“And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.”
Context:Exodus 28 contains detailed instructions from God to Moses regarding the garments to be made for Aaron, the high priest, and his sons who would serve as priests in the tabernacle. In verses 15-30, God gives specific instructions about the breastplate of judgment, which was to be a special and significant part of the high priest’s attire.
Key Points and Themes:
- The Breastplate of Judgment:The breastplate was one of the garments the high priest wore and was fastened to the ephod with golden chains. It was crafted with various precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). It was called the “breastplate of judgment” because it was used for determining God’s will in important matters concerning the nation of Israel.
- The Urim and Thummim:Within the breastplate of judgment, the high priest was instructed to place the Urim and Thummim. These were objects used to seek God’s guidance and make decisions on behalf of the people. The exact nature of the Urim and Thummim is not explicitly described in the Bible, but they are generally understood to be divinely ordained means of obtaining a direct answer from God.
- Aaron’s Role:Aaron, as the high priest, had a crucial responsibility in carrying out God’s instructions. He was to wear the breastplate of judgment with the Urim and Thummim over his heart whenever he entered the Holy Place to stand before the Lord. This symbolized the importance of seeking God’s guidance and having the people of Israel constantly on his heart.
- Bearing the Judgment of Israel:The phrase “Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually” emphasizes the priest’s role as an intercessor and representative of the people before God. The decisions made through the Urim and Thummim would impact the entire nation, making the high priest’s responsibility weighty and significant.
Lessons and Applications:
- Seeking God’s Guidance:The Urim and Thummim were given to the Israelites as a way to inquire of God and receive His direction in important matters. While we may not have the Urim and Thummim today, as Christians, we can seek God’s guidance through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking counsel from mature believers.
- Intercession:Aaron’s role as a representative and intercessor for the people is a reminder of the importance of intercessory prayer. As believers, we can intercede on behalf of others, bringing their needs and concerns before the Lord.
- Carrying Others on our Hearts:Just as Aaron carried the judgment of Israel on his heart, we should have a heart for others, showing compassion and empathy for those in need. We can bear one another’s burdens and support each other through prayer and acts of kindness.
- Understanding God’s Will:The breastplate of judgment was used to discern God’s will for the nation of Israel. As believers, we should also seek to understand God’s will for our lives by aligning ourselves with His Word and Spirit.
Overall, Exodus 28:30 teaches us about seeking God’s guidance, interceding for others, and having a heart of compassion for those around us. It reminds us of the significance of making decisions based on God’s direction and carrying the needs of others on our hearts.
