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Exodus 39:10 - Kohen's breastplate gemstones' divine order?

Exodus 39:10 - שמות 39:10

Hebrew Text

וַיְמַלְאוּ־בוֹ אַרְבָּעָה טוּרֵי אָבֶן טוּר אֹדֶם פִּטְדָה וּבָרֶקֶת הַטּוּר הָאֶחָד׃

English Translation

And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a ruby, a chrysolithe, and a beryl: this was the first row.

Transliteration

Vayimal'u-bo arba'a turei even tur odem pitdah uvareket hatur ha'echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְמַ֨לְאוּ־ב֔וֹ אַרְבָּעָ֖ה ט֣וּרֵי אָ֑בֶן ט֗וּר אֹ֤דֶם פִּטְדָה֙ וּבָרֶ֔קֶת הַטּ֖וּר הָאֶחָֽד׃
וַיְמַ֨לְאוּ־ב֔וֹ אַרְבָּעָ֖ה ט֣וּרֵי אָ֑בֶן ט֗וּר אֹ֤דֶם פִּטְדָה֙ וּבָרֶ֔קֶת הַטּ֖וּר הָאֶחָֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Stones of the Choshen (Breastplate)

The verse describes the arrangement of the twelve precious stones on the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi (Shemos 28:17), these stones corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel, with each stone representing one of the tribes. The first row contained odem (ruby), pitdah (chrysolite), and bareket (beryl).

Symbolism of the Stones

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) teaches that each stone reflected the unique spiritual qualities of its corresponding tribe. For example:

  • Odem (Ruby): Associated with the tribe of Reuven, symbolizing his fiery passion for righteousness (as seen in his defense of Yosef).
  • Pitdah (Chrysolite): Linked to Shimon, representing the clarity of repentance (as the tribe underwent teshuvah after the incident with Zimri).
  • Bareket (Beryl): Connected to Levi, symbolizing the radiance of Torah study and service in the Mishkan.

Four Rows and Divine Judgment

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the four rows of stones corresponded to the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah) and the four directions of the world, indicating that the Kohen Gadol carried the spiritual needs of all Israel before Hashem. The stones also served as a means of Divine communication through the Urim v'Tumim, as the Gemara (Yoma 73a) states that the letters on the stones would light up to convey Heavenly messages.

Kabbalistic Insights

The Zohar (Terumah 170b) teaches that the stones' brilliance reflected the spiritual light of the tribes. The odem's red hue alluded to chesed (kindness), the pitdah's greenish tint to gevurah (strength), and the bareket's shimmer to tiferes (harmony), illustrating the balance of Divine attributes channeled through the Kohen Gadol's service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 73b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the stones of the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen) and their arrangement.
📖 Sotah 48b
Mentioned in relation to the description of the priestly garments and their significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the four rows of stones in Exodus 39:10?
A: The four rows of stones were part of the Choshen (Breastplate) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi, each row contained three precious stones, totaling twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This showed that the Kohen Gadol carried the entire nation before Hashem when performing the sacred service.
Q: Why were specific stones like ruby and beryl chosen for the Breastplate?
A: The Torah specifies these stones because each had unique qualities and corresponded to one of the twelve tribes. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) explains that each stone reflected the spiritual character of its tribe. For example, the ruby (odem) was associated with Reuven, representing repentance, as Reuven was the first to do teshuvah (repentance).
Q: How does the Breastplate relate to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the Temple or the Breastplate, the Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) teaches that these details remind us of the holiness required when serving Hashem. Just as the Kohen Gadol carried the tribes on his heart, we should carry our fellow Jews in our thoughts and prayers, striving for unity and spiritual connection.