“It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant at Mount Sinai. In chapter 28, God gives Moses detailed instructions for crafting priestly garments that the high priest, Aaron, and his sons would wear while ministering in the tabernacle.
The Breastplate:Exodus 39:8-21 describes the making of the breastplate, a significant part of the high priest’s attire. It was made with materials such as gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, as well as fine-twined linen. The breastplate was a square piece of cloth folded in half to form a pouch or pocket.
The Foursquare Breastplate:In verse 9, it is emphasised that the breastplate was foursquare, meaning it had four equal sides and four right angles, making it a square in shape. Its balanced and symmetrical design likely holds symbolic meaning.
Doubled Breastplate:The verse also mentions that the breastplate was doubled. This means that it was folded in half to form a pouch. The purpose of doubling the breastplate was to create a pocket-like compartment that could contain the Urim and Thummim.
The Urim and Thummim:The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects kept in the breastplate. These were used by the high priest to seek God’s guidance and make decisions on behalf of the people of Israel. Exactly what the Urim and Thummim were is not entirely clear from the biblical text, but they appear to have been used for casting lots or divining God’s will (e.g., determining guilt or innocence, making choices, etc.). They were a means of seeking divine wisdom and direction.
Symbolism:The four-sided shape of the breastplate might symbolise stability, completeness, and the four corners of the earth, suggesting that the high priest carried the weight of the entire community on his heart as he ministered before God. The doubling of the breastplate indicates the holiness and sacredness of the objects contained within it and underscores the significance of seeking divine counsel and wisdom in making decisions.
Application:Though the Urim and Thummim are not present today and were unique to the Old Testament priesthood, there are lessons we can draw from this passage. We can learn the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in our lives, making sure our decisions align with His will. We can also see the value of prayerfully carrying the needs and concerns of others in our hearts, just as the high priest carried the names of the tribes of Israel on the breastplate.
