19:6). This was probably the mode in which Sarah prepared bread on the
occasion referred to in Genesis 18:6.
In Leviticus 2 there is an account of the different kinds of bread and cakes
used by the Jews. (See BAKE.)
The shew-bread (q.v.) consisted of twelve loaves of unleavened bread
prepared and presented hot on the golden table every Sabbath. They were
square or oblong, and represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The old
loaves were removed every Sabbath, and were to be eaten only by the
priests in the court of the sanctuary (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:8; 1
Samuel 21:1-6; Matthew 12:4).
The word bread is used figuratively in such expressions as “bread of
sorrows” (Psalm 127:2), “bread of tears” (80:5), i.e., sorrow and tears are
like one’s daily bread, they form so great a part in life. The bread of
“wickedness” (Proverbs 4:17) and “of deceit” (20:17) denote in like
manner that wickedness and deceit are a part of the daily life.
- BREASTPLATE (1.) That piece of ancient armour that protected the
breast. This word is used figuratively in Ephesians 6:14 and Isaiah 59:17.
(See ARMOUR.)
(2.) An ornament covering the breast of the high priest, first mentioned in
Exodus 25:7. It was made of embroidered cloth, set with four rows of
precious stones, three in each row. On each stone was engraved the name
of one of the twelve tribes (Exodus 28:15-29; 39:8-21). It was in size
about ten inches square. The two upper corners were fastened to the
ephod by blue ribbons. It was not to be “loosed from the ephod” (Exodus
28:28). The lower corners were fastened to the girdle of the priest. As it
reminded the priest of his representative character, it was called the
memorial (28:29). It was also called the breastplate of judgment (28:15).
(See PRIEST.)
- BREECHES (Exodus 28:42), rather linen drawers, reaching from the waist
to a little above the knee, worn by the priests (Ezekiel 44:17, 18). - BRIBE None to be taken; “for the gift maketh open eyes blind, and
perverteth the cause of the righteous” (Exodus 23:8, literally rendered). - BRICKS the making of, formed the chief labour of the Israelites in Egypt
(Exodus 1:13, 14). Those found among the ruins of Babylon and Nineveh