Topical Encyclopedia The ephod is a significant garment in the religious attire of the ancient Israelites, particularly associated with the High Priest. It is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the priestly garments described in the Book of Exodus. The ephod is a symbol of the priestly office and is intricately linked to the worship and sacrificial system established by God for His people.Description and Construction The ephod is described in detail in Exodus 28:6-14. It is crafted from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, skillfully woven together. The ephod is designed to be both beautiful and functional, reflecting the glory and holiness of the priestly office. It consists of two pieces, one for the front and one for the back, joined together at the shoulders by two onyx stones set in gold filigree. These stones bear the engraved names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six on each stone, serving as a memorial before the Lord. The ephod also features a skillfully woven waistband, made of the same materials, which secures it around the High Priest. This waistband is an integral part of the ephod, ensuring that it fits snugly and remains in place during the priestly duties. The Breastpiece of Judgment Attached to the ephod is the breastpiece of judgment, a square, double-folded piece of fabric that holds the Urim and Thummim, tools used for divination and seeking God's will. The breastpiece is adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel, set in four rows. The breastpiece is fastened to the ephod with gold chains and rings, ensuring it remains securely in place over the High Priest's heart. Exodus 28:29 states, "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD." Symbolism and Function The ephod serves as a powerful symbol of the High Priest's role as an intercessor between God and the people of Israel. By bearing the names of the tribes on his shoulders and over his heart, the High Priest carries the nation before God, representing them in the sacred duties of worship and sacrifice. The ephod, with its rich materials and intricate design, signifies the dignity and responsibility of the priestly office. In addition to its symbolic significance, the ephod also has a practical function in the religious life of Israel. It is worn during the performance of priestly duties, particularly in the offering of sacrifices and the seeking of divine guidance through the Urim and Thummim. The ephod thus serves as both a garment of beauty and a tool for spiritual discernment. Historical Context and Usage The ephod is primarily associated with the High Priest, beginning with Aaron, the brother of Moses, who is the first to wear it as described in Exodus. However, the ephod is also mentioned in other contexts within the Old Testament. For example, Gideon makes an ephod from the spoils of war in Judges 8:27, which becomes a snare to him and the people of Israel. This incident highlights the potential misuse of sacred objects and the importance of adhering to God's instructions regarding worship. Throughout Israel's history, the ephod remains a central element of the priestly garments, symbolizing the unique role of the High Priest in mediating between God and His people. It is a testament to the divine order established by God for the worship and spiritual leadership of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 2:28And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer on my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give to the house of your father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 14:3 Library That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Notes The King --Continued. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty Death and Life in Christ A Discourse Resources What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.org Miscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org Ephod: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest used As an Oracle Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: An Inferior, Was Worn by the Ordinary Priests Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Breastplate Attached To Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Described Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: It Was Called Coat Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: The Making of Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Worn by Aaron Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Worn by David Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Worn by Samuel The Ephod for the High Priest used by Idolatrous Priests The Ephod for the High Priest: Breastplate of Judgment Inseparably United To The Ephod for the High Priest: Commanded to be Made The Ephod for the High Priest: Fastened on With Its own Girdle The Ephod for the High Priest: had a Girdle of Curious Work The Ephod for the High Priest: Israel Deprived of, for Sin The Ephod for the High Priest: Made of Gold, Blue, Purple, Scarlet The Ephod for the High Priest: Made of offerings of the People The Ephod for the High Priest: Shoulders of, Joined by Onyx Stones Engraved With Names of The Ephod for the High Priest: Worn or Held by Him when Consulted The Ephod for the High Priest: Worn Over the Robe The Ephod: The Emblem of the Priestly office The Ephod: Worn by Generally of Linen The Ephod: Worn by Ordinary Priests The Ephod: Worn by Persons Engaged in the Service of God The Ephod: Worn by The High Priest Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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