Exodus 28 15

Exodus 28:15 kjv

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.

Exodus 28:15 nkjv

"You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it.

Exodus 28:15 niv

"Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions?the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.

Exodus 28:15 esv

"You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it ? of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.

Exodus 28:15 nlt

"Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God. Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

Exodus 28 verses

Exodus 28 15 Meaning

Exodus 28:15 describes the divine instruction for the creation of the breastplate of judgment, a crucial and sacred component of the high priest's attire. It was to be meticulously crafted, sharing the exact skilled workmanship and the same array of precious and vibrantly colored materials as the ephod to which it would be attached. This garment served as a ceremonial representation of the high priest's role in approaching God on behalf of Israel to discern His will and pronounce His divine judgment or counsel.

Exodus 28 15 Context

Exodus chapter 28 initiates the detailed divine instructions for the priestly garments, specifically those for Aaron and his sons, designed for their consecrated service in the Tabernacle. Following the broader commands for constructing the Tabernacle itself (Exodus 25-27), this chapter focuses on the vestments that would set the priests apart as holy to the Lord and enable them to perform their sacred duties. The breastplate is described immediately after the ephod, underscoring its pivotal importance and functional connection. Historically, this command established the framework for Levitical priesthood in ancient Israel, emphasizing an ordained system of worship and direct access to God's divine counsel, contrasting with and setting Israel apart from pagan divination practices common in neighboring cultures that often relied on magic, omens, or idols. The detailed specification of materials, craftsmanship, and purpose reinforces the sanctity and divine origin of these elements of Israel's worship.

Exodus 28 15 Word analysis

• And you shall make: This opening phrase signifies a direct, authoritative divine command from God to Moses, indicating an essential part of the Tabernacle's design and priestly service. It conveys purposefulness and intentionality.
• a breastplate: The Hebrew word is חֹשֶׁן (choshen). It refers to a specialized, often ornate, ceremonial garment worn on the chest of the high priest. Its location over the heart signifies its profound connection to the children of Israel, whose names were inscribed on the stones affixed to it (Ex 28:29), implying the priest bears them before the Lord.
• of judgment: The Hebrew is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat). This term carries a weighty theological meaning, referring not merely to human decisions but to divine pronouncements, legal decrees, or authoritative guidance from God. It directly links the breastplate to its primary function as the instrument through which God's will and judgment would be revealed to Israel, particularly through the Urim and Thummim later placed within it (Ex 28:30).
• skillfully woven: The Hebrew term is חֶשֶׁב (cheshev), which implies highly artistic, intricate, and purposeful craftsmanship. This detail emphasizes that the breastplate was not a simple garment but a work of divine art, requiring specific, gifted artisans to construct it according to God's exact pattern, indicative of the excellence and precision required in all matters pertaining to God's worship.
• like the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: This phrase directly links the breastplate to the ephod (אֵפוֹד - ephod), the outer and primary garment of the high priest, upon which the breastplate was securely attached. It ensures uniformity in quality, design, and materials, signifying that the breastplate was an integrated and equally vital part of the sacred vestments, not an add-on. Both garments shared the same glorious, divinely ordained splendor.
• of gold: Gold, as a pure and precious metal, consistently symbolizes divinity, divine glory, eternal value, kingship, and incorruptibility throughout Scripture (e.g., Tabernacle elements, heavenly city). Its presence signifies the divine nature and holiness of the priesthood and God's interaction with His people.
• blue: The Hebrew is תְּכֵלֶת (tekhelet). This color, obtained from a murex snail, represents heaven, divine origin, spirituality, God's holiness, and the commandments of God (cf. Num 15:38). It visually connected the priest's ministry and Israel's worship with heavenly realities.
• purple: The Hebrew is אַרְגָּמָן (argaman). A rare and costly dye, purple signifies royalty, sovereignty, authority, and wealth. Its inclusion highlights God's kingly rule over Israel and the priestly office's divine appointment and exalted status.
• and scarlet thread: The Hebrew is תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי (tola'at shani), specifically meaning "worm of scarlet," referring to the crimson dye derived from an insect. Scarlet commonly symbolizes sacrifice, atonement, blood, life, and even human flesh. Its presence points to the vital role of blood sacrifice in approaching a holy God and foreshadows the ultimate redemptive sacrifice.
• and fine woven linen: The Hebrew is שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר (shesh mashzar), indicating twisted or braided fine linen. Linen, particularly fine and woven, represents purity, righteousness, holiness, and priestly purity, essential qualities for approaching God. In the New Testament, fine linen is linked to the righteous acts of saints (Rev 19:8).
• you shall make it: This reiteration emphasizes the command and the required precision, confirming that this garment must be exactly as specified, showcasing the divine perfection desired in Israel's worship.

Exodus 28 15 Bonus section

• Heart-Centered Ministry: The breastplate was worn over the high priest's heart. Combined with the engraved names of the tribes on its stones (mentioned later in Ex 28:29), it powerfully symbolized the priest bearing the judgment, concerns, and representation of the entire congregation before the Lord's presence.
• Foreshadowing Heavenly Adornment: The precious metals, vibrant colors, and rare gemstones associated with the breastplate find echoes in descriptions of the heavenly Jerusalem (Rev 21:19-20), linking the earthly Tabernacle's beauty to divine realities.
• A Symbol of God's Holiness and Access: The demanding nature of its construction and materials not only highlighted the sanctity of the priest but also underscored the awe and reverence required in approaching a holy God. Yet, by God's own design, it also provided a means of access and communication for His people.

Exodus 28 15 Commentary

Exodus 28:15 outlines the detailed specifications for the "breastplate of judgment," a pivotal element of the high priest's vestments. More than mere attire, it was a divinely appointed instrument central to Israel's relationship with God. Its construction mirroring the ephod in precious materials and skillful weaving underscored its importance as a co-equal, essential garment, not a secondary appendage. The materials themselves—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—were laden with symbolic meaning: divinity, heaven, royalty, sacrifice, and purity, all pointing to God's nature and the requirements for approaching Him.

The name "breastplate of judgment" signifies its primary function as a means of seeking divine guidance and revelation. Though the mechanism (the Urim and Thummim mentioned in Ex 28:30) is not detailed here, this verse lays the foundation for understanding its purpose as the channel for God's authoritative pronouncements. It physically positioned the divine counsel over the high priest's heart, connecting God's guidance directly to the leader who interceded for the people, whose names were inscribed upon its stones.

Ultimately, this ancient instruction points to the need for mediation and divine wisdom in approaching God. The intricate, costly, and symbolic nature of the breastplate foreshadows the perfect and ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is our means of divine judgment (Rom 2:16) and our constant source of guidance and righteousness. Through Him, believers are part of a "royal priesthood," no longer needing a ceremonial garment but having direct access to God's throne of grace, where mercy and help are found in time of need (Heb 4:16).