share torah logo

Exodus 28:15 - Divine wisdom on High Priest's heart

Exodus 28:15 - שמות 28:15

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב כְּמַעֲשֵׂה אֵפֹד תַּעֲשֶׂנּוּ זָהָב תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְשֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment the work of an artist; after the work of the efod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

Transliteration

Ve'asita choshen mishpat ma'aseh choshev kema'aseh efod ta'asenu zahav techelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani veshesh mashzar ta'aseh oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חֹ֤שֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט֙ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה חֹשֵׁ֔ב כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה אֵפֹ֖ד תַּעֲשֶׂ֑נּוּ זָ֠הָ֠ב תְּכֵ֨לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן וְתוֹלַ֧עַת שָׁנִ֛י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֖ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתֽוֹ׃
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חֹ֤שֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט֙ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה חֹשֵׁ֔ב כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה אֵפֹ֖ד תַּעֲשֶׂ֑נּוּ זָ֠הָ֠ב תְּכֵ֨לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֜ן וְתוֹלַ֧עַת שָׁנִ֛י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֖ר תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment)

The verse describes the construction of the Choshen Mishpat, a sacred breastplate worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi (Shemos 28:15), it is called "Mishpat" (judgment) because it atones for errors in legal rulings. The Choshen was intricately woven with gold threads and dyed wool (techeiles, argaman, and tola'as shani) along with fine linen, matching the materials of the efod (Rambam, Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:9).

Symbolism of Materials

  • Gold (זהב): Represents wisdom and purity (Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 8).
  • Techeiles (תכלת): Symbolizes the heavens and divine revelation (Menachos 43b).
  • Argaman (ארגמן): Associated with royalty, reflecting the Kohen Gadol’s elevated status (Ramban, Shemos 28:6).
  • Tola’as Shani (תולעת שני): Represents atonement and repentance (Yoma 67a).
  • Fine Linen (שש משזר): Denotes humility and righteousness (Zohar, Terumah 152a).

Connection to the Efod

The verse specifies that the choshen must be made "after the work of the efod," meaning its craftsmanship must be equally meticulous (Ibn Ezra, Shemos 28:15). The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that both garments were interwoven with divine intention, symbolizing the unity of justice (mishpat) and divine service (avodah).

Function in Divine Communication

The Choshen Mishpat contained the Urim v'Tumim, through which Hashem would communicate answers to national inquiries (Rashi, Shemos 28:30). The Sforno (Shemos 28:15) teaches that its placement over the Kohen Gadol’s heart signifies that divine guidance must align with wisdom and sincere intention.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in relation to the making of the priestly garments, specifically the breastplate (choshen), and its materials as described in the Torah.
📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly garments and their significance in the Temple service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'breastplate of judgment' (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט) mentioned in Exodus 28:15?
A: The 'breastplate of judgment' (Choshen Mishpat) was a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) over his heart. According to Rashi, it was called 'judgment' because it helped clarify divine decisions through the Urim and Thummim stones embedded within it. It was made with gold, blue, purple, scarlet wool, and fine linen, symbolizing different spiritual qualities.
Q: Why was the breastplate made with specific colors like blue, purple, and scarlet?
A: The colors—blue (תְּכֵלֶת), purple (אַרְגָּמָן), and scarlet (תוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי)—each had symbolic meanings in Jewish tradition. The Midrash teaches that blue represents the heavens, purple signifies royalty (since it was a rare dye), and scarlet recalls atonement (as it resembles blood). The fine linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר) represents purity. Together, they reflect the Kohen Gadol’s role in connecting the Jewish people to holiness.
Q: How does the breastplate relate to the efod (אֵפֹד) mentioned in the verse?
A: The verse states that the breastplate should be made 'after the work of the efod,' meaning it matched the efod (an apron-like garment) in craftsmanship and materials. Rambam explains that both were woven with gold threads and colored wool, showing their shared sacred purpose. The breastplate was attached to the efod with golden chains, symbolizing their unity in the Kohen Gadol’s service.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the breastplate's design today?
A: The breastplate teaches the importance of carrying justice and divine wisdom close to one’s heart (as the Kohen Gadol did). The Talmud (Yoma 73a) explains that the Urim and Thummim provided guidance, reminding us to seek truth in decisions. Additionally, its intricate craftsmanship teaches that serving Hashem requires care and attention to detail in mitzvot.