Exodus 39:11 - and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
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What does "Exodus 39:11" mean?
Exodus 39:11 is describing the second row of precious stones that were set into the breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel. Let's break down the significance:
Context: Exodus 39 describes the making of the priestly garments, following God's instructions given in earlier chapters. The breastplate was a very important part of the High Priest's attire. It was a square pouch containing the Urim and Thummim (objects used for divine decision-making) and was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
"And the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;" This verse specifically lists the three stones that were placed in the second row of the breastplate.
Turquoise: A blue-green stone, valued for its beauty.
Sapphire: Typically a blue stone, though sapphires can come in other colors. It was and still is considered a highly precious gemstone.
Emerald: A green variety of beryl, highly prized for its vibrant color.
Symbolism: While the specific tribe associated with each stone isn't explicitly stated in Exodus, later Jewish tradition connects them. What's more important, though, is the general symbolism:
Preciousness: The stones were all valuable and beautiful, symbolizing the worth and honor of the tribes of Israel, as well as the High Priest's sacred office.
Representation: The twelve stones collectively represented the entire nation of Israel before God. The High Priest bore the names of the tribes on his heart (literally and figuratively) when he ministered in the Holy Place.
Beauty and Glory: The gemstones added to the overall splendor and glory of the priestly garments, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God.
In summary, Exodus 39:11 describes a specific set of precious stones—turquoise, sapphire, and emerald—placed in the second row of the High Priest's breastplate. These stones, along with the others, symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel and represented their value and standing before God. They also added to the splendor of the priestly garments, reflecting the glory of God.
Exodus 39:11 - and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
What does "Exodus 39:11" mean?
Exodus 39:11 is describing the second row of precious stones that were set into the breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel. Let's break down the significance:
Context: Exodus 39 describes the making of the priestly garments, following God's instructions given in earlier chapters. The breastplate was a very important part of the High Priest's attire. It was a square pouch containing the Urim and Thummim (objects used for divine decision-making) and was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
"And the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;" This verse specifically lists the three stones that were placed in the second row of the breastplate.
Turquoise: A blue-green stone, valued for its beauty.
Sapphire: Typically a blue stone, though sapphires can come in other colors. It was and still is considered a highly precious gemstone.
Emerald: A green variety of beryl, highly prized for its vibrant color.
Symbolism: While the specific tribe associated with each stone isn't explicitly stated in Exodus, later Jewish tradition connects them. What's more important, though, is the general symbolism:
Preciousness: The stones were all valuable and beautiful, symbolizing the worth and honor of the tribes of Israel, as well as the High Priest's sacred office.
Representation: The twelve stones collectively represented the entire nation of Israel before God. The High Priest bore the names of the tribes on his heart (literally and figuratively) when he ministered in the Holy Place.
Beauty and Glory: The gemstones added to the overall splendor and glory of the priestly garments, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God.
In summary, Exodus 39:11 describes a specific set of precious stones—turquoise, sapphire, and emerald—placed in the second row of the High Priest's breastplate. These stones, along with the others, symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel and represented their value and standing before God. They also added to the splendor of the priestly garments, reflecting the glory of God.