EXODUS 28
15 “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it. 16 It shall be square and doubled, a spanits length and a span its breadth. 17 You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; 18 and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree. 21 There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. – Exodus 28:15-21
EXODUS 28 THE BREASTPIECE OF JUDGMENT
The next instruction for Moses regarding the garment of the priest was the breastpiece. Just like the ephod, which was used to be worn in the breast, God was very detailed about what fabric, color and materials to use. Gold, bule, purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen were to be used and done beautifully. These yarns are made of twisted cordage put together cohesively. In verse 16, it indicated that it should be squared off in length and breadth.
What was interesting is the addition of different stones in the breastpiece. According to inspiredscriptures.com The breastpiece included seven components: (1) 12 precious stones; (2) a memorial worn over the priest’s heart; (3) stones set in gold filigree; (4) stones that were sealed; (5) gold chains; (6) colored linens; and (7) the breastpiece of judgment. All of the things pointed to Jesus.
The twelve stones may be representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These precious stones may indicate how God considers his children precious. The way it was lined up in four rows of three (three being the number of the Trinity) may indicate that God the Father, the Son and Spirit are holding together the people of God. These twelve stones were representing the twelve names of the tribes of Israel.
According to inspiredscriptures.com, Gold is a symbol of Christ’s divinity. It is only through Christ that we are transformed into precious stones.
REFLECTION
- Do you believe that God considers believers precious? Why or why not?
