Anna Shipton. Aaron's Breastplate. Friedlander, Joseph, comp. 1917. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse

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Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.

Aaron’s Breastplate

By Anna Shipton

“Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial…. Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breast-plate of judgment upon his heart, for a memorial before the Lord continually.”—Exodus xxvii. 12, 29.

IN the wondrous breastplate golden,
Safely on His bosom holden,
See the jewels from the mine!
Amethyst and onyx wearing
Mystic marks, and each one bearing	5
Traces of the hand divine.

Sapphires ’mid the gorgeous cluster
Sparkle with celestial luster,
Like the crystal dome above;
Ruby rare and topaz blending	10
In that glory never-ending,
Safe upon the breast of love.

Emerald and beryl throwing
Chastened hues, the fairer growing
As the jasper blends the rays.	15
Chrysoprase, like kings’ attire
Glowing like a star of fire,
Or a soul that loves to praise.

Who the love and praise can measure
Ere revealed this hidden treasure	20
One by one in dazzling light!
On his breast our High Priest wears them,
On his shoulder, see he bears them,
Ever in our Father’s sight.

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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