The Breastplate of Righteousness or Judgement

These 12 stones were laid out in a perfect square, each representing the twelve tribes of Israel. In Hebrew tradition, the twelve attributes of God were represented by these twelve stones mounted in the Breastplate. The significance of the "Perfect Square" is symbolic of the Holy of Holies as well as The New Jerusalem in Revelation Chapter 21; which we will discover later in this study.

"And thou shalt make the breastplate of Judgement (Righteousness) with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it: of gold, of blue, and of purple, and scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. (Exodus 28:15-21).

Foursquare it shall be being doubled: a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: 

First Row: "The first row shall be a Sardius, Topaz, and Carbuncle" Description:

1.)The Sardius: A common quartz which is found in red as well as gold. Rock crystal is colorless, transparent, coarse crystalline quartz. Quartz is one of the most common minerals found nearly everywhere in the world. The Greek word for crystal is Krustallos, or "ice" because they believed that it was formed from water exposed to extreme cold. The Hebrew word literally means "transparent." Quartz crystal, usually red in color, the Hebrew word is "odem", (root -Red). Mineralogist say the stone odem was probably our red jasper; but all true Sardius stones are translucent as transparent, Carnelian, has been included among the varieties of sard but is no longer considered to be blood red, but a brownish red. Biblical Meaning: Sardius, Melek (King); Elohim (Omnipotent God, great Creator) Cornelian: Truth, Faithfulness, Purity, and Awareness, Friendship. Used today worn to promote healing. It provides gentle energy for mental and emotional balance; also symbolizes the ability to open one's heart to love.

Of these twelve stones, no less than six are varieties of the quartz. It is important to note that the quartz crystal has two important properties; piroelectricity and piezoelectricity. Both are linked to the production of electrical energy.

2.)The Topaz: A crystal stone derived from Topazios, an island in the Red Sea. Some varieties exhibit a faint fluorescence emitting green, reddish light. The typical topaz color is honey yellow as seen in this photo. In Biblical times the topaz was actually referred to as the peridot (Chrysolite). The most sought after topaz is the imperial topaz (golden-colored with soft pink shades). There are Sherry topaz (almost brown), the "Madera" (carmel colored), as well as the blue-green topaz. Mineralogist believe that the Greek 'topazios" was a green stone, and that it was the modern peridot. In the ancient world the peridot was worn as a jewel for centuries and was once valued more than a diamond. Biblical Meaning: Constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. Strength. Used today in modern times for releasing tension and balancing emotions.

3.)The Carbuncle: The Hebrew word is "baraketh," (barequit) which means flashing or glittering. The great mineralogist professor Kunz, favors the view that the third stone in the Breastplate of the High Priest was "amazon" stone, although other scholars believe it to be emerald. He favors amazon solely on the grounds that this stone was often used by the ancients for amulets, and was easily procurable. Professor Petrie suggests "smaragdos" of the Old Testament to be rock crystal, which in terms rainbow quartz from its doubly refractive powers. Rev. 4:3; "like unto a rainbow" may refer to what is called the dischoism of the emerald. This property means that a stone can reflect two different colors when looked at from two different angles. This would give it its flashing qualities. The Emerald when found is green, of the sea green tint. This bright green quartz was known to be first extracted from famous mines of King Solomon near the Red Sea, but dates before King Solomon's time. According to the Jewish Kabbalah, the 3rd name of God; Adar, (Magnificent). Biblical Meaning: Loyalty, Faithfulness, Friendship, Memory and Faith.

Second Row: "And the second row shall be an Emerald, Sapphire, and a Diamond." Description:

4.)The Emerald: The Emerald we just covered in detail, and have concluded it to be the third stone of the Breastplate, so what exactly was the fourth stone. Scholars believe this stone to actually be Carbuncle. The Hebrew word is "nophek," (root meaning "glowing"), which the Septuagint interprets by the use of the word "anthrax," meaning burning coal. The Greek, Aramaic and Latin versions of the Scriptures render nophek as "carbuncle."  Ancient carbuncle included all hard stones, such as Ruby, and Garnets. Rubies, garnets, tourmaline, and zicrons are similar in color, they are entirely different minerals. A clue to the identification of the carbuncle is found in Isaiah 54:12; "I will make thy windows of ages and thy gates of carbuncles...." The Hebrew word used here is "eqdach," the root meaning of which is "Light a Fire." In the Septuagint, it is rendered "lithous crystallou" meaning crystal stones. There is an ancient Jewish Legend which says that a "carbuncle hung within the Ark, and gave light to all within" which probably is a reference to the fact that this stone "glows", like a red light. Dr. Kunz favors the garnet as being the fourth stone on the Breastplate and nearly all modern scholars agree. While garnets are found in many colors, deep red were highly prized at the time. The name "almandite" garnet takes its name from Alabanda, a city of the ancient district of Caria, in Asia Minor where garnets were traded to ancient Rome. 

