Topical Bible: Breastplate: had Names of the Tribes Engraved on Precious Stones

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The breastplate, also known as the "breastplate of judgment," was a sacred garment worn by the High Priest of Israel as part of the priestly vestments. This ornate piece held significant religious and symbolic importance, as it was designed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The breastplate is described in detail in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 28:15-30.

Design and Construction

The breastplate was crafted with exceptional skill and artistry, reflecting its sacred purpose. It was made of finely woven linen and embroidered with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. The breastplate was square in shape, measuring a span in length and width, and was folded to form a pouch. It 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.

Precious Stones and Tribal Names

One of the most distinctive features of the breastplate was its twelve precious stones, each set in gold filigree. These stones were arranged in four rows of three, and each stone was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The specific stones and their arrangement are detailed in Exodus 28:17-21:

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's engraving served as a perpetual reminder of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing their unity and the High Priest's role as their representative before God.

Symbolism and Function

The breastplate's primary function was to serve as a tool for divine communication. It was known as the "breastplate of judgment" because it contained the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used to discern God's will in important matters. Exodus 28:30 states, "And place the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of judgment for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."

The breastplate's design and the engraved stones symbolized the High Priest's duty to carry the people of Israel on his heart, representing them in the presence of God. The precious stones, each unique and valuable, reflected the distinctiveness and worth of each tribe, while their collective presence on the breastplate underscored the unity and diversity of God's chosen people.

Theological Significance

The breastplate's theological significance extends beyond its immediate function in the tabernacle rituals. It prefigures the New Testament understanding of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who bears the names of His people on His heart and intercedes for them before the Father. The imagery of the breastplate highlights themes of representation, intercession, and divine guidance, which are central to the Christian faith.

In summary, the breastplate with the names of the tribes engraved on precious stones was a profound symbol of the High Priest's mediatory role, the unity and diversity of the people of Israel, and the divine guidance provided to God's chosen leader. Its intricate design and spiritual significance continue to inspire and inform the understanding of priestly ministry and intercession in the Christian tradition.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 28:17-21
And you shall set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 39:10,14
And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... in the rim of a bow fastened to a breastplate. ... of Heaven, were cut off, and their
names have faded ... And, if our plates had been sufficiently large, we should ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the ... city had twelve foundations,
and in them the names of the ... And he that talked with me had a golden reed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm