breastpiece

A Dictionary of the Bible | 1997 | 484 words | Copyright

breastpiece ‘Breastplate’ in AV and sometimes in NRSV, REB, NJB. It was a dramatic part of the ceremonial garb worn by Aaron (Exod. 28: 15) when he ministered before the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. Its four rows of three precious stones represented the twelve tribes which Aaron therefore symbolically brought before the Lord.

A military breastplate was worn as protective armour (1 Kgs. 22: 34) and as such the word becomes a metaphor in the NT (e.g. Eph. 6: 14).

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W. R. F. BROWNING. "breastpiece." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

W. R. F. BROWNING. "breastpiece." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-breastpiece.html

W. R. F. BROWNING. "breastpiece." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-breastpiece.html

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