Garnet is summed up by scholars to be the Fourth Stone, comes from the latin "granatum" (pomegranate), having to do with the red color. The garnet dates back as early as the Bronze Age, in Egyptian Jewelry, dating back to 3100 BC. The Greeks used garnets in signet rings. Garnet stones promote Health, removing negativity, awareness, commitment, regeneration, order, and insight.

5.)The Sapphire: The fifth stone in the Breastplate of the High Priest is called a "Sapphire." The Hebrew word is "Sappir," a foreign word Hebraicised. Almost every authority is agreed that the modern Lapis Lazuli is the stone described under that name. The same Hebrew word is used in (Exodus 24:10; Job 28:6; Song of Solomon 514; Isa. 55:11; Lam. 4:7; Ezek. 1:26. 10:1, 28:13.) These same passages are rendered by the Septuagint as "Sappheiros" and the Vulgate as "Sapphirus." Sapphires were possessed by the river beds of India and Ceylon, and were distinguished by their purity and inward luster. It is important to note that the Hebrew word "sappir" translated "sapphire" in the earlier versions of our Bible, means something engraved upon. In ancient Greece, medical powers were attributed to the sapphire. It also held to be a symbol of generosity, goodness of the heart, loyalty and insight and interpretation.

Lapis Lazuli - A blue stone (rock) composed of several minerals. Its color is usually variegated, a blend of primarily of blue with grey, white, and gold interspersed. Its unusual hews of blue have made it a popular stone. This stone is the more popular belief by mineralogist to be the 5th stone of the Breastplate.

6.)The Diamond: The sixth stone of the Breastplate. The Hebrew word is "yahalom." (root meaning "to strike"). It is also the word used in Ezek. 28:13. Almost all scholars agree that the art of cutting or engraving diamonds was unknown in the time of Moses. For this reason, it is unlikely that the sixth stone was an actual diamond, but more probably a gem crystal. Meaning; Enhancing relationships and increasing inner strength. Balance, Clarity and abundance.

Note: * Fun trivia; My name in Hebrew means "Diamond" as Kimberly translated is "yahalom!"

Mineralogist believe the sixth stone to be Rock Crystal which has been engraved from prehistoric time a substance used in all ages as pounding stones, and for "striking" fire, both suggestive of the word "yahalom." Also, rock crystal is consistent with the eleven stones, all of which rank nothing harder than 7.5 in hardness. In fairness, however, it must be admitted there are two Hebrew words for "crystal," 1.) Zekukith (meaning transparancy); and 2.) qerach (meaning ice). 

The Third Row of the Breastplate; A Ligure, an Agate, and an Amethyst.

7.)The Seventh Stone: A Ligure; The Hebrew word is "Leshem," which occurs in Exodus 28:19; 39:12. Leshem is translated by the Septuagint Text as "Ligurion," which means "a stone of Liguria." (province of Asia Minor).

A clue identifying the Seventh Stone is found is a description of a stone (by Theophrastus) called "lyncurion." This stone was used for engraving seals, and has an attractive (magnetism) power like amber. Dana, the mineralogist, quotes a sixteenth century authority as the first to mention a ligure, and he concludes that the ligure is a sphene. This was unknown during early Biblical times, and a rare stone only found in Norway and later North America.

Theophrastus describes the seventh stone as being "used for engraving seals" and one that has an attractive power like amber. He adds it was "pellucid and of fire (purra) color" and that the polishing of these stones are a work of great trouble. These descriptions are an exact definition of the modern day Jacinth. Jacinth is of "fire" color and is electric like amber! Yellow colored Zircon is often mistaken by modern jewelers for Jacinth. The Jacinth possesses yellow or red-orange hue. and is a rare earth element of Zirconium. It refracts and disperses light to a degree second only to the diamond. Derived from the Greek word "Hyacinth" which comes from Greek huakinthos. Most scholars agree that it was some blue stone in the New Jerusalem and contain radioactive elements. 

