Topical Bible: Breastplate for the High Priest: Form and Dimensions of

Bible > Topical > Breastplate for the High Priest

◄ Breastplate for the High Priest: Form and Dimensions of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel, known as the "Breastplate of Judgment," is a significant element of the priestly garments as described in the Old Testament. This sacred vestment is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where its construction, purpose, and symbolism are meticulously outlined.

Form and Construction

The breastplate was crafted as a square piece of fabric, measuring a span in length and a span in width when folded. A span is generally understood to be about nine inches, making the breastplate approximately nine inches by nine inches. It was made of the same material as the ephod, which included gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twisted linen (Exodus 28:15).

The breastplate was designed to be doubled over, forming a pouch. This doubling over not only provided structural integrity but also created a pocket to house the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for divination and seeking God's will (Exodus 28:30).

Stones and Settings

The most striking feature of the breastplate was its adornment with twelve precious stones, each set in gold filigree. These stones were arranged in four rows of three stones each. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, with the name of the corresponding tribe engraved upon it (Exodus 28:17-21). The specific stones and their arrangement were as follows:

1. First row: carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald.
2. Second row: turquoise, sapphire, and diamond.
3. Third row: jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
4. Fourth row: beryl, onyx, and jasper.

The stones were set in gold filigree settings, emphasizing their value and the importance of the tribes they represented.

Attachment and Positioning

The breastplate was attached to the ephod, the outer garment of the High Priest, by means of gold chains and blue cords. Two gold rings were placed at the top corners of the breastplate, and these were connected to the shoulder pieces of the ephod with braided chains of pure gold (Exodus 28:22-25). Additionally, two more gold rings were placed at the lower corners of the breastplate, and these were tied to the ephod with blue cords, ensuring that the breastplate remained securely fastened and did not swing out from the ephod (Exodus 28:26-28).

Symbolism and Function

The breastplate served not only as a physical adornment but also as a symbol of the High Priest's role as the representative of the people before God. By bearing the names of the twelve tribes over his heart, the High Priest carried the concerns and identities of the entire nation of Israel into the presence of the Lord. The breastplate was thus a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the High Priest's duty to mediate on their behalf.

The inclusion of the Urim and Thummim within the breastplate further underscored its function as a tool for divine communication, allowing the High Priest to discern God's will in matters of national importance. The precise nature of the Urim and Thummim remains a mystery, but their presence within the breastplate highlights the sacred responsibility entrusted to the High Priest.

In summary, the breastplate of the High Priest was a masterfully crafted garment, rich in symbolism and function, reflecting the spiritual and communal responsibilities of the priestly office.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 28:16
Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 39:9
It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Discourse
... to the immediate interposition of the Most High, as in ... four rows of precious stones
upon Aaron's breastplate when he ... Christ is a priest to save, a prophet to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm