israelites as a reflection of God’s careful and purposeful design for His people. The arrangement of these stones in rows on the breastpiece highlights the order and structure that God desires in His worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 28:18 highlights the importance of representation and intercession in the role of the high priest. By wearing the breastpiece adorned with these precious stones, the high priest carried the tribes of Israel into the presence of God. This act symbolizes the high priest’s responsibility to represent the people before God, bringing their concerns, needs, and identity into God’s presence.
The choice of valuable stones also speaks to the worth and value that God places on each of His people. Just as each stone was carefully chosen and set in place, so too does God see each person as precious and significant. The breastpiece serves as a reminder that in God’s eyes, every tribe and every person is valued and loved.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 28:18 is a descriptive verse that contributes to the detailed account of the high priest’s garments. The verse’s focus on the specific stones and their arrangement in the second row of the breastpiece emphasizes the care and precision required in its construction. The mention of turquoise, lapis lazuli, and emerald adds to the richness and beauty of the breastpiece, symbolizing the diversity and uniqueness of the tribes of Israel.
The structure of this verse, with its clear listing of stones, creates a sense of order and symmetry. This orderliness reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s design and intentionality in His creation and in His instructions for worship.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible expand on the themes found in Exodus 28:18:
- Exodus 39:10-14: Describes the actual creation of the breastpiece and the setting of the stones, fulfilling the instructions given in Exodus 28.
- Ezekiel 28:13: Mentions some of the same stones in a description of Eden, associating them with beauty and the presence of God.
- Revelation 21:19-21: Lists the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, including some of the stones mentioned in the high priest’s breastpiece, highlighting the continuity of God’s design and the eternal significance of these stones.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 28:18 serves as a reminder of the value that God places on each of His people. Just as the high priest carried the names of the tribes on precious stones, Christians are called to see themselves and others as precious in God’s sight. This verse challenges us to consider how we represent others before God in prayer and in our daily lives, ensuring that we bring their needs and concerns before Him with the same care and intentionality that the high priest showed.
The verse also encourages believers to recognize the diversity and uniqueness within the body of Christ. Just as each stone on the breastpiece was different yet equally valuable, so too are the different members of the church, each bringing their own gifts and qualities to the community of faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 28:18 reflects God’s love in the way He values and honors His people. The use of precious stones to represent the tribes of Israel shows that God sees each person as valuable and worthy of honor. This verse demonstrates God’s deep care for His people, ensuring that they are always represented in His presence with beauty and significance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest. Just as the high priest in the Old Testament carried the tribes of Israel on his chest, Jesus carries us close to His heart, representing us before the Father. Hebrews 4:14-16 describes Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us with compassion and understanding.
In Christ, the symbolism of the breastpiece is fulfilled. We are represented before God not just by stones on a breastpiece but by the living presence of Jesus, who advocates for us and ensures that we are always remembered and valued in the sight of God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the use of precious stones in the high priest’s breastpiece challenge you to see yourself and others as valuable in God’s eyes?
- In what ways can you carry the concerns and needs of others before God in prayer and in your daily life?
- How does understanding Jesus as our High Priest, who carries us close to His heart, influence your relationship with Him?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the care, order, and intentionality that God desires in all aspects of worship and service?