Exodus 28:23, commentary and pictures

The command is to make two rings of gold upon the breastplate and to put the two rings on its two ends, one ring at each end. It belongs to God's detailed, special directions about everything connected with His service, specifying in a particular style what the priests, and especially the high priest, were to wear for work in the holy place and for ministry in the priest's office before Him. The breastplate was set with precious stones and served as a means for receiving messages from Jehovah, making known His approval and disapproval. His glory flashed upon the stones in approval, and a cloud shadowed them in displeasure, while His presence overshadowed the earthly mercy-seat.

The breastplate and its sacredness belonged to the worship God had directed, so making an imitation gave it no sacred authority, and only the high priest was authorized to wear it when going before the Lord. The description of the high priest's garments, including the breastplate, portrays Jesus clothed in priestly garments as He enters the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. When Christ died the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, exposing to common gaze the most holy place entered only once a year. God's presence no longer overshadowed the mercy-seat, and the flashing and shadowing upon the breastplate ceased.

The specificity shows God is so high and holy that failure to comply with His conditions for coming into His presence brings death. He may be honored or dishonored by the apparel of those who officiate before Him, so His ministers were to maintain order in everything and especially to preserve cleanliness. The careful directions show the Lord had a preference concerning the dress of those who served Him. Aaron's clothing was symbolic, and the dress of Christ's followers should likewise represent Him.