8.)The Eighth Stone: Is thought to be an "Agate." The Hebrew word is "shebho," (means to split into flame, split into tongues.) It is translated by the Septuagint and Vulgate as "achates." The only description which Theophrastus gives of this stone is, " A Handsome stone, from the river Achates, (In Sicily, now known as Drillow in the Val de Nola) and is sold for a high price. The Hebrew word for Agate used in Isaiah 54:12, "make thy windows agate" is "kadkod" from the root meaning glowing or sparkling. The Jewish Encyclopedia confirms the modern identification of agate, but quotes Jewish tradition that the color is sky blue. Agates are a form of Chalcedony ( A fine-grained variety of quartz) that are banded or lined in a variety of patterns. Colors range from white, yellow, red, brown, orange, blue, black and gray. lartge amounts of Agate have been found in archeological digs of Sumer, dating back to 3500 BC. Meaning: EL (strong God); Gives general protection and healing increases courage, helps increase self confidence and energy and promotes longevity. Agate is also believed to be good for gardening.

9.)The Ninth Stone: The ninth stone on the Breastplate is said to be "Amethyst." The Hebrew word is "acglamar" or (ahlomah) having a root meaning, "to dream." The name given in the Septuagint is "amethustos" (meaning "not drunken"), and in the Vulgate as "amethustus." Theophrastus describes the amethyst of the Old Testament as having a reddish violet color and states, it was used for engraving and was pellucid and resembled red wine in color. This stone was named by the Greeks as "methustos" because these gems never quite came up to wine color as they were more violet or deep purple. Amethyst is of the quartz family and is best known for the dark violet color. Amethyst: meaning God (Jehovah); Stability, peace, balance, courage, inner strength, Sincerity, calmness.

The Fourth Row of The Breastplate; Beryl, Onyx and Jasper.

10.)The Tenth Stone: The tenth stone of the breastplate is called "Beryl," which is also the rendering given in Song of Solomon. (5:14, Ezek. 1:16; 28:13, and Dan. 10:6.) The Hebrew word is "Tarshish." (Meaning a stone of Tarsus). The interpretation of this stone in the Septuagint is "Chrysolothos," (Golden Stone), the Vulgate gives "Chrsysolothus," Josephus gives "Chrysolote." The Greek name in our day, called a "false topaz" or "Citrine." A Golden Yellow variety of rock crystal. Citrine: meaning; Intuition, comfort, protection, creativity, physical energy, wealth, mental awakening.

11.)The Eleventh Stone: The eleventh stone in the Breastplate is called "Onyx." The Hebrew word used to describe this stone is "shoham." Jewish tradition says that onys, having a light tinge with a black layer underneath, was one of the number of the twelve stones in the Breastplate and that it was held in great regard. It was recorded among the gems mentioned in the most ancient of all records. Onyx is Chalcedony that has even, banded layers of various color (most typically black and white). The Greek word for onyx is onux literally "the nail of a finger" which implies the banding of color. Onyx Meaning Adonai (Lord and Master); Self Control, decision making, intuition, recognition of personal strengths. 

12.)The Twelve Stone: The twelve stone of the Breastplate is said to be "Jasper." The Hebrew word is "Yashpeh" The Septuagint rendering is "onuxion" while that of the Targums is "Panther" stone. An example is found in the Breastplate stone displayed at the Natural History Museum (in England) which shows: "There are fourteen varieties of Jasper, from sea green to sky blue, the former color, the most transparent." The label with the stone further adds: "The twelve stone may be identical with our plasma."  Plasma is a translucent, verdigris, green colored chalcedony. and in ancient times was undoubtedly the most esteemed among the many varieties of jasper. Once included in the list of Jaspers is the one referred to under the names "Yashpeh" and the Greek word, "Iaspis" and from the root meaning to polish. (Kunz believes Jade or Nephrite was once included under Iaspis). Today, very few mineralogist recognize the difference between prase, plasma, and green jasper. Jasper is mentioned many times referring to The New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation, and is often transparent like unto glass. Jasper Meaning: Tolchai (Living God) Protection, joy, awareness, balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energies. 

