Topical Bible: Breastplate: for High Priest: Freewill offering of Materials For

◄ Breastplate: for High Priest: Freewill offering of Materials For ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel, known as the "Breastplate of Judgment," was a significant element of the priestly garments, symbolizing the High Priest's role as the mediator between God and the people of Israel. This sacred vestment was intricately designed and held great spiritual and cultural importance.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the construction of the breastplate are found in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make the breastplate as part of the High Priest's attire, which also included the ephod, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. The breastplate was to be crafted with great care and precision, reflecting the holiness and responsibility of the High Priest's office.

Materials and Construction

The materials for the breastplate were provided through the freewill offerings of the Israelites. In Exodus 35:5, Moses instructed the people, "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze." The generosity of the Israelites was evident as they contributed the necessary materials for the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments.

The breastplate itself was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twisted linen, as described in Exodus 28:15: "You are to make a breastpiece of judgment, skillfully woven. Make it like the ephod: of gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen." The craftsmanship required for the breastplate was of the highest order, reflecting the divine instructions given to Moses.

Symbolism and Function

The breastplate was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were set in four rows, with three stones per row, as detailed in Exodus 28:17-21. Each stone was engraved with the name of a tribe, symbolizing the High Priest's role in bearing the names of the sons of Israel before the LORD on his heart.

The breastplate also contained the Urim and Thummim, 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 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."

Spiritual Significance

The freewill offering of materials for the breastplate underscores the communal participation of the Israelites in the worship and service of God. It highlights the importance of willing and generous hearts in the fulfillment of God's commands. The breastplate, as part of the High Priest's garments, served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, with the High Priest acting as an intercessor on their behalf.

The breastplate's design and function emphasize the themes of holiness, representation, and divine guidance, central to the role of the High Priest in the spiritual life of Israel. Through the freewill offerings and the meticulous construction of the breastplate, the Israelites demonstrated their devotion and obedience to God's instructions, ensuring that the High Priest could faithfully perform his duties in the Tabernacle.