This was a religious garment worn by the high priest which was adorned with twelve gemstones each inscribed with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was worn over the Ephod which was described in the book of Exodus as being an elaborate garment worn by the high priest upon which the breastplate rested. Worn over a tunic, the description says the Ephod was woven out of gold, blue, purple and scarlet threads, was made of fine linen and was embroidered "with skillful work". The biblical description continues without describing the shape or length of the Ephod except by stating that it was held together by a girdle and had two shoulder straps which were fastened to the front by golden rings, to which the breastplate was attached by golden chains. The description seems to imply that it was something like an apron or skirt with braces.
The breastplate of the high priest, also known as the breastplate of Aaron (Aaron was the first high priest of the Israelites) and the breastplate of judgement, was designed with the idea that the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on each of the gemstones should be brought before God "as a continual memorial," and that Aaron should "bear them upon his heart, when he went into the most holy place.
It is known that there were four rows with three gemstones in each row, but with regards to exactly which gems were actually used, this is a 2,000 year old question and although there is no doubt over their Hebrew names, there has been much debate over the correct translation and despite numerous attempts, it cannot be agreed upon conclusively hence this varies dependent on the translation which is cited.
- Row 1: Ruby, Topaz, Beryl
- Row 2: Turquoise, Sapphire (or Lapis Lazuli), Emerald
- Row 3: Jacinth (a reddish-orange precious gem, a variety of Zircon), Agate, Amethyst
- Row 4: Chrysolite (possibly Chrysoberyl or Olivine), Onyx, Jasper
- Row 1: Ruby, Topaz, Emerald
- Row 2: Turquoise, Sapphire, Diamond
- Row 3: Jacinth, Agate, Amethyst
- Row 4: Beryl, Onyx, Jasper
- Row 1: Red Carnelian, Chrysolite, Emerald
- Row 2: Turquoise, Sapphire, White Moonstone
- Row 3: Jacinth, Agate, Amethyst
- Row 4: Beryl, Onyx, Jasper
- Row 1: Sardius (a red gem, probably Sard but perhaps Red Jasper), Topaz, Carbuncle (an archaic name given to any red gem cut as a cabochon but applied particularly to Red Garnet)
- Row 2: Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond
- Row 3: Ligure (possibly the same as Jacinth, a variety of Zircon), Agate, Amethyst
- Row 4: Beryl, Onyx, Jasper
- Row 1: Sardius, Topaz, Emerald
- Row 2: Turquoise, Sapphire, Diamond
- Row 3: Jacinth, Agate, Amethyst
- Row 4: Beryl, Onyx, Jasper
- Row 1: Sardius, Topaz, Carbuncle
- Row 2: Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond
- Row 3: Jacinth, Agate, Amethyst
- Row 4: Beryl, Onyx, Jasper
| ← Braganza Diamond | Brittle → |
|---|
