Exodus 39:8-21 – Interceding with compassion

The first piece of the high priest garment of Aaron was the ephod described in Exodus 39:1-7. On the two shoulder straps were two rows of six onyx stones each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Whenever Aaron went into the presence of God wearing the ephod, he was carrying the nation of Israel on his shoulder. He was representing their needs before God.

In Exodus 39:8-21 we come to the making of the second piece of the garment, which is the breastplate or the breast-piece. Interestingly, Exodus 28:30 tells us that in this breastplate there was a pouch containing the Urim and Thummim. There were like two dice which the priest would use to consult God and determine His will for the people.  That’s the reason it was referred to as the breastplate of judgment in Exodus 28:25.

Exodus 39:8-14 tell us how the breastplate was made. Again, this was made of the same material that was used to make the ephod. It was a square double-fold piece made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn interwoven with actual gold thread. One this breastplate was mounted four rows of precious stones each. On the first row were a ruby, a topaz, and a beryl. Mounted on the second row were a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald. The third row carried a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst. Finally, in the fourth row was a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. Again, in each of these stones was engraved a name of the 12 tribes of Israel.  

Much like the ephod, we see an optical connection of the breastplate to the Tabernacle. This breastplate was attached to the ephod. Exodus 39:15-21 describe the golden chain and the rings that were made to hold the breastplate and keep it in place as it was worn over the chest of the priest. The ephod with the stones tells us that the priest carried the burden of the people on his shoulder as he went before God. The breastplate tells us that he carried their burden close to his heart. It was said that Jesus was made like us so that He could empathize with us in our weakness. He carries us on His shoulder as well as in His heart. When we are interceding for our loved ones, friends and others, the abler we are to empathize with their needs and burdens, the more passionately will our prayer be for them. Yes, we must pray for others and as we do, we must do it with compassion.