“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.”
Context:Exodus 28 is part of the detailed instructions that God gave to Moses regarding the construction of the priestly garments. These garments were to be worn by Aaron, the high priest, and his sons during their priestly duties in the Tabernacle, the place of worship and the dwelling place of God’s presence among the Israelites.
The Breastplate of Judgment:The verse focuses on the “breastplate of judgment,” which was one of the essential components of the high priest’s attire. It was to be made with “cunning work,” meaning it was to be skillfully crafted and artistically designed.
Materials Used:
- Gold:The breastplate was to be made of gold, signifying the divine and precious nature of the priestly office. Gold symbolises purity, holiness, and the divine authority of God. As the high priest represented the people before God, the use of gold emphasised the sanctity of this role.
- Blue, Purple, and Scarlet:These colours were not only visually striking but also carried symbolic significance: Blue represents heavenly qualities and God’s authority. Purple represents royalty and kingship, signifying that the high priest served as a representative of God’s divine monarchy on Earth. Scarlet represents sacrifice and atonement. It serves as a reminder of the blood shed in the sacrificial system to atone for the sins of the people.
- Fine Twined Linen:This was a high-quality, pure linen material used for the breastplate. Linen represents righteousness and holiness, reflecting the high priest’s need for purity when entering God’s presence.
The Symbolism of the Breastplate:The breastplate was more than just an aesthetic piece of clothing; it held symbolic and spiritual significance:
Judging the People:The breastplate was called the “breastplate of judgment” because it served as a means of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in making decisions for the people. Inside the breastplate were twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Urim and Thummim, likely objects that helped with decision-making, were also placed within the breastplate (Exodus 28:30).
Representing the People:The breastplate, being worn over the heart, symbolised the high priest’s role in carrying the people of Israel close to his heart as he stood before God. It signified the high priest’s intercessory role in bringing the needs and concerns of the people before the Almighty.
A Reminder of Atonement:The colours and materials used in the breastplate were associated with the sacrificial system, which was central to Israel’s worship. The breastplate served as a continual reminder of the need for atonement and the importance of seeking forgiveness for sin.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 28:15, we can draw several lessons for our lives as believers:
- The High Priestly Role of Christ:Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest who intercedes on our behalf before God (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is the perfect mediator, representing us and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
- Seek God’s Wisdom:Like the high priest used the breastplate to seek God’s guidance, we must also seek God’s wisdom and direction in our lives. We can do this through prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking counsel from mature believers.
- Remembering Atonement:The breastplate reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and atonement. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been reconciled with God, and we should live in gratitude, seeking to walk in holiness and righteousness.
In conclusion, Exodus 28:15 presents us with a beautiful picture of the high priest’s breastplate, designed with care and filled with symbolism. It reminds us of Christ’s intercessory role, the need to seek God’s wisdom, and the significance of atonement in our relationship with God.