The Breastplate was undoubtedly a pouch or bag (possible nine inches square). It is described as the "breastplate of Judgement" and was used specifically as the container for the "Urim and Thummim." The word "Breastplate," was adopted by the translators of the Authorized Version from the Hebrew word "Chosen" to denote something worn upon the breast o the High Priest. The true significance of it seems best described by the Septuagint Text, which translated the Hebrew word "choshen" by the Greek word, "Logeion" which means a "speaking-place." This describes exactly what the Breastplate really was: The oracle by means of which God spoke to i.e., answered the inquiries of the High Priest.

Upon the Breastplate were the four rows of precious stones, three in each row, and upon them were to be engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Concerning the stones, we read in Exodus 28:20 that they were to be fixed to the Breastplate by being "set in gold in their in-closings." Exodus 39:16. "ouches of gold." These ouches were probably a kind of gold filigree work formed into gold rosettes, made or woven with gold wire. Many examples of such gold filigree work may be seen among the ancient Egyptian ornaments in the British Museum.

The shape of the stones is not mentioned in the biblical text, but Mr. C.W. King, an eminent authority on ancient gems, concludes that they were probably oval or ellipses, bearing some relationship to the rosette shape of the ouches. According to Josephus (A.D. 37 -95?) the stones "were extraordinary in largeness and beauty, and were an ornament not to be purchased by men because of their immense value." If we allow the Breastplate to be nine inches square, divide the width into three, allowing a moderate margin between the stones, the gem stones may have been as large as one-and-a-half inches or possibly two inches wide.

The names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel were engraved on the stones in order of their birth, which is what we might have expected. (Birthstones). After careful study it appears the sons of Jacob were born in the following order: (Gen.29-30).

1. Reuben = Carnelian (marg. Sardius, chalcedony)

2. Simeon = Peridot (Topaz)

3. Levi = Emerald (Carbuncle)

4. Judah = Carbuncle (Garnet)

5. Dan = Lapis Lazuli or Sapphire

6. Naphtali = Diamond (marg. Sardonyx, crystal)

7. Gad = Jacinth (Ligure)

8. Asher = Agate

9. Issachar = Amethyst

10. Zebulun = Ctrine (Chalcedony, Beryl) 

11. Joseph = Onyx (marg. Beryl)

12. Benjamin = Jasper

What were The Urim and Thummin exactly? 

The urim and Thummim were something pertaining to the Breastplate of Righteousness and were centered within the pouch. The literal translation of these names is "Lights and Perfections." Unfortunately, Scriptures gives no account of them and only briefly mentions them. No directions are given to Moses relative to the making of the Urim and Thummim, while the other parts of the High Priest's attire is in explicit detail. Leaves much to our imagination. One opinion is that the Urim and Thummim were two little images or "teraphim," or stones which were put into the pocket of the Breastplate, as it was doubled over allowing a pouch if you will, and which either gave answer by audible voice to the High Priest's questions, or by illumination. Their use was to inquire of God, and received an oracular answer of His will through them. As an example is found in Numbers 27:21; that Eleazar the priest should ask counsel for Joshua, after the judgement of Urim, before the Lord."

*Note: It is important to take notice of the symbolism between the Urim and Thummim in the center of the Breastplate, which is a perfect square worn by the High Priest, and it is called Light and Perfection, as well as being a direct oracle between the High Priest and God, and how the Shekinah Glory, (God's holy and divine cloud) was in the Center of the Ark of the Covenant and hovered between the two Cherubims in the Holy of Holies. Now notice the Similarities in The New Jerusalem. In Revelation 21: 22; "No temple could be seen in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun, or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light."

The Breastplate of Righteousness worn by Aaron the High Priest into the Holy of Holies is the For-Shadowing of The New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem is said to be adorned with 12 precious stones on which are engraved the names of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb. The New Jerusalem is a perfect square with its dimensions 1500 square miles. A 1500 mile square cube. 

*Note: Very Important: In Isaiah Chapter 62 (the city of Jerusalem) is referred to as the Bride of God, whereas the New Jerusalem, in the Book of Revelation is referred to as the Bride of Christ! "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband." Rev. 21:1-2

I will elaborate further on the symbolism of The New Jerusalem in Part Two of this series.