Exodus 28:15
“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about a beautiful garment; it describes the breastpiece as being made "in skilled work." This highlights that God desires not only devotion but also excellence and craftsmanship in the way we approach Him and serve Him, even in the details of worship.
God is instructing Moses on how to create the special garments for Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. This specific verse details the construction of the "breastpiece of judgment," a crucial part of the high priest's attire, which is to be made with the same high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship as the ephod. The breastpiece itself held significant meaning, as it would later contain the Urim and Thummim, through which God would communicate guidance and "judgments" to His people.
Why was this ornate garment called the 'breastplate of judgment'? It wasn't just for show – it held a profound spiritual purpose.
The breastplate, called choshen mishpat in the original language, was far more than a decorative piece of jewelry. Its name, often translated as 'breastplate of judgment' or 'breastplate of decision,' reveals its function:
The materials used – gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen – weren't accidental. Each thread carried symbolic meaning.
The breastplate wasn't just 'made'; it was crafted with 'skilled work,' using specific, costly materials that spoke volumes about its divine purpose:
Understand the original words
choshen · Hebrew Noun
A crucial part of the High Priest's vestments, worn over the heart. It served as a symbolic instrument for seeking divine direction and represented the burden of leadership and the responsibility of seeking God's will for the nation.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the divine authority and discernment provided by God for the leader to make righteous decisions. It suggests that the judgment rendered by the priest is aligned with God's justice and law.
This passage details the actual construction of the breastpiece, emphasizing the skilled craftsmanship and the precious materials used, mirroring the instructions given in Exodus 28:15.
Leviticus 8:7-9This section describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, including the placing of the breastpiece upon Aaron, highlighting its significance in their appointed office.
1 Samuel 2:18This verse shows Samuel, a young boy, ministering before the Lord wearing a linen ephod, illustrating the priestly garments and their importance in worship even before the full Tabernacle construction.
Hebrews 7:25-28This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel between the Levitical high priest and Jesus Christ, showing how Christ, as our eternal High Priest, eternally intercedes for us, fulfilling the representative role of the high priest wearing the breastpiece.
Revelation 1:13This verse describes Christ 'clothed with a garment down to the foot,' which, while symbolic, evokes the grandeur and divine appointment of the high priestly attire, including the breastpiece, representing His perfect righteousness and authority.
clarkeExodus 28:15: "And 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."
The breastplate of judgment - חשן משפט choshen mishpat, the same as the חשן choshen, see Exodus 25:7 , but here called the breastplate of judgment, because the high priest wore it upon his breast when he went to ask counsel of the Lord, to give judgment in any particular…
calvinExodus 28:1-43: "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even. Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Tu vero accerse ad to Aharonem fratre…
This verse isn't just about a beautiful garment; it describes the breastpiece as being made "in skilled work." This highlights that God desires not only devotion but also excellence and craftsmanship in the way we approach Him and serve Him, even in the details of worship.
God is instructing Moses on how to create the special garments for Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. This specific verse details the construction of the "breastpiece of judgment," a crucial part of the high priest's attire, which is to be made with the same high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship as the ephod. The breastpiece itself held significant meaning, as it would later contain the Urim and Thummim, through which God would communicate guidance and "judgments" to His people.
God is instructing Moses on how to create the special garments for Aaron and his sons, who will serve as priests. This specific verse details the construction of the "breastpiece of judgment," a crucial part of the high priest's attire, which is to be made with the same high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship as the ephod. The breastpiece itself held significant meaning, as it would later contain the Urim and Thummim, through which God would communicate guidance and "judgments" to His people.
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Together, these threads create a picture of the multifaceted nature of God's provision for His people: His glory, His authority, His provision through sacrifice, and the purity required to approach Him.
This ornate breastplate wasn't just for Aaron; it was a foreshadowing of a greater High Priest to come.
The instructions for the breastplate, and indeed the entire priestly garments, were deeply symbolic of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest:
"“You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it." — This verse isn't just about a beautiful garment; it describes the breastpiece as being made "in skilled work." This highlights that God desires not only devotion but also excellence and craftsmanship…
