Breastplate of Judgment
Set with twelve stones - one for each tribe of Israel - this breastplate meant the high priest carried the whole nation over his heart into God's presence.
Worn by the high priest over his heart, this square garment of finely woven linen and gold thread held twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel and set in four rows of three. It also held the Urim and Thummim, used to discern God's will in matters brought before the priest, and was bound to the ephod so it could never come loose from its place. Its design meant that whenever the high priest entered the presence of the Lord, he carried the names of all Israel's tribes literally over his heart, a vivid picture of representative intercession that anticipates Christ's own priestly work on behalf of his people.
Details
- Significance
- A visible reminder that the high priest carried the whole nation before God, and the object through which Israel's leaders sought divine guidance via the Urim and Thummim.
- Materials
- Gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, twelve precious stones
Key Chapters
Key Passages
The Breastplate of Judgment Described
Exodus 28:15-21
God specifies a garment bearing the names of all twelve tribes, worn over the high priest's heart whenever he stood before the Lord on Israel's behalf.
15nd thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Did You Know?
It held twelve gemstones, one engraved with each tribe of Israel.
The high priest wore it over his heart in God's presence.
It carried the Urim and Thummim, used to discern God's will.
It was bound to the ephod so it could never come loose.