Keraia
Exodus 28

Exodus 28:16

The Breastpiece · Exodus 28:15–30
Read Exodus 28

Translations

Modern
It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.
Traditional
Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
Literal
It shall be square, doubled, a span its length, and a span its width.
Latin
Quadrangulum erit et duplex: mensuram palmi habebit tam in longitudine quam in latitudine.

Original

Hebrew
English
It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide.

Notes

Exodus 28:15–30

The breastpiece receives more attention than any other item. This suggests the breastpiece was very important.

The breastpiece symbolized the priest's representation of Israel (28:17–21, 29). It held the Urim and Thummim, objects through which God revealed his will (28:30).

The high priest had two main tasks. First, he brought the people to God. He represented them before the Lord.

Second, he brought God’s word to the people. He spoke to them on God’s behalf.

The chestpiece stood for both of these duties. It showed that the high priest served as a bridge between God and the people.

Exodus 28:1–43

These holy garments for Aaron were to distinguish him as a priest set apart (Hebrew qadash, “consecrated”) for the Lord's service (28:2, 3). The beauty of these garments matched the beauty of the Tent of Meeting, which was God's portable earthly palace (or tabernacle).

One day, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, would enter the Most Holy Place once for all. Then the difference between priests and people would disappear (Hebrews 10:11–22). Until then, human mediators represented how Christ would fulfill the types of wonderful things God accomplishes for his people.

Events

Measurements

  • a span wide: About 9 in (22.9 cm)

Parallels

Exodus 39:8–21

Glossary

Aaron Beauty Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Handbreadth History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Memorial Span Tabernacle Temple Weights and Measures

Topics

Breastplate for the High Priest: Form and Dimensions of Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Measure: A Span Measures of Length: Span Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of Span: About Nine or Ten Inches Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate