Exodus 39:7-17

7 They put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

8 They made the breastpiece of the same materials as the ephod and with similar embroidery.

9 It was square and folded double, 9 inches long and 9 inches wide.

10 They mounted four rows of precious stones on it: in the first row they mounted a ruby, a topaz, and a garnet;

11 in the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond;

12 in the third row, a turquoise, an agate, and an amethyst;

13 and in the fourth row, a beryl, a carnelian, and a jasper. These were mounted in gold settings.

14 Each of the twelve stones had engraved on it the name of one of the sons of Jacob, in order to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

15 For the breastpiece they made chains of pure gold, twisted like cords.

16 They made two gold settings and two gold rings and attached the two rings to the upper corners of the breastpiece.

17 They fastened the two gold cords to the two rings

Exodus 39:7-17 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.