Breastplate: 1. That piece of ancient armour that protected the breast. This
word is used figuratively in
(Ephesians 6:14; Isaiah 59:17)
(See ARMOUR)2. An ornament covering the breast of the high priest, first
mentioned in
(Exodus 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.
(Exodus 28:15-29)
(Exodus 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"
(Exodus 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.
(Exodus 28:29) It was also called the
breastplate of judgment
(Exodus 28:15)
(See PRIEST)
