Topical Bible: Breastplate: for High Priest: Made by Bezaleel

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The breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment," was an integral part of the high priest's sacred garments in ancient Israel. It was designed and crafted by Bezaleel, a skilled artisan filled with the Spirit of God, as described in the Book of Exodus. This breastplate was not merely ornamental but held significant religious and symbolic importance, serving as a tangible representation of the high priest's role as an intercessor between God and the people of Israel.

Design and Construction

The breastplate was made according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, was specifically chosen by God for this task due to his exceptional craftsmanship and wisdom. The breastplate was constructed from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twisted linen, matching the ephod to which it was attached (Exodus 28:15-30).

The breastplate was square, measuring a span in length and a span in width when folded double. It featured four rows of precious stones, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones were set in gold filigree, and each stone was engraved with the name of a tribe, symbolizing the high priest's duty to bear the tribes before the Lord continually.

The Stones and Their Significance

The twelve stones on the breastplate were arranged in four rows of three stones each. The specific stones and their arrangement are detailed in Exodus 28:17-20 :

1. The first row: a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald.
2. The second row: a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond.
3. The third row: a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.
4. The fourth row: a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.

Each stone was carefully chosen and engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, signifying the high priest's role in representing the entire nation before God.

The Urim and Thummim

The breastplate also contained the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for divination and seeking God's will. These were placed inside the breastplate and were used by the high priest to discern divine guidance in matters of national importance. The exact nature and appearance of the Urim and Thummim remain a subject of scholarly debate, but their presence underscores the breastplate's function as a tool for divine communication.

Symbolism and Function

The breastplate of judgment was more than a piece of ceremonial attire; it was a symbol of the high priest's mediatory role. By wearing the breastplate, the high priest bore the names of the sons of Israel over his heart when he entered the Holy Place, serving as a perpetual reminder before the Lord (Exodus 28:29). This act symbolized the high priest's responsibility to intercede for the people and seek God's mercy and guidance on their behalf.

In summary, the breastplate crafted by Bezaleel was a masterpiece of sacred art, rich in symbolism and function. It embodied the high priest's duty to represent the people of Israel before God, ensuring that their names were always present in the divine presence.

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Exodus 39:8,21
And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
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Bezaleel and Aholiab.
... tabernacle and all things belonging to it were made exactly as ... fine linen; precious
stones were set for the high priest's ephod and breastplate; and, at ...
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