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Breastplate (1)

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

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BREASTPLATE (of the High Priest). In the directions for the official dress of the high priest, as laid down by the priestly writer, a prominent place is occupied by the breastplate or pectoral. The fuller designation ‘the breastplate of judgment’ ( Exodus 28:15 , Sir 45:10 ) is significant of the purpose of the breastplate, which was to form a fitting receptacle or pouch for the Urim and Thummim (wh. see), by means of which judgment was pronounced. The special directions for the making of the breastplate are given in Exodus 28:13-30 (cf. Exodus 39:8-21 ). It was made of an oblong piece of richly wrought linen, which, folded in two, formed a square of half a cubit, or 9 inches, in the side. Attached to the outer side were four rows of precious stones in gold settings, twelve in all, each stone having engraved upon it the name of a tribe ‘for a memorial before J″ [Note: Jahweh.] continually’ ( Exodus 28:29 ). The breastplate was kept in position by means of two cords of ‘wreathen work’ of gold, by which it was attached to a couple of gold ‘ouches’ (probably rosettes of gold filigree) on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, while the lower part was fastened to the ephod by a ‘lace of blue’ ( Exodus 28:28 ) at each corner.

A. R. S. Kennedy.