Breastplate Of The High Priest
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Breastplate Of The High Priest in the Bible?
The breastplate, or choshen, was a folded pouch worn by the high priest over his heart, containing twelve engraved stones that symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the breastplate clarifies the priestly role in ancient Israelite religion, where the high priest acted as a mediator carrying the identity of the people before the divine presence, thereby explaining the ritual significance of the Urim and Thummim used for divination.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Breastplate Of The High Priest were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Breastplate Of The High Priest in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Breastplate Of The High Priest clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Breastplate Of The High Priest." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/breastplate-of-the-high-priest/