Question 1

What is the breastplate described in this passage and who wore it?

Accepted Answer

The breastplate in this passage was a special part of the high priest’s clothing. It was a square piece of skillful work, made from gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, like the ephod. It was doubled over to form a span by a span. Into it they set four rows of precious stones, twelve stones in all, each one engraved with the name of one tribe of Israel. This breastplate was worn by the high priest, Aaron and later his successors, as he served before the Lord in the holy place.

Question 2

Why were there twelve stones on the breastplate and what did they represent?

Accepted Answer

There were twelve stones on the breastplate to match the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone was carefully engraved like a signet with the name of one tribe. This showed that the high priest carried all the people of Israel close to his heart when he went before the Lord. The stones were not just decoration. They were a constant reminder that the priest’s service was done on behalf of the whole nation, tribe by tribe, just as God had arranged and commanded.

Question 3

How was the breastplate attached to the ephod and why so carefully?

Accepted Answer

The breastplate was attached to the ephod with great care so it would not come loose. Craftsmen made pure gold chains, twisted like cords, and fastened them to gold settings and rings at the top corners of the breastplate. These were then fixed to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. More gold rings were placed on the lower parts of the breastplate and ephod, and a blue cord tied the rings together. All this made sure the breastplate stayed in place above the ephod’s woven belt, just as the Lord commanded.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the different precious stones listed in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage lists twelve different stones in four rows, such as sardius, topaz, emerald, amethyst, onyx, and others. Each stone stood for a tribe of Israel, and the names of the tribes were engraved on them. The main point given here is their connection to the tribes, not the separate meaning of each stone. The variety and beauty of the stones reflect how God valued his people and wanted them remembered as the high priest served in his presence, but Scripture here focuses on their names and number, not on detailed symbolism for each stone.

Question 5

Why does the passage keep stressing that it was made as the Lord commanded Moses?

Accepted Answer

The repeated line that everything was done as the Lord commanded Moses shows how important obedience was in the worship of God. The workers did not design the breastplate and ephod by their own ideas or taste. They followed God’s pattern in size, materials, stones, and fastenings. This teaches that service to God is not about showing off skill or wealth, but about listening carefully to what God says and doing it. The beauty of the garments went together with simple, careful obedience to God’s word.

Question 6

What does this passage show about the role of the high priest for Israel?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that the high priest did not stand before God as a private person. By wearing the breastplate with twelve engraved stones, he carried the names of all the tribes on his chest whenever he went into the holy place. The onyx stones on his shoulders and the breastplate together picture him bearing the people before the Lord, both on his shoulders and near his heart. His clothing was a daily reminder that he served on behalf of others and that the whole nation was brought before God in his ministry.

Question 7

Why are the priestly garments described with so much detail in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The detailed description of the breastplate, stones, rings, chains, and cords shows that God cared about every part of worship in the tabernacle. The garments were called clothes of service, not for show or comfort, but for serving God in a holy way. The careful work, rich materials, and exact obedience taught Israel that coming near to God was not casual. These details underline that God set the way of approach to him, and his people were to follow his instructions closely, trusting his wisdom rather than their own preferences.

Question 8

How can this description of the breastplate speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage can speak to believers today by reminding them that God’s people are precious to him and that he wants their names remembered before him. The high priest wore Israel’s tribes on his heart as he served, showing care and representation. It also quietly teaches that serving God is not about doing whatever feels right, but about listening to his word and following it. While the exact garments are not used now, the pattern of careful, obedient service and God’s loving care for his people still matters for faith and daily life.

Exodus 39:8

¶ And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

The Breastpiece

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Exodus 39:8

¶ And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

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The Breastpiece

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