These thoughts are a comparison between the High Priest’s breastplate as described in Exodus 28 and New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21.

Both the breastplate and the city of New Jerusalem are said to be foursquare. The breastplate was set with 12 stones. New Jerusalem has 12 foundations garnished with precious stones. The 12 stones of the breastplate were in four rows of three stones each. New Jerusalem has 12 gates with three gates on each of the four sides. The 12 stones of the breastplate had the names of the 12 tribes of Israel engraved on them. The 12 gates of New Jerusalem also have the names of the 12 tribes on them. The breastplate stones were set in gold. The “street” of New Jerusalem is of pure gold. The breastplate was the means by which judgment was given under the Law. The purpose of New Jerusalem is to execute the righteous judgments of the kingdom under the New Covenant. (Isaiah 11) The High Priest had on the garments of glory and beauty when the breastplate was used in judging Israel. So the great High Priest will be complete and glorified when judgment is rendered to mankind.

– From the notes of Stanley Jeuck

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