Topical Bible: Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of

◄ Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment," was an essential component of the High Priest's sacred garments in ancient Israel. It was designed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The breastplate served both a symbolic and functional role in the religious life of the Israelites, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and facilitating communication with God.

Biblical Instructions for the Making of the Breastplate

The detailed instructions for crafting the breastplate are found in Exodus 28:15-30. The breastplate was to be made by skilled artisans, using materials that reflected its sacred purpose and the glory of God.

1. Materials and Design:
· The breastplate was to be crafted from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twisted linen. These materials were consistent with the other elements of the High Priest's attire, symbolizing purity, royalty, and divinity (Exodus 28:15).
· It was to be square in shape, measuring a span in length and a span in width when folded double (Exodus 28:16).

2. Stones and Engravings:
· The breastplate was adorned with twelve precious stones, set in gold filigree. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the names of the tribes were engraved on the stones like a seal (Exodus 28:17-21).
· The stones were arranged in four rows of three stones each. The first row contained a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper (Exodus 28:17-20).

3. Attachment and Positioning:
· The breastplate was to be fastened to the ephod, another part of the High Priest's garments, using gold chains and rings. It was secured by blue cords to ensure it remained in place over the High Priest's heart (Exodus 28:22-28).
· The Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for divination and seeking God's will, were placed inside the breastplate, further emphasizing its role in judgment and decision-making (Exodus 28:30).

4. Symbolic Significance:
· The breastplate's placement over the heart of the High Priest symbolized his role as an intercessor for the people of Israel, bearing their names before the Lord continually (Exodus 28:29).
· The use of precious stones and intricate craftsmanship highlighted the value and dignity of the priestly office and the importance of the High Priest's mediatory role.

The breastplate of judgment was a profound expression of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, serving as a constant reminder of the divine presence and guidance in the life of the nation of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 28:15-30
And you shall make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shall you make it.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Book 3 Footnotes
... after an awkward manner, in the high priest's breastplate, as the ... the days of the
last good high priest of the ... to be present with, and gave directions to, his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 3 footnotes.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... liberty to consist in opposing such directions as your ... they should go forth to war,
making use of the stones [in the high priest's breastplate] for their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... bells, the pomegranates, the stones on the breastplate and on ... Now I possessed this
desire in a high degree (and ... and you will then see the priest assailed with ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... for in our English sailing directions it is ... This great autocrat was the high priest
of heathenism ... armour of God," including "the breastplate of righteousness ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Others of his own receiving him, and making him welcome ... 4); his labourers, also,
have, by the directions of his ... men, who, meddling with things too high for them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm