Leviticus 8:8

8. The breastplate The choshen was an ornamental bag or four-cornered gorget, with twelve precious stones set in gold, arranged in four rows. The Seventy call it λογειον , or λογιον , the speaking place, and in the Vulgate it is styled rationale, in reference to its use as an oracle.

As the term breastplate is descriptive of armour it is an unfortunate translation. Within this bag were deposited the Urim and the Thummim. It is evident from this verse that these things which Moses put into the choshen at the consecration of Aaron are different from the precious stones previously set by the jeweller. Exodus 28:15-21. “The sculptures of Thebes and Beni-Hassan afford testimony to the skill of the Egyptian goldsmiths; and numerous gold and silver vases, inlaid work and jewelry, represented in common use, show the great advancement they had already made, at a remote period, in this branch. The engraving of gold, the mode of casting it, and inlaying it with stones, were evidently known at the same time; numerous specimens of this kind of work have been found in Egypt.” Wilkinson. The Urim and Thummim lights and perfections; in the Seventy δηλωσις και αληθεια , manifestation and truth; in the Vulgate, doctrina et veritas are, in their nature and manner of use, the greatest puzzle to be found in the whole range of Jewish antiquities. For a full discussion, see Exodus 28:30; Joshua 1:1, notes. Opinions are various: 1.) Some physical effect indicated the divine will; or, 2.) Their presence excited a prophetic gift in the high priest; or, 3.) They were a contrivance for casting lots.