What does the Bible say about breastplate?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the breastplate as both protective armor and a sacred priestly garment, displaying God's holiness, covenant care, and the need for mediation before him. Exodus 28:4 and 28:15-21 describe the high priest's breastplate, skillfully made and set with twelve precious stones bearing Israel's tribes, signifying that God's people were represented before him. Exodus 39:8-9 records its faithful construction according to God's command. In battle, 1 Kings 22:34 shows that even armor cannot finally shield a man from God's sovereign judgment. Revelation 9:9 and 9:17 uses breastplates in fearful apocalyptic imagery, emphasizing the terror of divine wrath. Ultimately, these images point believers to Christ, our perfect High Priest and sure defense.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- 1. For high priest Exodus 25:7
- Directions for the making of Exodus 28:15-30
- Made by Bezaleel Exodus 39:8; Exodus 39:21
- Freewill offering of materials for Exodus 35:9; Exodus 35:27
- Worn by Aaron Exodus 29:5; Leviticus 8:8
- 2. Armor for soldiers Revelation 9:9; Revelation 9:17
- FIGURATIVE Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- A part of defensive armour 1 Kings 22:34
- A part of the high priest’s dress Exodus 28:4
- For soldiers
- Made of iron Revelation 9:9
- Bright and shining Revelation 9:17
- For the high priest
- Materials of Exodus 28:15; Exodus 39:8
- Form and dimensions of Exodus 28:16; Exodus 39:9
- Made from the offering of the people Exodus 35:9
- Had names of the tribes engraved on precious stones Exodus 28:17-21; Exodus 39:10; Exodus 39:14
- Inseparably united to the ephod Exodus 28:22-28; Exodus 39:15-21
- The Urim and Thummim placed in Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8
- Worn as a memorial Exodus 28:29; Isaiah 49:16
- Illustrative of the
- Righteous judgment of Christ Isaiah 59:17
- Defence of righteousness Ephesians 6:14
- Defence of faith and love 1 Thessalonians 5:8
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