The second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald. The second row continues the spectrum of precious stones: turquoise (blue), lapis lazuli (deep blue), and emerald (green). The range of colors across the four rows creates a visual feast — the breastpiece glittering with twelve different precious stones over the priest's heart as he enters the holy place. The beauty of the breastpiece is inseparable from its function: the priest carries the beauty of each tribe before God, and the beauty of each tribe is precious and distinct. The covenant community is not monochrome but as varied as the twelve stones.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse