The Hebrew word chôshen, represented by H2833, refers exclusively to the high priest's breastplate. It appears 25 times across 21 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes a pocket-like garment, designed to contain the Urim and Thummim, and is also characterized as being rich with gems.
In the biblical narrative, H2833 is a central component of the holy H6944 garments H899 made for Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 for their service as priests H3547 Exodus 28:4. Repeatedly called the breastplate of judgment H4941, it was crafted with cunning H2803 work H4639 from gold H2091, blue H8504, purple H713, and scarlet H8144 Exodus 28:15. Its primary function was to hold the Urim H224 and the Thummim H8550 (Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8). Aaron was to bear H5375 the names H8034 of the children of Israel H3478 in the breastplate upon his heart H3820 as a continual H8548 memorial H2146 before the LORD H3068 Exodus 28:29.
Several related words define the construction and function of the breastplate:
- H646 ʼêphôwd (a girdle; specifically the ephod...): This garment is intrinsically linked to the breastplate, which was to be bound H7405 to it with a lace H6616 of blue H8504 so it would not be loosed H2118 from the ephod Exodus 28:28.
- H4941 mishpâṭ (properly, a verdict...): The breastplate is specifically called the "breastplate of judgment" Exodus 28:15, indicating its function in seeking and bearing God's formal decrees for Israel H3478 Exodus 28:30.
- H224 ʼÛwrîym (lights) and H8550 Tummîym (perfections): These sacred objects were placed inside the breastplate and were essential for its function. They were put H5414 in the breastplate of judgment H4941 and borne upon Aaron's heart H3820 Exodus 28:30.
The theological weight of H2833 is demonstrated in its specific purpose and design.
- Priestly Representation: The breastplate served as a tangible representation of the twelve tribes of Israel H3478. By bearing H5375 their names H8034 upon his heart H3820, the high priest carried the entire nation into the presence of the LORD H3068 Exodus 28:29.
- Instrument of Divine Judgment: As the "breastplate of judgment" H4941, it was the designated vessel for the Urim H224 and Thummim H8550, the means by which God's verdicts and guidance were sought and revealed to the nation Exodus 28:30.
- Sacred Craftsmanship: The construction of the breastplate from precious materials like gold H2091, blue H8504, purple H713, and scarlet H8144, and its creation through cunning H2803 work H4639, highlights its sacred status as a holy H6944 garment commanded H6680 by God (Exodus 28:15, Exodus 39:21).
In summary, H2833 chôshen is a highly specific term for a critical piece of the high priest's regalia. It functioned not merely as a decorative item but as a vessel for divine communication, the "breastplate of judgment" H4941. By bearing the names of Israel's sons H1121 over the priest's heart H3820, it symbolized the high priest's role as the nation's mediator and representative before the LORD H3068, making it a cornerstone of the Levitical priesthood's function and identity.
TRV