The High Priest's Breastplate on Day of Atonement

Yes, the high priest wore the breastplate of judgment on the Day of Atonement as a vital part of his sacred attire to represent the tribes of Israel before GodARSH August 15, 1865, page 81.11+2.

While there are various details regarding the high priest's garments during this solemn service, the following points clarify the use and significance of the breastplate:

The Breastplate in the Typical Service

• On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the most holy place bearing the breastplate of judgment over his heartARSH April 8, 1858, page 164.4+1.

• This breastplate was of "cunning work," made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen Exodus 28:15KJV — Exodus 39:8.

• It contained twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel Exodus 28:21ARSH August 15, 1865, page 81.11+1.

• The purpose of wearing these names upon his heart was to serve as a "memorial before the Lord continually" Exodus 28:29EP 243.3+1.

• The high priest was the only official authorized to wear the breastplate when going in before the LordST July 28, 1881, par. 8+1.

Mediation and Judgment

• The breastplate was essentially linked to the work of judgment and decision-making; in certain instances, no judgment could be given unless the high priest was present with the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim Ezra 2:63+1HBS 483.6.

• The Urim and Thummim, placed within the breastplate, provided tokens of divine approval or denial when questions were brought before the Lord Exodus 28:30EP 243.3.

• By bearing the breastplate into the most holy place, the high priest acted as a mediator, carrying the collective weight of the people's transgressions to make an atonement for them Leviticus 16:33PP 355.3+1.

The Antitypical Fulfillment

• These earthly rituals were a shadow of the work performed by Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, in the heavenly sanctuary Hebrews 8:5SLG 20.1+1.

• When Jesus entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844, He was seen clothed in precious garments, including a glittering breastplate that magnified names engraved upon itSLG 20.1+1.

• Just as the earthly priest bore the names of the tribes, Christ bears the names of every repentant, believing soul upon His heart as He pleads His blood in their behalfEP 243.3+2.

• The breastplate serves as a beautiful figure of the unchanging love of Christ for His church, as He binds His people to His great heart of love5MR 11.3+1.

Spiritual Application for Believers

• Beyond the priestly office, believers are encouraged to put on the "breastplate of righteousness" as part of the whole armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil Ephesians 6:11-14EW 26.3+1.

• This spiritual breastplate protects the heart and the vital organs of the soul, guarding the affections from the thrusts of the enemyARSH March 8, 1860, page 123.11+1.

• In the context of the second coming, believers are also exhorted to remain sober, "putting on the breastplate of faith and love" 1 Thessalonians 5:8RH July 31, 1888, par. 12+1.

In summary, the breastplate was an indispensable element of the Day of Atonement, signifying that the people were never forgotten by their mediator while he officiated in the presence of the Holy OneARSH August 15, 1865, page 81.11+2. 😇