Lecture 4
The Breastplate: Past and Present
We first see the requirement of the Lord to wear the breastplate mentioned in the book of Exodus with the making of the holy priestly garments that the Artisans were gifted with the wisdom and knowledge to make for Aaron, “for glory and beauty”. (See Exodus chapter 28.)
The breastplate, worn by Aaron, also called a breastplate of judgment, was uniquely designed to include twelve precious stones (one to represent each of the tribes of Israel). It was skillfully crafted to also be able to contain the Urim and the Thummim which were used when communicating with the Lord. This breastplate of judgment was to be worn over the heart of the high priest.
Figure 2 Taken from the Holy NKJV Study Bible Edition p. 142
Aaron was told that he had to wear the breastplate of judgment over his heart every time he entered the holy place as a memorial before the Lord continually. This was because he needed to bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.
When he wore the breastplate into the Holy Place, the Urim and the Thummim were to be found in a pocket that was created in the breastplate. These garments worn by Aaron signified that he understood the sanctity of the Holy Place because of the presence of God there.
Twice, on the breastplate of Judgment, the names of the Israelites could be found written – once on one of the two onyx stones that were worn on each shoulder; and once for each of the Israelites on their representing stones on the breastplate.
It is said that for the High Priest to carry the names of each of the tribes written on the stones, along with carrying the Urim and Thummim (items that were used to render decisions) into the Holy place, it presupposed the Lord’s sovereignty in the quest for guidance.
The job of the priest was to promote adherence to the suzerain-vassal covenant stipulations and render judgments under the Lord’s supervision. (I encourage you to read Exodus 28:15-30 and 39:8-21 because it talks more about the making of the breastplate, and all that it entailed, with a great description of how it looked.)
While this breastplate was called the breastplate of Judgment (or the breastplate of cunning work), what stood out to me was what was said in Isaiah 59:17.
Isaiah 59:17 New International Version
17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Read 1 Peter 2:21
Why were we called to this?
Whose footsteps must we follow?
Isaiah 59:17 tells us that the Lord put on righteousness as his breastplate, not the garments that Aaron wore. Therefore, following in Jesus’ footsteps, it’s not the garments that the Aaronic priesthood wore that we are to put on. Instead, we are to follow closely in Jesus’ footsteps and put on righteousness also as our breastplate.
Do you know “how” to put on righteousness?
Define justified.
Read Romans 5:1
How are we declared righteous?
In my book, “Keep on the Watch”, which is an in-depth study of Genesis chapters 6 – 8…
…we learned that there are two types of righteousness – man’s righteousness and God’s righteousness.
Man’s righteousness, also known as self-righteousness, is rooted in one’s declaring themselves right based upon a law where they are found right and someone else is declared to be wrong. But, God’s righteousness is based on our faith.
Read Romans 5:1-11.
Who justifies us?
We must never forget that we are declared righteous (justified) by faith (I can’t emphasize that enough) and that without faith it is impossible to please God well. Therefore, putting on righteousness (which is based upon our faith) requires that we build ourselves up on our most holy faith. (See Jude 1:20.)
Read Hebrews 11:6
What two things must we believe about God?
So, having our hearts covered in the breastplate of righteousness helps us to stand and operate out of faith and trust in God.
Read Proverbs 3:5, 6.
What are the three things that we are told to do and what is the reward for our obedience?
Before we move on to consider the next piece of the complete armor of God, take the quiz based on what we have discussed thus far about the Breastplate of Righteousness. Let’s see how much you remember about this piece of the garment, how to put it on, and what it means to wear the garment.
What does wearing it do?
Please Proceed to Module 4 Quiz
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