Audio Download

Gemstones: The High Priests Breastplate, Part 2

[Study Aired December 23, 2025]

Introduction

In Part One, we examined the High Priest’s breastplate—its foursquare construction symbolizing God’s complete representation of His people, its five materials (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen) proclaiming truths about God’s nature and redemptive work, and the twelve precious stones arranged in four rows of three, each bearing an engraved tribal name. We traced how the stones represented Israel’s twelve tribes, from Reuben’s forfeited birthright to Benjamin’s transformation from sorrow to honor, discovering that each name carried prophetic significance pointing toward Christ and spiritual realities. Having established what the breastplate contained, we now turn to examine how it was secured to the ephod, the guidance provided through the Urim and Thummim, and ultimately how Christ fulfills this entire typology as our eternal High Priest who bears His people continuously in God’s presence.

The Breastplate’s Attachment: Secure Connection

God prescribed specific means by which the breastplate attached to the ephod, ensuring it would not become displaced during Aaron’s ministry. The attachment method reveals spiritual truth about believers’ security in Christ.

Two gold chains connected the breastplate’s upper corners to the ephod’s shoulder pieces: “And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the ends of wreathen work of pure gold. And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate” (Exodus 28:22-24). These chains fastened the breastplate to the shoulder stones, upon which were engraved the names of all twelve tribes—six on each stone. The shoulders represent strength and burden-bearing. Isaiah prophesied of Christ: “And the government shall be upon his shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). The connection between breastplate and shoulders testified that God’s strength upholds His people.

The breastplate’s lower corners attached differently: “And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod” (Exodus 28:28). The blue lace—representing heaven’s authority—ensured the breastplate remained fixed in position. God commanded that it “be not loosed from the ephod.” This permanent attachment speaks powerfully of believers’ eternal security. Just as the breastplate could not be separated from the ephod without deliberate disobedience to God’s command, so believers cannot be separated from Christ. Paul declares, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

The Urim and Thummim: Divine Revelation

Within the doubled breastplate resided the Urim and Thummim, mysterious instruments through which God communicated His will to Israel. God commanded Moses: “And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually” (Exodus 28:30).

The Hebrew words Urim (‘Uwriym, H224) and Thummim (Tummiym, H8550) mean “lights” and “perfections” respectively, suggesting they functioned to illuminate God’s perfect will. Their precise nature remains uncertain—Scripture provides no description of their appearance, composition, or exact method of use. This deliberate silence carries significance: God focused attention not on the instruments themselves but on the principle they illustrated—that divine guidance flows through priestly mediation. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5

Scripture records several instances where leaders sought God’s direction through the Urim and Thummim. When Joshua needed to allocate land among the tribes, God commanded: “And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD” (Numbers 27:21). This established the pattern: major decisions required priestly mediation through the sacred lots.

When Saul sought guidance but received no answer, the text records: “And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6). This silence testified that God had departed from Saul due to his rebellion. The Urim’s failure to respond demonstrated that the instruments themselves possessed no power—they merely served as channels for God’s sovereign communication.

After the Babylonian exile, when questions arose about priestly genealogy, Nehemiah commanded that certain individuals “should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim” (Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65). This requirement recognized that only through priestly mediation could matters of sacred importance be properly resolved. Yet significantly, no record exists of the Urim and Thummim being used after the exile. The instruments that once communicated God’s will had ceased to function, preparing Israel to recognize that a superior revelation was coming.

The Urim and Thummim typified external guidance—answers obtained through physical objects manipulated by an earthly priest. But this external system pointed toward internal reality. Under the New Covenant, believers receive direct guidance through the holy Spirit dwelling within them. Jesus promised: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). John writes: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him” (1 John 2:27).

The progression from external Urim and Thummim to internal Spirit guidance follows Scripture’s consistent pattern: the natural first, then the spiritual. Israel depended on physical stones in a priest’s breastplate to know God’s will. Believers possess the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and are taught directly by the Spirit who searches all things, even the deep things of God. What the Urim and Thummim symbolized externally—divine light illuminating perfect truth—the holy Spirit accomplishes internally. Paul writes: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The lights and perfections once contained in the breastplate now dwell in believers’ hearts through Christ.

Moreover, Christ Himself is the ultimate Urim and Thummim—the Light of the world (John 8:12) and the embodiment of perfection. He declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Believers need no external instruments to discern God’s will when they possess Christ within them, “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The physical Urim and Thummim, like all shadows, have given way to the substance.

Christ’s High Priestly Ministry: The Breastplate Fulfilled

Every detail of Aaron’s breastplate pointed toward Christ’s superior priesthood. The writer of Hebrews establishes this connection extensively, demonstrating that the earthly sanctuary served as “the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5). Aaron’s temporary, earthly ministry prefigured Christ’s eternal, heavenly ministry.

Aaron bore Israel’s names upon his heart when he entered God’s presence. Christ bears His people perpetually before the Father—not through engraved stones but through His own sacrifice and continuing intercession. The writer of Hebrews declares: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Christ’s intercession surpasses Aaron’s representation as substance exceeds shadow. Aaron entered the Holy of Holies once yearly, bearing names on stones; Christ entered heaven itself, bearing His people in His very being, and He remains there continually.

The precious stones on Aaron’s breastplate were valuable but created—formed in earth’s crust through natural processes. The value Christ places upon His people infinitely surpasses the worth of any earthly gem, for He purchased them “with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Peter writes: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). No earthly treasure compares to the price Christ paid.

Aaron’s priesthood was imperfect and temporary. He himself required atonement for sin before offering sacrifices for the people (Leviticus 16:6). His ministry ended at death, requiring succession through his descendants. But concerning Christ, the writer of Hebrews declares: “But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). The Greek word translated “unchangeable” (aparabatos, G531) means “permanent,” “inviolable,” “not passing to another.” Christ’s priesthood requires no succession because He lives eternally.

Furthermore, Christ’s priesthood operates on a superior basis. Aaron’s ministry functioned under the Mosaic covenant, which “made nothing perfect” (Hebrews 7:19). Christ’s priesthood establishes the New Covenant, ratified by His blood, which accomplishes what the old covenant could only foreshadow. Hebrews explains: “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).

The earthly high priest offered animal sacrifices repeatedly, never able to perfect those who approached God through such offerings. Christ offered Himself once, achieving eternal redemption: “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). The repetition of Aaron’s sacrifices testified to their inadequacy; the singularity of Christ’s sacrifice declares its sufficiency.

Finally, Aaron ministered in an earthly sanctuary made with hands—a copy of the true tabernacle. Christ ministers in heaven itself, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24). The contrast is absolute: earthly versus heavenly, temporary versus eternal, shadow versus substance, insufficient versus perfect.

When we understand that Christ fulfills every aspect of Aaron’s ministry, the breastplate’s significance becomes clear. Just as those twelve stones rested perpetually over Aaron’s heart, so believers rest perpetually in Christ’s love. Just as Aaron bore those names into God’s presence, so Christ bears His people before the Father’s throne. Just as the gold settings secured each stone in its appointed place, so God’s power keeps believers secure. Just as the blue lace prevented the breastplate from being loosed from the ephod, so nothing can separate believers from Christ’s love. The breastplate proclaimed truths now fulfilled in Christ’s eternal priesthood.

Application for Believers: Carried Upon His Heart

The breastplate’s significance extends beyond historical interest or typological study; it provides profound assurance and instruction for all who trust in Christ. Understanding what Aaron’s breastplate represented helps us grasp the security, value, and purpose they possess in Christ.

Security in Christ’s Intercession

The permanent attachment of the breastplate to the ephod speaks powerfully to our eternal security in Christ. God commanded that the breastplate “be not loosed from the ephod” (Exodus 28:28). This prohibition against separation illustrates the impossibility of believers being severed from Christ once united to Him by faith.

Jesus Himself declared this security in unmistakable terms: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29). The double security—held in both Christ’s hand and the Father’s hand—surpasses even the breastplate’s attachment, for godly power maintains our standing, not our effort or obedience.

Paul expands this assurance throughout Romans 8, building toward his triumphant declaration: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). The comprehensive list—covering time, space, powers, and all creation—leaves no possibility unconsidered. Nothing can sever the connection between Christ and His people.

This security rests not on our faithfulness but on Christ’s finished work and continuing intercession. Hebrews emphasizes: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). The phrase “to the uttermost” means “completely,” “perfectly,” “for all time.” Christ’s salvation is not partial or conditional but absolute and eternal. Just as Aaron bore Israel’s names perpetually upon his heart, so Christ bears us continuously in His presence, guaranteeing our eternal acceptance before God.

Individual Value Within Corporate Unity

The twelve distinct stones, each bearing one tribe’s name, demonstrate that God knows and values His people individually while uniting them corporately. Each stone possessed unique color, composition, and characteristics, yet all together formed one complete breastplate. This pattern reveals God’s design for the body of Christ—unity in diversity, many members yet one body.

