Exodus 28:15

¶ And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, and [of] fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

And thou shalt make {H6213} the breastplate {H2833} of judgment {H4941} with cunning {H2803} work {H4639}; after the work {H4639} of the ephod {H646} thou shalt make {H6213} it; of gold {H2091}, of blue {H8504}, and of purple {H713}, and of scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and of fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}, shalt thou make {H6213} it.

"Make a breastplate for judging. Have it crafted by a skilled artisan; make it like the work of the ritual vest - make it of gold; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; and finely woven linen.

You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Commentary

Exodus 28:15 introduces the divine instruction for constructing the breastplate of judgment, a pivotal piece of the Israelite high priest's sacred attire. This verse highlights the intricate craftsmanship and specific materials required for this significant vestment, emphasizing its importance in the worship and governance of ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the garments for the priests, particularly for Aaron, the first High Priest. The breastplate was not merely ornamental but functional, designed to be worn over the ephod, another key priestly garment. Its purpose, indicated by the term "judgment," was deeply connected to the High Priest's role in seeking God's will and making decisions for the people of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Holiness: The detailed specifications—"cunning work" and specific materials like "gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen"—underscore God's demand for excellence and holiness in all aspects of worship. Every element was designed to reflect divine glory and purpose in the ancient Israelite worship system.
  • Representation and Intercession: The breastplate, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (as described in subsequent verses of this chapter), symbolized the High Priest's role as a representative of the entire nation before God. He carried the burden and identity of the people into God's presence.
  • Discernment and Justice: The term "breastplate of judgment" (Hebrew: choshen mishpat) points to its function in discerning God's will. Later in this chapter, it is revealed that the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for divine guidance, were placed within this breastplate. This highlights the High Priest's crucial role in spiritual and legal discernment for the nation.
  • Symbolism of Materials: The chosen materials for these priestly vestments carried rich symbolic meaning:
    • Gold: Represents divinity, purity, and enduring value.
    • Blue: Often associated with heaven, the divine, and truth.
    • Purple: Symbolizes royalty and majesty.
    • Scarlet: Points to life, sacrifice, and atonement.
    • Fine Twined Linen: Represents purity, righteousness, and holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "breastplate of judgment" is choshen mishpat (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט). The word mishpat is rich in meaning, encompassing judgment, justice, discernment, and right ruling. This indicates that the breastplate was central to the High Priest's function of mediating divine justice and providing divine guidance to the people. The phrase "cunning work" (חֵשֶׁב - cheshev) signifies highly skilled, artistic, or intricate craftsmanship, emphasizing the sacredness and value of the item.

Practical Application

Exodus 28:15 reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His desire for holiness in our approach to Him. While we no longer have an earthly high priest in the Old Testament sense, this passage points forward to Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. He perfectly fulfills the roles of representation, intercession, and divine discernment, having offered the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:12). For believers today, the concept of the breastplate encourages us to seek God's wisdom and discernment in our lives, trusting in Christ who continually intercedes for us before the Father.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 28:30 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

  • Exodus 28:4 (2 votes)

    And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

  • Exodus 39:8 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 39:21 (2 votes)

    And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Leviticus 8:8 (2 votes)

    And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.

  • Exodus 26:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

  • Exodus 28:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they shall make the ephod [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.