Topical Encyclopedia The breastplate, known in Hebrew as the "ḥoshen," was an integral part of the high priest's sacred garments, as detailed in the Old Testament. This ornate piece of attire was not merely decorative but held significant spiritual and symbolic meaning within the religious practices of ancient Israel.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the breastplate are found in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 28:15-30, the breastplate was to be made of skilled craftsmanship, using materials such as gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. It was to be square and folded double, measuring a span in length and a span in width. The breastplate was adorned with 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. The breastplate was attached to the ephod, another priestly garment, by gold chains and rings, ensuring it remained securely in place over the high priest's heart. This placement was significant, as it symbolized the high priest bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord continually. The Urim and Thummim Within the breastplate, the Urim and Thummim were placed, as described in Exodus 28:30: "Put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." These mysterious objects were used for divination, allowing the high priest to discern the will of God in matters of national importance. Symbolism and Function The breastplate served as a "breastpiece of judgment," signifying the high priest's role as an intercessor and mediator between God and the people of Israel. By wearing the breastplate, the high priest carried the weight of the tribes upon his heart, symbolizing his responsibility to represent them before God and to seek divine guidance on their behalf. The twelve stones, each inscribed with the name of a tribe, underscored the unity and diversity of the nation of Israel. The high priest, adorned with the breastplate, was a visual reminder of God's covenant with His people and His ongoing presence among them. New Testament Reflection While the specific garments of the high priest, including the breastplate, are not carried over into New Testament worship, the symbolism finds fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the ultimate High Priest, Christ bears the names of His people upon His heart, interceding for them before the Father. Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of Jesus as the great high priest who has passed through the heavens, offering believers confidence to approach the throne of grace. In summary, the breastplate of the high priest was a richly symbolic garment, representing the high priest's role as a mediator and the unity of the tribes of Israel. Its detailed construction and the inclusion of the Urim and Thummim highlight its importance in the religious life of ancient Israel, pointing ultimately to the perfect mediation of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:4And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Names on Aaron's Breastplate The Writing on God's Hands Separating the Precious from the Vile The Day of Atonement Treatise on the Priesthood. Book vi. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Resources What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is virginity so important in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Spiritual strongholds - what is the biblical view? | GotQuestions.org Breastplate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Breastplate for Soldiers: Bright and Shining Breastplate for Soldiers: Made of Iron Breastplate for the High Priest: Form and Dimensions of Breastplate for the High Priest: Made from the offering of the People Breastplate for the High Priest: Materials of Breastplate of the High Priest Breastplate: A Part of Defensive Armour Breastplate: A Part of the High Priest's Dress Breastplate: Armor for Soldiers Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Breastplate: for High Priest: Freewill offering of Materials For Breastplate: for High Priest: Made by Bezaleel Breastplate: for High Priest: Worn by Aaron Breastplate: had Names of the Tribes Engraved on Precious Stones Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Defence of Faith and Love Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Defence of Righteousness Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Righteous Judgment of Christ Breastplate: Inseparably United to the Ephod Breastplate: The Urim and Thummim Placed In Breastplate: Worn As a Memorial Related Terms |
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