THE BREASTPLATE

“Put in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: the first row is to be a carnelian, a topaz and an emerald; the second row a green feldspar, a sapphire and a diamond; the third row an orange zircon, an agate and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They are to be mounted in their gold settings.”
Exodus 28:17-20

On the breastplate to be worn by the priest, the names of the twelve tribes of Isra’el were to be etched upon them. On each stone a single name. Additionally, the character of the stone matched the character of the son. For example, the tribe of Y’hudah was represented with the stone of a carnelian, or ruby. The character of the ruby is red in color which many believe is a representation of the garments washed in wine and robes in the blood of grapes, rich in color and abundant in Y’hudah’s land. Moreover, there are connections to be found between each son’s birth, each blessing as found in the latter portion of Genesis, and in the blessing by Moshe. With two gold rings added on the front part of the vest’s shoulder pieces, the breastplate would rest without swinging on the priest. The priest then, in this case Aharon, would wear the names on the tribes on the breastplate for judging, over his heart as commanded by Adonai. Lastly, the tumim and urim were to be placed in the breastplate for judging, also over Aharon’s heart. This allowed the priest to make decisions for the people of Isra’el in the presence of Adonai.

Exodus 28:13-30