Exodus 28:20: “The fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 28:20 describes the fourth and final row of stones to be placed on the high priest’s breastpiece: topaz, onyx, and jasper. These stones, like the others on the breastpiece, each represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones were to be set in gold filigree, highlighting their value and the importance of the tribes they represented.
Topaz is a precious stone that often appears golden or yellow, symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty. Onyx is typically black or white and symbolizes strength and stability. Jasper can come in many colors but is often red or green, symbolizing endurance and eternal life. Together, these stones reflect various aspects of the spiritual qualities that God desires in His people.
The placement of these stones on the breastpiece, which was worn over the high priest’s heart, emphasizes the close relationship between God, the high priest, and the people of Israel. The high priest’s role was to carry the people before God, bearing their names and their burdens into God’s presence.
Historical Context
The instructions for making the high priest’s breastpiece, including the specific selection and arrangement of these stones, were given to Moses at Mount Sinai. This was a crucial time in Israel’s history as they were being established as God’s covenant people. The high priest’s garments, including the breastpiece, played a central role in the religious life of Israel, symbolizing the high priest’s responsibility to mediate between God and the people.
In the ancient world, gemstones were not only valued for their beauty but also for their symbolic meanings. The use of precious stones in the high priest’s breastpiece would have been understood as a reflection of the honor and significance of the twelve tribes. The gold filigree settings further emphasized the importance of these stones, indicating that the people of Israel were precious in God’s sight.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 28:20 underscores the value and importance that God places on each of His people. Just as the high priest carried the names of the tribes on precious stones, God sees each individual as valuable and significant. The careful selection and placement of these stones reflect the idea that God knows and cares for each person intimately, and that everyone has a unique place in His kingdom.
The gold settings for the stones also highlight the idea of holiness and purity in worship. The high priest’s garments, adorned with these valuable stones, were a reminder that those who serve God must do so with reverence and care, recognizing the sacredness of their role.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 28:20 is a detailed and descriptive verse that fits into the broader narrative of the construction of the high priest’s garments. The verse’s focus on the specific stones in the fourth row of the breastpiece adds to the richness and beauty of the high priest’s attire. The repetition of the pattern—three stones in each row—creates a sense of order and completeness, reflecting the structured nature of God’s design for worship.
The verse’s structure, with its clear listing of stones and the mention of gold filigree settings, emphasizes the care and precision required in the making of the breastpiece. This attention to detail underscores the importance of every aspect of the high priest’s role in representing the people before God.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible expand on the themes found in Exodus 28:20:
- Exodus 39:10-14: Describes the actual creation of the breastpiece and the setting of the stones, fulfilling the instructions given in Exodus 28.
- Isaiah 54:11-12: Speaks of God laying the foundations of Zion with precious stones, symbolizing the strength and beauty of God’s covenant people.
- Revelation 21:19-20: Lists the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, which include some of the same stones mentioned in the high priest’s breastpiece, highlighting the eternal significance of these symbols.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 28:20 serves as a reminder of the value and significance 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 valuable in God’s sight. This verse challenges us to recognize the worth of each person and to carry their concerns and needs before God in prayer and in our daily lives.
The verse also encourages believers to approach their relationship with God with the same care and reverence that was required of the high priest. Just as the breastpiece was made with precision and adorned with precious stones, our lives should reflect the holiness and beauty that God desires in His people.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 28:20 reflects God’s love in the way He values and honors each person. The use of precious stones to represent the tribes of Israel shows that God sees each individual as valuable and worthy of care. 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 our 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?