Topical Encyclopedia The Breastplate of the High Priest, also known as the Breastplate of Judgment, is a significant element of the priestly garments worn by the High Priest of Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred vestment is detailed primarily in the Book of Exodus and holds profound theological and symbolic importance within the religious practices of ancient Israel.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Breastplate are found in Exodus 28:15-30. The Breastplate was to be made by skilled craftsmen using materials of the highest quality. It was crafted from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, matching the ephod to which it was attached. The Breastplate was square, measuring a span in length and width, and was folded to form a pouch. The most distinctive feature of the Breastplate was its twelve stones, set in four rows of three. Each stone was engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the High Priest's role in representing the entire nation before God. The stones were set in gold filigree, and the specific stones mentioned in Exodus 28:17-20 include a sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. Function and Symbolism The Breastplate served both a practical and symbolic function. It was worn over the heart of the High Priest when he entered the Holy Place, signifying that he bore the names of the tribes of Israel over his heart as a continual memorial before the Lord (Exodus 28:29). This act symbolized the priest's intercessory role, carrying the concerns and sins of the people into the presence of God. Additionally, the Breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for divination or decision-making, which were placed inside the Breastplate (Exodus 28:30). The exact nature and function of the Urim and Thummim remain subjects of scholarly debate, but they were integral to the High Priest's role in discerning God's will for the nation. Theological Significance The Breastplate of the High Priest underscores the themes of mediation, representation, and divine guidance. It highlights the High Priest's unique role as an intermediary between God and the people of Israel. The Breastplate's design and function emphasize the importance of holiness, purity, and the need for a mediator in approaching God. In Christian theology, the Breastplate is often seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity. Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of Jesus as the great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, offering believers direct access to God's throne of grace. Cultural and Historical Context The Breastplate, along with the other priestly garments, reflects the broader cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East, where elaborate vestments were often used in religious ceremonies. However, the specific instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Breastplate highlight the distinctiveness of Israel's worship and the centrality of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Breastplate of the High Priest remains a subject of fascination and study, symbolizing the deep connection between the divine and the human, and the ongoing need for mediation and atonement in the relationship between God and His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Breastplate of the High PriestBREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST prest: The Hebrew word choshen, rendered in the King James Version "breastplate," means really a "pouch" or "bag." The references to it are found exclusively in the Priestly Code (Exodus 25:7; Exodus 28; Exodus 28 29:5; Exodus 28 35:9, 27 Leviticus 8:8). The descriptions of its composition and particularly the directions with regard to wearing it are exceedingly obscure. According to Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65 the Urim and Thummim, which were called in the priestly pouch, were lost during the Babylonian exile. The actual pouch was a "span in length and a span in breadth," i.e. about 9 inch square. It was made, like the ephod, of "gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen" (Exodus 28:15 f). In it were twelve precious stones, in rows of four, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Apparently the pouch had two rings (perhaps four) through which passed two gold chains by which it was fastened to the ephod supplied for the purpose with ouches or clasps. The pouch was worn by the high priest over his heart when he entered the "holy place" "for a memorial before Yahweh." The presence of the high priest, the representative of the people, with the names of the separate tribes on his person, brought each tribe before the notice of Yahweh and thereby directed His attention to them. The full designation was choshen mishpaT, "pouch of judgment" or "decision." It was the distinctive symbol of the priest in his capacity as the giver of oracles. As already suggested the priestly pouch contained the Urim and Thummim which were probably precious stones used as lots in giving decisions. In all probability the restored text of 1 Samuel 14:41 preserves the true custom. On one side stood Saul and Jonathan, and the people on the other side. If the result was Urim, Saul and Jonathan would be the guilty parties. If the result was Thummim, the guilt would fasten on the people. Strong's Hebrew 224. Urim -- part of the high priest's breastplate... 223b, 224. Urim. 225 . part of the high priest's breastplate. Transliteration: Urim Phonetic Spelling: (oo-reem') Short Definition: Urim. Word Origin pl. ... /hebrew/224.htm - 6k 8537. tom -- completeness, integrity, also part of the high ... 8550. Tummim -- Thummim Library The Names on Aaron's Breastplate Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest. Our Compassionate High Priest Introduction. Book 3 Footnotes Passages from Moses, which the Heretics Pervert to the Support of ... Israel in Canaan. Of the Priesthood of Aaron. A Peal of Bells The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture. Resources What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the full armor of God? | GotQuestions.org What is the readiness of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)? | 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 |
    |