Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, precious stones hold significant symbolic and ceremonial importance, particularly in the context of the priestly garments described in the Old Testament. The breastplate and ephod, worn by the High Priest, are adorned with these stones, each representing the twelve tribes of Israel and serving as a means of divine communication and remembrance.The Breastplate of Judgment The breastplate, also known as the Breastplate of Judgment, is detailed in Exodus 28:15-30. It is described as a square, double-folded piece of fabric, intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. The breastplate is set with four rows of precious stones, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones are mounted in gold filigree settings. The specific stones mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible are as follows: 1. First Row: A ruby, a topaz, and an emerald. 2. Second Row: A turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond. 3. Third Row: A jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst. 4. Fourth Row: A beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Each stone is engraved with the name of one of the tribes, serving as a memorial before the Lord. The breastplate is attached to the ephod by gold chains and rings, ensuring it remains securely in place over the High Priest's heart when he enters the Holy Place. The Ephod The ephod, a sacred vestment worn by the High Priest, is described in Exodus 28:6-14. It is crafted from the same materials as the breastplate and is designed to be both functional and symbolic. The ephod consists of two shoulder pieces, each set with an onyx stone. These stones are engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six on each stone, according to their birth order. The onyx stones are mounted in gold filigree settings and serve as a reminder of the tribes before the Lord. Symbolism and Function The precious stones in the breastplate and ephod are not merely decorative; they hold deep theological significance. They symbolize the unity and diversity of the twelve tribes of Israel, each unique yet integral to the whole. The High Priest, bearing these stones, represents the entire nation before God, interceding on their behalf. Moreover, the breastplate is associated with the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for divination and seeking God's will. While the exact nature of the Urim and Thummim is not detailed in Scripture, they are believed to be kept within the breastplate, further emphasizing the role of the High Priest as a mediator between God and His people. Theological Implications The use of precious stones in the priestly garments underscores the holiness and beauty of God's covenant with Israel. Each stone, carefully chosen and placed, reflects the glory and majesty of God's presence among His people. The High Priest, adorned with these stones, serves as a living testament to the divine order and the special relationship between God and the nation of Israel. In the broader biblical narrative, these stones also foreshadow the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21, where the foundations of the city are adorned with similar precious stones, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal beauty of His kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 28:9-21And you shall take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: Nave's Topical Index Exodus 39:6-14 Library The Names on Aaron's Breastplate Introduction. Bezaleel and Aholiab. Our Compassionate High Priest Books of the Hebrew Canon. The Day of Atonement An Awful Contrast The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry A Discourse A Peal of Bells Resources Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God going to give us a white stone with a new name? | GotQuestions.org What is an altar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
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