breastplate Summary and Overview

(1.) That piece of ancient armour that protected the breast. This word is used figuratively in Eph. 6:14 and Isa. 59:17. (See ARMOUR T0000315.) (2.) An ornament covering the breast of the high priest, first mentioned in Ex. 25:7. It was made of embroidered cloth, set with four rows of precious stones, three in each row. On each stone was engraved the name of one of the twelve tribes (Ex. 28:15-29; 39:8-21). It was in size about ten inches square. The two upper corners were fastened to the ephod by blue ribbons. It was not to be "loosed from the ephod" (Ex. 28:28). The lower corners were fastened to the girdle of the priest. As it reminded the priest of his representative character, it was called the memorial (28:29). It was also called the breastplate of judgment (28:15). (See PRIEST T0003001.)

[ARMS]

BREAST'PLATE . 1. A part of the official dress of the Jewish high priest. Ex 28:15. It was a piece of embroidered work, about 10 inches square and made double, with a front and lining, so as to answer for a pouch or bag. It was adorned with twelve precious stones. See High Priest. The two upper corners were fastened to the ephod, from which it was not to be loosed, Ex 28:28, and the two lower corners to the girdle. The rings, chains, and other fastenings were of gold or rich lace. It was called the memorial, Ex 28:12, 1 Chr 2:29, inasmuch as it reminded the priest of his representative character in relation to the twelve tribes; and it is also called the breastplate of judgment, Ex 28:15, perhaps because it was worn by him who was instrumentally the fountain of justice and judgment to the Jewish Church. Others think it is because the Urim and Thummim were annexed to it. See Urim and Thummim. 2. The breastplate was also that article of ancient armor which protected the breast. Eph 6:14. See Armor. Its figurative use in the passage above cited, and also in Isa 69:17, is sufficiently obvious.