Exodus 28:17
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. 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.
Exodus 28:17 prescribes the first of four rows of stones on Aaron's high priestly breastpiece, placing the sardius, topaz, and carbuncle in that first row. The breastpiece was a rich and beautiful work bordered with stones set in gold and engraved with the names of Israel's twelve tribes. Set with precious stones, it served as a means by which messages from Jehovah were received, with God's approval shining upon the stones and His disapproval shadowing them. The care ordered for this sacred dress taught reverence for God and the holiness of His service, since the apparel of those who officiate before Him may honor or dishonor Him. The earthly breastplate is reflected in the breastplate Jesus wears as He ministers in the heavenly sanctuary, richly made and glittering with letters like names engraved upon it. The many distinct stones forming one breastplate show how people with different characteristics belong to one united church family, each stone with its own light adding beauty to the whole.
Breastplate and Its Stones
The verse prescribes the first of four rows of stones on Aaron's high priestly breastpiece, placing the sardius, topaz, and carbuncle in that first row. The breastplate was a rich, beautiful work bordered with stones, with its precious stones set in gold and engraved with the names of Israel's twelve tribes. The materials of those precious stones were the same as those of the twelve foundations of the city of God.
The breastpiece also had two larger stones at its sides whose signs revealed God's will: light shining on the right stone signified favor and success, while clouding over the left signified disapproval and refusal. Set with precious stones, the breastplate served as a means by which messages from Jehovah were received. God's glory shone upon the stones and His disapproval shadowed them.
After Christ's death God's presence no longer overshadowed the earthly mercy seat and the most holy place was exposed, so the stones no longer received those signs of shining or shadowing.
Reverence in Sacred Service
This verse is part of God's specific instructions for the priests' garments for service in the holy place. Those instructions provided sacred clothing authorized for the high priest's service before God, suited to the work of the priestly office.
The God who moves the world and sustains life and health gave special directions about everything connected with His service. Even the details of sacred dress were to be carefully ordered. He requires order in everything and especially cleanliness.
The apparel of those who officiate before Him may honor or dishonor Him. The prescribed care in their appearance helped teach the people reverence for God and the holiness of His service. The breastplate's materials and workmanship did not make it sacred apart from its use in the service God had directed.
Heavenly Ministry and Application
The breastplate commanded here is reflected in the one Jesus wears as He ministers in the heavenly sanctuary, richly made and suspended from His shoulders. It shines like diamonds and glitters with letters that look like names engraved upon it. After ending His ministry in the holy place, He entered the second apartment in 1844 wearing these priestly garments.
Each stone in the breastplate had its own light and significance, bearing an important message from God. Together the distinct stones added beauty to the whole breastplate. The many distinct stones forming one breastplate illustrate how people with different characteristics can belong to one united church family.
The detailed directions for Aaron's garments show that God cared about the clothing of those who served Him. Aaron's robes were symbolic, and the clothing worn by Christ's followers should likewise represent Him. The verse is part of Christ's instruction in educating His church in the wilderness, giving the outline of God's expressed will and the highest knowledge after the divine similitude. It presents the higher education that trains mind, body, and morals for present and eternal good. It tells God's covenant with the people He is seeking to save today, the terms of salvation, and the education of most value today.