Paul develops this principle extensively in 1 Corinthians 12, using the human body as analogy: “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Just as the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of thee” (1 Corinthians 12:21), so no believer can dismiss another’s importance. Each stone on the breastplate was essential; removing even one would have violated God’s command and rendered the breastplate incomplete.

Paul continues: “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” (1 Corinthians 12:18). God determines each believer’s position, function, and gifting according to His sovereign purpose. The sardius could not function as a jasper, nor the emerald as an onyx. Each stone served its appointed purpose in its designated location. Similarly, God gifts believers differently—“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5).

The breastplate’s arrangement also teaches balance and order. Four rows of three stones each created symmetry and structure—not random placement but careful design. God’s body operates according to His wise arrangement, not human preference or carnal ambition. Paul warns against those who create divisions: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The stones’ unified witness upon the breastplate models the unity Christ desires among His people.

Moreover, just as precious stones form through pressure, heat, and time in earth’s depths, so God shapes us through trials, testing, and the refining process of sanctification. Peter writes: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). The testing we endure serves God’s purpose of conforming us to Christ’s image, transforming us from rough stones into polished gems fit for His eternal dwelling place.

Conclusion: Engraved Upon His Heart

The High Priest’s breastplate stands as one of Scripture’s most beautiful and instructive types, revealing through material elements the spiritual realities of Christ’s priesthood and our relationship to Him. Every detail—from the materials employed to the stones’ arrangement, from the method of attachment to the placement over Aaron’s heart—proclaimed truths now fulfilled in Christ Jesus our great High Priest.

The twelve tribes represented by twelve precious stones foreshadowed the complete number of God’s elect, known individually yet united corporately, each valued as a priceless gem, all secured by divine power rather than human merit. Aaron bore those names into God’s presence through the veil; Christ has entered heaven itself, bearing His people perpetually before the Father’s throne through His own blood and continuing intercession.

The gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen spoke of God’s nature, heaven’s authority, royal priesthood, redemptive blood, and imputed righteousness—all finding their substance in Christ. The Urim and Thummim, providing external guidance through physical objects, pointed toward the Holy Spirit’s internal illumination of truth. The permanent attachment preventing the breastplate from being loosed from the ephod illustrated the eternal security believers possess in Christ, held by God’s power, never to be separated from His love.

As we continue through this series examining individual precious stones, we will discover how each gem reveals particular aspects of Christ’s nature and specific stages of our transformation. The sardius will speak of blood and the birthright transferred from Reuben to Christ. The sapphire will declare heavenly authority and God’s throne. The diamond will testify of hardness—both the hardness of unregenerate hearts and the enduring hardness of truth that cannot be compromised. Each stone contributes its unique voice to the comprehensive testimony about Christ and His people.

The fundamental truth proclaimed by all twelve stones together is this: believers are precious to God, known by name, carried upon Christ’s heart, secure in His finished work, and destined for His eternal glory. The God who commanded precise construction of the breastplate, specifying every material and each stone’s placement, exercises that same meticulous care over His people. Not one is forgotten, not one is lost, not one fails to reach the purpose for which God chose them before the foundation of the world.

The prophet Malachi, looking forward to God’s final work, declares: “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Malachi 3:17). The Hebrew word translated “jewels” (segullah, H5459) means “treasured possession” or “peculiar treasure”—the very thing the breastplate’s precious stones represented. We who trust in Christ are God’s treasured possession, His peculiar people, His precious gems formed through pressure and time, extracted from earth’s bondage, refined through fire, and being fitted for permanent placement in His eternal dwelling.

Just as the breastplate rested continually over Aaron’s heart when he ministered in God’s presence, so believers rest perpetually upon Christ’s heart as He ministers in heaven’s true sanctuary. This position is not temporary but eternal, not conditional but absolute, not dependent on human faithfulness but secured by divine faithfulness. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). What God has purposed, He accomplishes; whom He has chosen, He keeps; what He has begun, He completes.

The breastplate of judgment has given way to the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14), for judgment has fallen upon Christ as our example. The precious stones once set in gold upon an earthly priest’s breast now represent living stones being built into God’s spiritual house, each believer a gem reflecting Christ’s glory, all together forming the dwelling place where God’s presence abides forever. From the temporary representation in the wilderness tabernacle to the eternal reality in heaven’s glory, God’s purpose stands: His people, precious as gems, carried upon His heart, secure in His love, destined for His eternal kingdom.