Israel FDC on "The High Priest's Breastplate (Part 1)"

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Sobrescrito de 1.º Dia

Israel

The High Priest's Breastplate (Part 1)

Date of Issue : 7 February 2012

Stamps :
(Upper FDC)
Levi: Bareqet – Emerald (Light Green). Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, a beryllium aluminium silicate, coloured green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The possible location of mineral deposit was Gebel Savrah, Upper Egypt Kusir Mine, Red Sea.

Yehuda: Nofekh – Turquoise (Green – blue). Turquoise is an opaque green – blue mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. The possible location of mineral deposit was near Um Bogma, Sinai.

(2nd FDC)
Reuven: Odem – Carnelian (Red), Carnelian is a variety of the silica mineral, chalcedony, coloured by impurities of iron oxide. The possible location of mineral deposit was Iran.

Shimon: Pitdah – Topaz (Green – Yellow). Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine with trace element impurities giving its colour. The possible location of mineral deposits was Gebel Savrah, Upper Egypt, or Cleopatra Mine, Red Sea.

The Book of Exodus chapter 28 describes how to prepare the High Priest’s holy garments, including the most magnificent of all, the Breastplate, Choshen.

The Choshen was a small garment embellished with gemstones and one of the eight garments worn by the High Priest as he served G-D. Each jewel was inscribed with one of the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The High Priest’s breastplate symbolized the unity of the people of Israel before G-D as well as the importance of the position of the High Priest and the sanctity of the function, as he stood before G-D.

The biblical description states that the breastplate was to be made up of four rows of three engraved gems, each jewel set in gold.

These two FDCs are really very nice. I just love them. Thank you very much to my friend !