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Breastplate of Judgment
Of all the vestments worn by the priests, the breastplate of judgment (Exod. 28:15) to be worn by the high priest was the most elaborate and intricate. The other garments were more like a backdrop to this sacred part of the priestly vestment. Considerable time, about one-third of the chapter (Exod. 28:15–30), is spent describing the construction of this sacred ornament. That alone should indicate something of just how central and important it was to the ministry of the priests in the sanctuary.
Read Exodus 28:15–30. What is the meaning of the different stones? What does it mean that the priest would “bear the names of the sons of Israel upon his heart?” (vs. 29; see also Rev. 21:12–14).
Here, in a unique way, we see again the theme of the priest, a symbol of Jesus, bearing His people. The Hebrew word there for “bear” is a common word in the Old Testament for the bearing of sin, something that the priests would do as part of their ministry (Lev. 10:17; Exod. 28:38; Num. 18:1, 22). Now, though, it’s used in the context of the priest “bearing” the names of Israel; though the immediate context is somewhat different, the idea is still there: God’s people must be completely dependent upon the Lord, who forgives them, who sustains them, and who offers them the power to live the holy lives that He demands from His people (Phil. 4:13).
Notice, too, where the priest bears the names of the people. Upon his heart. The text specifically mentions that location, a common symbol in the Bible (and in many cultures) that reveals the love and tender care that the Lord has for His children.
Another important point is that each tribe had a different gem, each with different qualities, to symbolize the distinctiveness of each tribe (see Genesis 49). Commentators have seen this as a way to point out the distinctive differences and traits, not just in the twelve tribes, nor just in the twelve apostles (Rev. 21:14), but of the church as a whole, which is made of various “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5, NIV). No matter how different we all are in personality, character, and gifts, we are still to be united in purpose under the grace and Lordship of our great High Priest, Jesus.
What are ways that you have, personally, experienced the love of God? How has He shown you that He has you near His heart? Why is it important to dwell on those experiences, and how can you draw strength from them, especially in times of trial?
| WEDNESDAY | April 27 |
Of all the vestments worn by the priests, the breastplate of judgment (Exod. 28:15) to be worn by the high priest was the most elaborate and intricate. The other garments were more like a backdrop to this sacred part of the priestly vestment. Considerable time, about one-third of the chapter (Exod. 28:15–30), is spent describing the construction of this sacred ornament. That alone should indicate something of just how central and important it was to the ministry of the priests in the sanctuary.
Read Exodus 28:15–30. What is the meaning of the different stones? What does it mean that the priest would “bear the names of the sons of Israel upon his heart?” (vs. 29; see also Rev. 21:12–14).
Here, in a unique way, we see again the theme of the priest, a symbol of Jesus, bearing His people. The Hebrew word there for “bear” is a common word in the Old Testament for the bearing of sin, something that the priests would do as part of their ministry (Lev. 10:17; Exod. 28:38; Num. 18:1, 22). Now, though, it’s used in the context of the priest “bearing” the names of Israel; though the immediate context is somewhat different, the idea is still there: God’s people must be completely dependent upon the Lord, who forgives them, who sustains them, and who offers them the power to live the holy lives that He demands from His people (Phil. 4:13).
Notice, too, where the priest bears the names of the people. Upon his heart. The text specifically mentions that location, a common symbol in the Bible (and in many cultures) that reveals the love and tender care that the Lord has for His children.
Another important point is that each tribe had a different gem, each with different qualities, to symbolize the distinctiveness of each tribe (see Genesis 49). Commentators have seen this as a way to point out the distinctive differences and traits, not just in the twelve tribes, nor just in the twelve apostles (Rev. 21:14), but of the church as a whole, which is made of various “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5, NIV). No matter how different we all are in personality, character, and gifts, we are still to be united in purpose under the grace and Lordship of our great High Priest, Jesus.
What are ways that you have, personally, experienced the love of God? How has He shown you that He has you near His heart? Why is it important to dwell on those experiences, and how can you draw strength from them, especially in times of trial?
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