Commentary - Exodus 28:15-30

Bird's-eye view

In this section of Exodus, God gives Moses the detailed instructions for the high priest's breastpiece. This is not a mere piece of ceremonial jewelry; it is a central instrument of the priest's ministry. It is called the breastpiece of judgment because it was the means through which God's will and decisions were communicated to Israel. But more than that, it was a stunning visual representation of the priest's role as mediator. Upon this breastpiece were twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. The high priest would literally carry the people of God over his heart as he entered the presence of the Lord. This entire piece of furniture, with its intricate connections to the rest of the priestly garments, is a rich foreshadowing of the person and work of our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, who carries His people on His heart and secures them by His work.

Outline

Context In Exodus

These instructions come in the heart of the section detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25-31). God is not just saving a people for Himself; He is establishing a way for Him, a holy God, to dwell in their midst. This requires a mediator, a priesthood, and a system of worship that respects His holiness. The priestly garments are the God-ordained uniform for this solemn work. The breastpiece, connected securely to the ephod, is arguably the most significant part of this attire, as it directly represents the people whom the priest serves and brings them, by name, into the presence of God.

Commentary

Exodus 28:15

The Lord commands the making of a "breastpiece of judgment." The Hebrew for judgment here is mishpat, which means more than just a legal verdict. It carries the idea of discernment, wise governance, and divine order. This breastpiece is where God's righteous decisions for His people would be revealed. The craftsmanship is to be of the highest order, the work of a skillful designer, matching the ephod. God cares about beauty and excellence in His worship. The materials are the same as those used throughout the Tabernacle: gold for divinity and royalty, blue for heaven, purple for royalty, scarlet for blood and sacrifice, and fine twisted linen for purity. This is a garment that speaks of the character of God and the nature of the Mediator who wears it.

Exodus 28:16-21

The breastpiece is to be square and folded double. The square shape often signifies the earth, the realm of man. It is solid, ordered, and balanced. Being folded double creates a pouch, a pocket, which we will see is for the Urim and Thummim. It speaks of integrity; this is not a flimsy or superficial piece. Upon it are set twelve precious stones in four rows. These are not random decorations. Each stone represents one of the twelve tribes, and the name of that tribe is to be engraved upon it like a signet. A signet is a seal of ownership and authority. This is a permanent engraving. God's people are His precious jewels, each one distinct, each one known by name, and each one permanently fixed in the care of their high priest. This is a glorious picture of God's elective love for His people.

Exodus 28:22-28

What follows is a set of very precise instructions for attaching the breastpiece to the ephod. There are gold chains, gold rings, and a blue cord. The level of detail here is meant to teach us something crucial: the representation of the people (the breastpiece) cannot be separated from the work of the priest (the ephod). Our standing before God is not independent of our Mediator. We are bound to Him and His work. The text emphasizes that this is to be done so that "the breastpiece will not come loose from the ephod." This is the doctrine of eternal security in picture form. Our place on the heart of our High Priest is not precarious. It is fastened securely by divine design, with chains of gold (divine value) and a cord of blue (heavenly grace).

Exodus 28:29

Here the purpose is made explicit. Aaron is to carry the names of the sons of Israel "over his heart when he comes into the holy place." This is not a mechanical duty. The heart is the seat of the affections, the will, and the conscience. The high priest carries the people in his love and concern. He brings them into the presence of God, not as a nameless multitude, but as a covenant family, each tribe known and remembered. This is to be "for a remembrance before Yahweh continually." God, of course, does not forget His people. This is covenant language. It is an appointed sign, a memorial that brings the covenant promises to bear in the presence of God. The priest is constantly pleading the covenant on behalf of the people he carries on his heart.

Exodus 28:30

Inside the pouch of the breastpiece, Moses is to place the Urim and the Thummim. These words likely mean "Lights" and "Perfections." While we don't know exactly what they were, they were the means by which the high priest sought and received direct guidance from God for the nation. So, the breastpiece of judgment is not just for memorial, but for guidance. Aaron carries the "judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before Yahweh continually." This means he carries the responsibility for seeking and receiving God's direction for them. The people of God are not meant to wander in darkness; their Mediator is the source of divine light and perfect counsel.

Application

The Aaronic priesthood was a shadow, and the substance is Christ. We have a great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has passed through the heavens. He does not carry twelve stones on a vestment; He carries the names of all His people, from every tribe and tongue and nation, upon His very heart. We are His treasured possession, and He presents us continually before the Father.

Our security in salvation is not based on our grip on Him, but on His grip on us. We are bound to His priestly work, and the breastpiece "will not come loose from the ephod." We are eternally secure in our Mediator. Furthermore, He is our Urim and Thummim. He is the Light of the world and the embodiment of all perfection. In His completed Word and by His indwelling Spirit, He guides His people into all truth. The breastpiece of judgment teaches us that the one who intercedes for us is also the one who directs us. Our salvation is personal, secure, and comes with perfect guidance from the one who carries us on His heart.