Topical Encyclopedia The ephod is a significant garment in the religious attire of the High Priest in ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. It is a central component of the priestly vestments, symbolizing the sacred duties and responsibilities of the High Priest in mediating between God and the people of Israel.Biblical Commandment and Description The command to make the ephod is found in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments for the priests. The ephod is described as an essential part of the High Priest's attire, crafted with skill and precision to reflect its holy purpose. In Exodus 28:6-12 , the ephod is described as follows: "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with skillful work. 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 is to be made of high-quality materials, including gold and various colored yarns, signifying its importance and the sanctity of the priestly office. The use of gold and precious colors underscores the divine nature of the High Priest's role. Symbolism and Function The ephod serves not only as a garment but also as a symbol of the High Priest's unique position as an intermediary between God and the Israelites. It is intricately linked with the breastpiece of judgment, which contains the Urim and Thummim, tools used for discerning God's will (Exodus 28:30). The ephod's design, with its shoulder pieces and waistband, signifies the burden and responsibility carried by the High Priest. The two onyx stones set on the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, represent the High Priest bearing the people before the Lord as he performs his sacred duties (Exodus 28:9-12). Craftsmanship and Artistry The making of the ephod required exceptional craftsmanship, as it was to be woven with skill and artistry. The artisans, filled with the Spirit of God, were endowed with wisdom and understanding to execute the work according to divine specifications (Exodus 31:3-5). This highlights the importance of beauty and precision in the service of God, reflecting His glory and holiness. Theological Significance The ephod's theological significance is profound, as it embodies the concept of mediation and atonement. The High Priest, adorned with the ephod, enters the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:32-34). This prefigures the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 9:11-12). In summary, the ephod is a divinely commanded garment that plays a crucial role in the religious life of ancient Israel. Its construction, symbolism, and function all point to the sacred office of the High Priest and the profound theological truths of mediation and atonement. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:4And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Bezaleel and Aholiab. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Eli and Samuel. The Magnificence of Prayer The Israelites Book 8 Footnotes Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. The Child Prophet Notes The Land and the People. Resources What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.orgDid David dance naked (2 Samuel 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org What were the Urim and Thummim? | 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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