The breastplate of judgment
There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. -Exodus 28:21
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Israel’s high priest, Aaron was to wear special garments glittering with engraved precious stones. These garments gave Aaron dignity and honor, which was ultimately pointing to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest.
The breastpiece included 12 precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. It is impossible to know exactly what all of these gemstones were; but we can come to some likely conclusions. Revelation 21:19-20 describes the foundations of the walls of the New Jerusalem with a series of twelve gemstones, which may answer to these stones in the breastplate.
Three times in this passage the breastplate is called the breastplate of judgment because it held the Urim and Thummim which were tools for discerning God’s will. The names Urim and Thummim mean “Lights and Perfections.”
We cannot neglect the fact God commanded the tribes to have their names inscribed on gemstones – truly precious things. God’s people are indeed precious to Him.
The variety of hues and colors in the stones is representing the whole people of God. This helps us recognize the diversity of all peoples who are now part of God’s family in Christ. We are all precious in his sight. Yes we are HIS PRECIOUS GEMS which are refined through our Lord Jesus who makes us clean from all impurities, our sins.
PRAYER 🙏
Heavenly father thank you for the word you have given us today. Thank you, Lord, that each one of us is precious in your sight. Bear us close to your heart and guide us each day through your precious word to become your precious gems,
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
A lost sheep found by Jesus 🐑 ✝️