Exodus 39:8 – 21 “He also made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. (The breastpiece, when folded over, was approximately 9 inches or 22.86 centimeters in both length and width.)
And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones:
The first row had a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; the second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row had a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
and the fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones were mounted in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold. They also made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the two rings to the two corners of the breastpiece. Then they fastened the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece, and they fastened the other ends of the two chains to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. They made two more gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece, on the inside edge next to the ephod. They made two additional gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on its front, near the seam just above its woven waistband. Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”
Yesterday we discussed the creation of the woven ephod with its engraved onyx stones on the shoulder pieces. Today we consider the breast piece. Understanding the design of the breast plate is not difficult; however, the actual identity of the stones that were used is in considerable doubt. If you compare the verses as recorded above with the illustration, you rapidly realize that they don’t match. But as it turns out, these few verses have generated enormous amounts of disagreement over the years. Some of the stones are mentioned by modern names. It’s possible that some of the stones that were used have no modern equivalent or are unknown in the modern world. The order in which the tribes of Israel has been a subject of intense argument.
While the identity of the stones is a matter of dissension, the principle remains: God wanted the high priest to bear the names of each of the twelve tribes into the holy of holies, both on his shoulders as well as on his breast plate. And the breast plate was to be attached in such a way that it would move with the high priest and not swing around.
APPLICATION: What is the significance of a breast plate? Breast plates protect the heart, lungs, and bone marrow in the breast bone. If your heart and lungs fail or if your body stops making blood cells, you die. At the same time, wearing a breast plate close to your heart indicates concern for the people represented by that garment. The stones in the breast plate represented the twelve tribes of Israel. God wanted to make sure that when the high priest entered the holy of holies, he would have all of Israel close to his heart, so that he could represent them and also pray for them.
What does an ancient priest’s garment have to do with us today? Those of us who are believers have been called to be intercessors and pray for others. Oswald Chambers tells us that intercession is the only ministry with no drawbacks. Although we may not wear a garment carrying the names of those for whom we are praying, each time we pray for someone, it is as if we are carrying people into the presence of God. Some people post photos of those for whom they are praying on a wall or on a web site. Others simply keep lists. Some people belong to online prayer groups where needs are posted.
“But I don’t know how to pray!” you cry. No problem! God knows all languages, including the language of the heart. Sometimes the most eloquent prayers are not those we speak out but those that spring from our passion. However you pray, be assured that your Heavenly Father is listening. And just as the high priest carried the names of the tribes of Israel into God’s presence, so God already has written your name in His heart. Go to Him in prayer!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for your Word! Thank You that You want to meet us in prayer. Help us to come to You bearing those around us on our hearts. Thank You that You not only hear but also answer. In the mighty Name of King Jesus.
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