Topical Encyclopedia The Breastplate of Judgment, also known as the Breastplate of Decision, was an integral part of the high priest's sacred garments in ancient Israel, as described in the Book of Exodus. This breastplate was worn by the high priest during his service in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, serving as a symbol of divine guidance and judgment. It was intricately designed and adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.Biblical Description: The instructions for crafting the Breastplate of Judgment are detailed in Exodus 28:15-21 : "You are to fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It must be square when folded over, a span long and a span wide. And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row shall be a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." Symbolism and Significance: The Breastplate of Judgment was not merely ornamental; it held profound spiritual significance. Each stone was engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the high priest's role as an intercessor for the people before God. The breastplate was a tangible representation of the covenant between God and the Israelites, reminding them of their unique identity and divine calling. The stones themselves, with their varied colors and brilliance, reflected the diversity and unity of the tribes. The high priest, bearing the breastplate, carried the tribes over his heart, signifying his duty to represent them in matters of divine judgment and decision-making. The Stones and Their Tribes: 1. Ruby (Odem) · Associated with the tribe of Reuben. 2. Topaz (Pitdah) · Linked to the tribe of Simeon. 3. Emerald (Bareqeth) · Representing the tribe of Levi. 4. Turquoise (Nofekh) · For the tribe of Judah. 5. Sapphire (Sappir) · Assigned to the tribe of Issachar. 6. Diamond (Yahalom) · Symbolizing the tribe of Zebulun. 7. Jacinth (Leshem) · For the tribe of Dan. 8. Agate (Shebo) · Linked to the tribe of Naphtali. 9. Amethyst (Ahlamah) · Representing the tribe of Gad. 10. Beryl (Tarshish) · Associated with the tribe of Asher. 11. Onyx (Shoham) · For the tribe of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh). 12. Jasper (Yashpheh) · Symbolizing the tribe of Benjamin. Theological Implications: The Breastplate of Judgment underscores the importance of divine guidance in the life of the Israelites. It served as a means through which the high priest could seek God's will, particularly through the Urim and Thummim, which were placed within the breastplate (Exodus 28:30). This sacred garment highlights the belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, providing direction and judgment. The use of precious stones also reflects the biblical theme of beauty and value in God's creation. Each stone, with its unique properties, contributes to the overall splendor of the breastplate, mirroring the multifaceted nature of God's people and His covenant with them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:17-20And you shall set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 39:10-14 Library The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus. Resources Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.org What is a plumb line in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Precious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lapidary: One Who Cuts Precious Stones Precious Stones of Great Variety Precious Stones of Many Colours Precious Stones used for Adorning the Breastplate of Judgment Precious Stones used for Adorning the High Priest's Ephod Precious Stones used for Adorning the Temple Precious Stones used for Decorating the Person Precious Stones used for Honoring Idols Precious Stones used for Ornamenting Royal Crowns Precious Stones used for Setting in Seals and Rings Precious Stones: A Part of the Treasure of Kings Precious Stones: Art of Engraving Upon, Early Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Art of Setting, Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Beauty and Stability of the Church Precious Stones: Brilliant and Glittering Precious Stones: Brought from Ophir Precious Stones: Brought from Sheba Precious Stones: Called: Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Precious Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Stones of Fire Precious Stones: Called: Stones to be Set Precious Stones: Dug out of the Earth Precious Stones: Extensive Commerce In Precious Stones: Given by Chief Men for the Temple Precious Stones: Given by the Jews for the Tabernacle Precious Stones: Glory of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Highly Prized by the Ancients Precious Stones: Often Given As Presents Precious Stones: Preciousness of Christ Precious Stones: Prepared by David for the Temple Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy Precious Stones: Stability of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Worldly Glory of Nations Related Terms |
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