A precious stone in the first row of the High Priest's breastplate. Traditionally identified as jacinth (a red variety of zircon), amber, or opal. The exact identification remains uncertain but it was clearly a gem of high value.
The twelve stones of the High Priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17β20) are among the most symbolic items in the Old Testament. Each stone bore the name of one tribe of Israel β the priest literally carried Israel on his heart before God. These same stones appear in Revelation 21 as the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The leshem represents one tribe before God, reminding us that every believer is individually known and carried by our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for each one by name.