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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