Exodus 39:5-15

5 They made the belt that is attached to the ephod out of the same fabric. They followed the LORD's instructions to Moses.

6 They mounted the onyx stones in gold settings, and engraved on them the names of the sons of Israel.

7 Then they fastened them on the shoulder straps of the ephod as a reminder of who the Israelites are. They followed the LORD's instructions to Moses.

8 They made the breastplate as creatively as they made the ephod. It was made out of gold, violet, purple, and bright red yarn, and of fine linen yarn.

9 It was folded in half and was 9 inches square.

10 They fastened four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row they put red quartz, topaz, and emerald.

11 In the second row they put turquoise, sapphire, and crystal.

12 In the third row they put jacinth, agate, and amethyst.

13 In the fourth row they put beryl, onyx, and gray quartz. The stones were mounted in gold settings.

14 They corresponded to the 12 sons of Israel, by name, each stone engraved (like a signet ring) with the name of one of the 12 tribes.

15 For the breastplate they made chains out of pure gold, twisted like ropes.

Exodus 39:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 39

In this chapter is continued the account of making the several things belonging to the sanctuary, particularly the clothes for the service of the tabernacle, and the garments of the priests, as the ephod and its curious girdle, Ex 39:1-7 the breastplate and the putting of the stones in it, and the fastening of it to the ephod, Ex 39:8-21 the robe of the ephod, with the bells and pomegranates to it, Ex 39:21-26 and the coats, mitre, bonnets, breeches, and girdle of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, Ex 39:27-29 and the golden plate, Ex 39:30,31 and all being finished, the tabernacle and everything belonging to it were brought to Moses, and viewed by him; who seeing that all was done exactly according to the commandment of the Lord, blessed the people, and particularly the artificers, Ex 39:38-43.