What does Exodus 28:17 mean?
ESV: You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row;
NIV: Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl;
NASB: And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald;
CSB: Place a setting of gemstones on it, four rows of stones: The first row should be a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald;
NLT: Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald.
KJV: And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
NKJV: And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row;
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 28; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Exodus 28:15–30 provides details for an ornate chest piece to be worn over the "ephod" (Exodus 28:6) by Israel's high priest (Exodus 28:1–5). The garment is a square pouch about 9 inches, or 23 centimeters, on each side. The front of the breastpiece features twelve precious stones set in an ornate pattern of gold wire. Each stone is engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel (Exodus 1:1–5). This is connected to the ephod by gold rings and chains. Inside the pouch are two objects called Urim and Thummim; each is some sort of die, lot, or token.
Chapter Summary:
The Lord will assign Aaron and his descendants to be Israel's priests (Numbers 3:10). In this chapter, God describes the priestly garments worn for this office. They are to be beautiful and made with great skill. A high priest's uniform included a breastpiece, a sleeveless smock called an "ephod," as well as a robe, coat, turban, and sash. Other priests wore caps, sashes, coats, and linen underclothes made for their roles. Some items are explained in detail. These garments embody various elements of worship under the Mosaic covenant.
Chapter Context:
Israel arrived at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) where God began to declare His laws (Exodus 19:5–6). These began with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and assorted rules (Exodus 21—23). The Lord also explained designs for His sanctuary and its accessories (Exodus 25—27). This chapter specifies how to make priestly garments, beginning with those of the high priest. The following passage shows how to consecrate the priests (Exodus 29) before returning to describe the last items to be constructed (Exodus 30).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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