That piece of ancient armour that protected the breast. This word is used figuratively in Ephesians 6:14 and Isaiah 59:17 . (See ARMOUR .) An ornament covering the breast of the high priest, first mentioned in Exodus 25:7 . It was made of embroidered cloth, set with four rows of precious stones, three in each row. On each stone was engraved the name of one of the twelve tribes ( Exodus 28:15-29 ; 39:8-21 ). It was in size about ten inches square. The two upper corners were fastened to the ephod by blue ribbons. It was not to be "loosed from the ephod" ( Exodus 28:28 ). The lower corners were fastened to the girdle of the priest. As it reminded the priest of his representative character, it was called the memorial (28:29). It was also called the breastplate of judgment (28:15). (See PRIEST .)
Source
- part_of
source-manifest/easton— Easton's Bible Dictionary (PD)