Exodus 39:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row;

NIV: Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl;

NASB: And they mounted four rows of stones on it. The first row was a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald;

CSB: They mounted four rows of gemstones on it. The first row was a row of carnelian, topaz, and emerald;

NLT: They mounted four rows of gemstones on it. The first row contained a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald.

KJV: And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

NKJV: And they set in it four rows of stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row;

Exodus 39:8–21 says that Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) exactly follows the instructions given in Exodus 28:15–30. These describe a breastplate worn by Israel's high priest. The plate includes twelve stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel.

Israel's craftsmen (Exodus 30:10, 30, 34) make the ceremonial clothes used in the tabernacle. These include an "ephod," a breastplate, a robe, and a turban with an engraved headpiece. The high priest will wear these. Other garments are for the rest of the priesthood. Instructions from Moses' encounter with the Lord (Exodus 28:6–43) are closely followed in this process. After inspection, Moses blesses those who have completed the work.

Israel is building the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) according to the Lord's instructions (Exodus 35—38). Most records of their work closely match the phrasing of God's original statements to Moses (Exodus 25—31). This emphasizes that the Israelites are committed to careful obedience. This chapter completes the preparation phase. The next, final chapter describes the tabernacle's assembly and God's response (Exodus 40).

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.

Accessed 12/7/2025 7:19:30 AM