Exodus 39:9-19

9 It was square; the breastpiece was made double, a span in length and a span in width when doubled.

10 They set in it four rows of stones. A row of carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald was the first row;

11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a moonstone;

12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

13 and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper; they were enclosed in settings of gold filigree.

14 There were twelve stones with names corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.

15 They made on the breastpiece chains of pure gold, twisted like cords;

16 and they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece;

17 and they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece.

18 Two ends of the two cords they had attached to the two settings of filigree; in this way they attached it in front to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod.

19 Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod.

Exodus 39:9-19 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. The identification of several of these stones is uncertain
• [b]. Or [lapis lazuli]