Ephod

The ephod is a significant garment in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the high priest of Israel. It is first mentioned in the context of the priestly garments described in the Book of Exodus. The ephod was an essential part of the attire worn by the high priest when performing sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple.

The ephod was made of fine linen and was skillfully woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. Exodus 28:6-8 provides a detailed description: "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen."

The ephod served not only as a garment but also as a symbol of the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. It was worn over the priest's robe and tunic and was fastened at the shoulders with two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel, signifying the priest's representation of the entire nation before God.

In addition to its use by the high priest, the ephod is also mentioned in other contexts. For example, Gideon made an ephod from the spoils of war, which unfortunately became an object of idolatry (Judges 8:27). King David also wore a linen ephod when he danced before the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14).

Breastpiece

The breastpiece, also known as the breastplate of judgment, was another critical component of the high priest's attire. It was designed to be worn over the ephod and was intricately crafted to hold the Urim and Thummim, which were used to discern God's will.

Exodus 28:15-21 describes the breastpiece: "You are to make a breastpiece of judgment, skillfully woven with the same workmanship as the ephod: with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It must be square when folded over, a span long and a span wide. And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones: The first row shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row shall be a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings. The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes."

The breastpiece was attached to the ephod by gold chains and rings, ensuring it remained securely in place over the high priest's heart. This positioning symbolized the high priest's duty to bear the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord continually, as a reminder of his intercessory role.

The Urim and Thummim, placed within the breastpiece, were mysterious objects used for divination, allowing the high priest to seek divine guidance on behalf of the nation. While the exact nature and method of their use remain uncertain, they were integral to the high priest's function in making decisions according to God's will.

Together, the ephod and breastpiece represented the high priest's sacred responsibility to mediate between God and His people, serving as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship established at Sinai.