The Ephod

Illustration of The Ephod

The Ephod was a sacred vest-like garment worn exclusively by the high priest in ancient Israel, crafted from fine linen interwoven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads as detailed in the book of Exodus. Attached to its front was the breastplate of judgment, which held twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel and contained the Urim and Thummim used for divine consultation. This garment played a crucial role in the high priest's duties within the tabernacle, enabling him to bear the names of the people before God and to seek His will on important matters. Its significance underscores the mediatory function of the priesthood and the importance of divine guidance in the governance and spiritual life of the Israelite nation.

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Details

Significance
Represented the priest bearing the names of Israel on his shoulders before God - intercession made visible.
Materials
Gold, blue, purple, scarlet thread, fine linen with two onyx stones on the shoulders

Key Passages

The Ephod Described

Exodus 28:6-14

A6nd they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

7 It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together. 8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: 10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold. 12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial. 13 And thou shalt make ouches of gold; 14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.

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Did You Know?

1

The High Priest's ephod had 12 gemstones. One for each tribe. Carrying all Israel before God.

2

The Urim and Thummim were kept in the ephod's breastplate for discerning God's will.

3

The ephod was blue, purple, and scarlet with gold thread. The most expensive garment in Israel.

4

When David 'inquired of the Lord,' he asked for the ephod to be brought. It was a means of divine guidance.