Description
Size: .8″/2cm
STAR OF DAVID
The six-pointed star is called “Magen David” in Hebrew–generally translated as the “Star of David.” It literally means “Shield of David.” In early times, it was used on Roman mosaic pavements as a decorative design without special significance. Its earliest surviving use in a synagogue dates back 1,800 years, when it appeared on a frieze in the Synagogue of Capernaum. The earliest known example of its use on a tombstone was in sixth century Italy. Today the Star of David is an expression of Jewish identity. God told Abraham in Genesis 15:5, that He would make Abraham’s descendants as numerous as the stars in heaven, thus associating stars with the descendants of Abraham.
Breastplate of the high priest
A type of pouch, adorned with precious stones, worn by the high priest on his breast when he presented in the Holy Place the names of the children of Israel. This breast piece was to be made in part of the same material as the EPHOD. The directions specify that it was to be made “of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen” (Exodus 28:15). “Foursquare it shall be, being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof”
On the front face of this square were set, in four rows, twelve precious stones, on each of which was engraved the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These jewels in gold settings were (Exodus 28:17-19): in the first row, “a sardius [margin, “ruby”], a topaz, and a carbuncle [margin, “emerald”]”; in the second row, “an emerald [margin, “carbuncle”], a sapphire, and a diamond [margin, “sardonyx”]”; in the third row, “a jacinth [R. V.: margin, “amber”], an agate, and an amethyst”; and in the fourth row, “a beryl [margin, “chalcedony”], and an onyx [margin, “beryl”], and a jasper.” The exact identification and the order of these stones, as well as the tribe represented by each, are matters of speculation
SHIPPING:
Please note that this item will be shipped separately from Israel.
