Breastplate
Breastplate or
Breastpiece (Heb. hoshen). The breastpiece, called also "the breastpiece of judgment" (Ex
28:15), was a square piece of cloth made of the same material and made in the
same manner as the ephod. It was doubled so it would form a pocket one span
wide. Upon this breastpiece were twelve precious stones set in
gold and arranged in
four rows. On each of the precious gems were engraved the names of the twelve
tribes of Israel. At each of the four corners was a ring of gold. By the two upper
rings small chains of gold were attached and at the ends other chains were
fastened for attaching them to the ephod on the shoulders.
Blue cords (laces) were attached to the two lower rings, the other ends were tied to
rings that were fastened to the bottom of the front part of the ephod immediately
above the sash. The breastpiece was securely bound to the ephod and, at the
same time, to the breast or heart, both above and below, so tha it could not
possibly get displaced (Ex 28:15-28; 39:8-21).