The Most-precious Jewels

The Most-Precious Jewels

The High Priest’s Chestpiece

Read: Exodus 28:15-29

Michelle fingered the gold chain around her neck and wished that she never had to take it off. It had to be the best birthday present she would ever receive—a Mother’s necklace with three jewels set in gold. The amethyst, the ruby, and the blue sapphire represented three of the most important dates in her life. “It’s a Mommy necklace,” little Adam had explained. “You wear it so we’ll always be close to your heart.”

Aaron and the high priests who followed him wore a sort of “Father’s jewelry” as they ministered before God—an exquisite, one-of-a-kind piece designed by God. The chestpiece, or breastplate, contained twelve precious gems, each one set in gold filigree and representing a tribe of Israel, with the name of the tribe engraved on it. Israelite women knew that their tribe’s jewel shining in the high priest’s chestpiece represented them, too. The high priest carried their tribe’s name over his heart as he approached God to remind them that God kept each one of them close to his heart.

Jewelry is nice, but the best kind to wear isn’t found in stores. God advises us to wear loyalty and kindness like a necklace (see Proverbs 3:3) and to tie our parents’ teachings around our necks (see Proverbs 6:20-21). He compares common sense and discernment to jewels on a necklace (see Proverbs 3:21-22). In contrast, a description of wicked people says that “they wear pride like a jeweled necklace” (Psalm 73:6). We may not realize it, but people see the outward evidence of what’s going on inside us. If we hold God’s teachings close to our hearts, the gems of his wisdom will be evident in our lives. Then, everyone will see that we’re wearing our Father’s jewelry.

Common sense and discernment . . . are like jewels on a necklace.

Proverbs 3:21-22