Question 1

What is the breastplate of judgment in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The breastplate of judgment is a special square piece of cloth that the high priest wore over his chest, attached to the ephod with gold chains and blue cords. It was beautifully made from gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. On the front were twelve precious stones set in gold, each stone engraved with the name of one tribe of Israel. It is called the breastplate of judgment because the high priest wore it when seeking God’s decisions and guidance for the people, and when he represented them before God in the holy place.

Question 2

Why are the names of the twelve tribes engraved on precious stones?

Accepted Answer

The twelve stones each carry the name of one tribe to show that all the people of Israel are precious and remembered before God. The names are engraved like on a signet ring, which points to something fixed and secure, not easily erased. The stones are set over Aaron’s heart, so when he goes into the holy place he carries the people with him as a memorial before the Lord. This picture shows that God knows His people by name, values them, and that their concerns are brought before Him through the high priest.

Question 3

What are the Urim and Thummim placed in the breastplate?

Accepted Answer

Urim and Thummim mean “lights” and “perfections.” The wording here is brief, so faithful readers have understood them in more than one way. But the main idea is clear: they are linked with God making His will known in difficult matters. They are placed in the breastplate of judgment and are said to be on Aaron’s heart when he goes before the Lord. Through them, God gave clear judgment and guidance for the children of Israel, whether about civil questions or matters of worship, so that the nation would follow His rule and not their own guesses.

Question 4

Why does Aaron bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart?

Accepted Answer

Aaron bears the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart to show that he carries their cases, needs, and questions before God. He does not go into the holy place in his own name, but as a representative of all the tribes whose names are on the stones. Having the Urim and Thummim there means he is given light and uprightness in judging and in asking God what should be done. This reminds the priest to act with justice and faithfulness, and it assures the people that God’s decisions about them are near to His own heart and not forgotten.

Question 5

Why was the breastplate carefully fastened so it would not be loosed from the ephod?

Accepted Answer

The breastplate is tied to the ephod with gold chains, rings, and a blue cord so it will not swing free or fall off. The ephod is the main garment of service, and the breastplate is the piece of honor and judgment. Keeping them firmly joined shows that service to God and seeking His judgment belong together. The high priest does not serve in a careless way, but with God’s people on his heart, looking for God’s direction. The careful fastening also fits the holy setting, where nothing about the priestly work is sloppy or unstable.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the rich materials and many colors in the breastplate?

Accepted Answer

The breastplate is made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, and it carries twelve different precious stones. This rich design reflects beauty and holiness. The high priest does not come before God in common clothes, but in garments that point to glory, purity, and set-apart service. The many colors and shining stones picture the grace and honor God gives to His people, who are like jewels to Him. The careful work also reminds us that drawing near to God is not cheap or careless, but something weighty, ordered, and full of meaning.

Question 7

How did God use the breastplate of judgment to guide Israel?

Accepted Answer

God used the breastplate of judgment, with the Urim and Thummim inside it, to make His will known when there were hard questions. When the high priest went before the Lord wearing it, he could ask about matters that affected the nation, and God would give an answer. Sometimes this happened when the priest stood before the ark, and sometimes at a distance. The exact way is not fully explained, but the result was clear guidance. In this way God Himself ruled His people, with the high priest as the one who carried their judgment on his heart.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about how God views His people?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God views His people as known, named, and precious to Him. Each tribe’s name is carved into a valuable stone and worn on the high priest’s heart. Even a smaller or weaker tribe still has its own stone. This picture tells us that God does not forget any of His people and that their worth does not rest on size or strength, but on His choice and care. They are brought before Him as a continual memorial, which means they are always in view. God’s people are not lost in a crowd; they are personally remembered.

Question 9

How can the picture of Aaron’s breastplate help believers think about prayer and guidance today?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds believers that God’s people are carried close to His heart and that He gives real guidance. The breastplate shows that someone stands before God on behalf of the people, with their names over his heart and their questions in view. While this passage describes the old priestly system, the pattern helps us see that God cares about both our needs and His way for us. When we pray about hard decisions, we are not coming to a distant ruler, but to One who values His people like jewels and who delights to lead them in what is right.

Exodus 28:15

¶ 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.

The Breastpiece

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Exodus 28:15

¶ 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.

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The Breastpiece

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