Leviticus 8:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The high priest's breastplate featured twelve distinct gemstones, including carnelian, topaz, emerald, ruby, sapphire, jasper, hyacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, beryl, and onyx. These twelve stones symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel. This presents a challenging concept. Above, on the shoulder pieces, there was a single type of stone, marked by the name emerald, while the stones on the breastplate below were varied. What is the significance of this? Since we derive from one source, yet diverse thoughts and beliefs have led to our division, the single name refers to opinion, while the varied stones represent nature. Consequently, the name of God is expressed as active grace, manifested through the Word and the truth.

The stones on the high priest’s breastplate radiated a certain brilliance—that which is described as ‘appearance’—through which future events were disclosed.