Topical Bible: Breastplate: The Urim and Thummim Placed In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The breastplate, known in Hebrew as the "ḥoshen," was an integral part of the high priest's sacred garments in ancient Israel, as described in the Old Testament. It was a square, richly embroidered piece of cloth, adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastplate was attached to the ephod, another priestly garment, and was worn over the heart of the high priest when he entered the Holy Place.

Biblical Description and Function

The detailed 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 gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was to be a span long and a span wide, folded double. The twelve stones set in the breastplate were arranged in four rows, with each stone engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel.

The primary function of the breastplate was to serve as a memorial before the LORD. Exodus 28:29 states, "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD."

The Urim and Thummim

The Urim and Thummim were mysterious objects placed inside the breastplate, specifically within the "breastpiece of judgment." Their exact nature and appearance are not described in detail in the Scriptures, but they were used as a means of divine communication. The high priest would use the Urim and Thummim to discern the will of God, particularly in matters of national importance or when seeking guidance for the people of Israel.

Exodus 28:30 instructs, "You are to put the Urim and Thummim into the breastpiece of judgment, and they will be over Aaron’s heart when he comes before the LORD. In this way Aaron will continually bear the means of judgment for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."

Symbolism and Significance

The breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim, symbolized the high priest's role as the mediator between God and the people of Israel. It represented the priest's responsibility to carry the tribes of Israel before God, seeking His guidance and judgment on their behalf. The placement of the Urim and Thummim over the heart of the high priest emphasized the importance of sincerity and integrity in seeking divine direction.

The breastplate also highlighted the unity and diversity of the twelve tribes, each uniquely represented yet collectively brought before God. This unity was essential for the spiritual and communal life of Israel, as the high priest interceded for the nation.

Historical and Theological Context

The use of the Urim and Thummim, while not frequently mentioned in the biblical narrative, underscores the theocratic nature of ancient Israel, where God was recognized as the ultimate authority. The high priest, through the breastplate and its sacred contents, served as a conduit for divine wisdom and judgment.

Throughout the history of Israel, the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim remained symbols of God's presence and guidance. They were a tangible reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, and the high priest's role in maintaining that relationship through faithful service and intercession.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 28:30
And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before the LORD continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:8
And he put the breastplate on him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... mitre. The logion, or logeion, is the breastplate, with the Urim and
Thummim. For the poderes, see Exodus 28:27 (LXX.). [73 ...
/.../iii the testament of levi concerning.htm