Translations
Original
Notes
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.
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
Parallels
Glossary
Aaron Beauty Beryl Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Jasper Leviticus, Book of Memorial Onyx Precious Stones Tabernacle Temple
Topics
Beryl: Set in the Breastplate Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Breastplate: had Names of the Tribes Engraved on Precious Stones Jasper: A Precious Stone, Set in the High Priest's Breastplate Onyx used in the Breastplate Precious Stones used for Adorning the Breastplate of Judgment Precious Stones: Art of Setting, Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Onyx Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate