The Ephod was a garment worn by high priests in Israel during the times of the Old Testament. It was made of fine linen and adorned with intricate embroidery and precious stones.
“And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked.
Exodus 28:6, ESV
The origins of the Ephod can be traced back to the time of Moses and the establishment of the Tabernacle. It served as a symbol of the high priest’s authority and his role as a mediator between God and the people.
He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
Exodus 39:2, ESV
The Ephod was also used as a means of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom through the Urim and Thummim, which were placed within its folds.
And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the Lord. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly.
Exodus 28:30, ESV
The Ephod is of crucial importance in ancient religious rituals and its role in connecting the people to their divine source.
The Role of the Ephod in the Priesthood
The Ephod played a significant role in the priesthood. It was a crucial part of the priestly attire and had multiple functions:
Firstly, it served as a symbol of authority and a means of communication with God. The Ephod was worn by the high priest and was adorned with precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Secondly, it contained the Urim and Thummim, which were used to seek God’s guidance and receive answers to important questions.
Additionally, the Ephod had two shoulder pieces with onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes. This signified the priest’s responsibility to bear the burdens of the people and intercede for them before God.
In this way, the Ephod played a vital role in connecting the priest with God and the people he served.
And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”
1 Samuel 30:7-8, ESV
The Design and Construction of the Ephod
When designing and constructing the Ephod, careful attention was given to every detail to ensure its beauty and functionality. The Ephod was made of fine linen and skillfully woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads.
It consisted of two shoulder pieces that were joined together by two onyx stones, each engraved with six names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The front of the Ephod was adorned with a breastplate, also made of gold and precious stones, containing twelve gems representing each tribe.
And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance.
Exodus 28:12, ESV
The Ephod was fastened with a skillfully woven waistband, ensuring that it stayed securely in place. The design and construction of the Ephod reflected the importance and significance of the high priest’s role in representing the people before God.
The Symbolism and Significance of the Ephod
As we shift our focus to the symbolism and significance of the Ephod, let’s explore how its design and construction beautifully represented the high priest’s role in representing the people before God.
The Ephod, with its intricate craftsmanship and precious materials, served as a visual reminder of the high priest’s authority and connection to God.
Its two shoulder pieces, adorned with onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolized the high priest’s responsibility to bear the burdens and represent the entire nation before God.
The breastpiece attached to the Ephod contained twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. This emphasized the high priest’s role as a mediator and intercessor for the people, carrying their needs and concerns before the Lord.
There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.
Exodus 28:21, ESV
The Ephod, therefore, held great symbolism and significance in the Israelite’s religious practices.
The Function and Use of the Ephod in Worship
To fully understand the significance of the Ephod in worship, it’s important to delve into its function and purpose.
The Ephod was a sacred garment worn by the high priest during religious ceremonies. Its main purpose was to serve as a means of communication with God.
The Ephod contained two objects of great importance: the Urim and Thummim. These were used to seek God’s guidance and make decisions on behalf of the Israelites.
The high priest would wear the Ephod and inquire of God, receiving answers through the Urim and Thummim. This made the Ephod a vital tool in seeking divine direction and wisdom.
And he placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim.
Leviticus 8:8, ESV
It played a crucial role in the worship of God, ensuring that the high priest could communicate with and represent the people before Him.
