The Breastplate of Judgment

http://karengracehopper.blogspot.com/2012/01/breastplate-of-righteousness.html

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….

17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes….

29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.

30 ¶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 28:29-30)

I think we learn something about Christ that is typified through the breastplate of judgment.  Just as Aaron was to wear this breastplate over his heart when in the temple, Christ was to always remember the children of Israel.  The use of gems to represent Israel’s tribes shows us that Israel is very precious to Christ.  Each gem is different, signifying their individuality and I think that also applies to us as well.

The Urim and Thummim (an instrument of revelation) is also positioned over the heart, which tells us that Christ would constantly have and live by revelation in His dealings with and judgments of Israel. 

We are told Aaron would “bear the judgment of the children of Israel,” which suggests Christ’s future atonement for their sins.

Something I find interesting is that it was to be “memorial before the Lord continually.”   Just as we promise to always remember Christ, it seems the Lord wants us to know that Christ will always remember us.  I think my “always” needs more work if it is to match His “always.”  How about you?