Topical Encyclopedia The breastplate, known in Hebrew as the "ḥoshen," is one of the most significant garments worn by the High Priest in ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. This sacred vestment is described extensively in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with specific instructions for its construction and use. The breastplate is not merely a piece of ceremonial attire but serves a profound spiritual and symbolic function within the religious life of Israel.Biblical Description and Construction The breastplate is described in Exodus 28:15-30. It is crafted with great care and artistry, reflecting its importance. The Berean Standard Bible states: "You are to make a breastpiece of judgment, skillfully woven. You shall make it in the style of the ephod: of gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen." (Exodus 28:15). This indicates the breastplate's intricate design and the high-quality materials used, symbolizing purity and divine glory. The breastplate is square, measuring a span in length and width, and is folded double. It is adorned with four rows of precious stones, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones are set in gold filigree, and each is engraved with the name of a tribe, serving as a perpetual reminder of the High Priest's role as an intercessor for the people before God. The Urim and Thummim Within the breastplate, the Urim and Thummim are placed, mysterious objects used for divination and seeking God's will. Exodus 28:30 states: "Place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the means of judgment for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." The exact nature of the Urim and Thummim is not detailed in Scripture, but they are understood to be instruments through which God communicated His divine decisions to the High Priest. Symbolism and Function The breastplate is often referred to as the "breastpiece of judgment," highlighting its role in discerning God's will and making judicial decisions. It is worn over the heart of the High Priest, symbolizing the priest's duty to bear the spiritual and moral concerns of the people before God. The placement of the Urim and Thummim over the heart further emphasizes the connection between divine guidance and the priest's intercessory role. The twelve stones, each inscribed with the name of a tribe, signify the unity and diversity of the nation of Israel. The High Priest, by wearing the breastplate, carries the entire community into the presence of God, underscoring the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. Theological Significance The breastplate's design and function reflect the holiness and order of God's covenant with Israel. It serves as a tangible representation of the High Priest's mediatory role, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers. The breastplate's beauty and craftsmanship also point to the glory and majesty of God, who is both the source of wisdom and the judge of His people. In summary, the breastplate of the High Priest is a profound symbol of divine judgment, intercession, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Its detailed construction and the inclusion of the Urim and Thummim highlight the sacred responsibility of the High Priest to lead the people in accordance with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:15-29And you shall make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shall you make it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Our Compassionate High Priest The Only Atoning Priest The Character of Christ's People Bezaleel and Aholiab. A Peal of Bells The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry Christ. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ... Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. The Doctrine Resources Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the biblical role of the high priest? | GotQuestions.org High: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics High Places of the Canaanites to be Destroyed High Places used for Idolatrous Worship High Places: A Term Used to Describe Places of Worship High Places: Adorned With Tapestry High Places: Built By Jeroboam High Places: Built By Manasseh High Places: Built By People of Israel High Places: Built By People of Judah High Places: Destroyed: Asa, Partially High Places: Destroyed: Hezekiah High Places: Destroyed: Jehoshaphat High Places: Destroyed: Josiah High Places: Enchantments Used Upon High Places: God Sometimes Worshipped On High Places: Hezekiah Destroys High Places: Jehoshaphat Destroys High Places: Licentious Practices At High Places: Not Removed: Amaziah High Places: Not Removed: Azariah High Places: Not Removed: Jehoash High Places: Not Removed: Jotham High Places: Priests Ordained For High Places: Sacrifices and Incense offered to Idols Upon High Places: Signify a Place of Idolatrous Worship High Places: Surrounded With Groves High Places: The Idolatrous, to be Destroyed High Places: The Jews: Built, in all Their Streets High Places: The Jews: Built, in Their Cities High Places: The Jews: Condemned for Building High Places: The Jews: Provoked God With High Places: The Jews: Punished For High Places: The Jews: Threatened With Destruction of The High Priest was Called: God's High Priest The High Priest was Called: Ruler of the People The High Priest was Called: The Priest The High Priest were for Beauty and Ornament The High Priest: Assisted by a Deputy The High Priest: Consecrated to his office The High Priest: Duties of Appointing Priests to offices The High Priest: Duties of Bearing Before the Lord the Names of Israel for a Memorial The High Priest: Duties of Blessing the People The High Priest: Duties of Consecrating the Levites The High Priest: Duties of Enquiring of God by Urim and Thummim The High Priest: Duties of Lighting the Sacred Lamps The High Priest: Duties of Making Atonement in the Most Holy Place Once a Year The High Priest: Duties of Offering Gifts and Sacrifices The High Priest: Duties of Presiding in the Superior Court The High Priest: Duties of Taking Charge of Money Collected in the Sacred Treasury The High Priest: Duties of Taking the Census of the People The High Priest: Family of Eli Degraded from office of, for Bad Conduct The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being Made Without an Oath The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being of the Order of Aaron The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Entering Into Holiest Every Year The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Needing to Make Atonement for his own Sins The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in not Being Able to Continue The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Offering oftentimes the Same Sacrifices The High Priest: Made by Divine Wisdom Given to Bezaleel The High Priest: Needed to Sacrifice for Himself The High Priest: Next in Rank to the King The High Priest: Office of, Made Annual by the Romans The High Priest: Office of, Promised to the Posterity of Phinehas for his Zeal The High Priest: Often Exercised Chief Civil Power The High Priest: Sometimes Deposed by the Kings The High Priest: Sometimes Enabled to Prophesy The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate The High Priest: Special Garments of Broidered Coat The High Priest: Special Garments of Ephod With Its Curious Girdle The High Priest: Special Garments of Girdle The High Priest: Special Garments of Linen Mitre The High Priest: Special Garments of Plate or Crown of Gold The High Priest: Special Garments of Robe of the Ephod The High Priest: Specially Called of God The High Priest: The Deputy of Called the Second Priest The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Levites The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Tabernacle The High Priest: The office of, Hereditary The High Priest: To be Tender and Compassionate The High Priest: To Marry a Virgin of Aaron's Family The High Priest: Typified Christ in Alone Entering Into Most Holy Place The High Priest: Typified Christ in Bearing the Names of Israel Upon his Heart The High Priest: Typified Christ in Being Called of God The High Priest: Typified Christ in Being Liable to Temptation The High Priest: Typified Christ in Blessing The High Priest: Typified Christ in Compassion and Sympathy for the Weak and Ignorant The High Priest: Typified Christ in His Appointment The High Priest: Typified Christ in His Title The High Priest: Typified Christ in Holiness of office The High Priest: Typified Christ in Interceding The High Priest: Typified Christ in Making Atonement The High Priest: Typified Christ in Marrying a Virgin The High Priest: Typified Christ in Performing by Himself all the Services on Day of Atonement The High Priest: Typified Christ in Splendid Dress The High Priest: Wore the Ordinary Priest's Garments when Making Atonement In The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration: Descended to his Successors The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration: Worn Seven Days After Consecration Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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