The ephod is a significant garment in the attire of the High Priest of Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. It is a sacred vestment worn over the robe, playing a crucial role in the priestly duties and symbolizing the unique relationship between God and His chosen people.

Biblical Description and Construction

The ephod is first described in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for its construction. According to Exodus 28:6-14 , the ephod is to be made of "gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, the work of a skilled craftsman." The use of these materials signifies the ephod's importance and the divine nature of the High Priest's role.

The ephod consists of two pieces, a front and a back, joined together at the shoulders by two onyx stones set in gold filigree. Each stone is engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel, serving as a memorial before the Lord. The ephod is fastened with a skillfully woven waistband of the same materials, ensuring it is securely worn over the robe.

Symbolism and Function

The ephod holds deep symbolic meaning, representing the High Priest's duty to bear the names of the tribes of Israel before God continually. This is emphasized in Exodus 28:12 : "And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD."

In addition to its symbolic significance, the ephod serves a functional role in the High Priest's attire. It is designed to hold the breastpiece of judgment, which contains the Urim and Thummim, tools used for discerning God's will in important decisions (Exodus 28:15-30).

Historical and Theological Context

The ephod is not only a garment but also a representation of the High Priest's mediatory role between God and the people of Israel. It underscores the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence and the responsibility of the High Priest to intercede on behalf of the nation.

Throughout Israel's history, the ephod remains a central element of the priestly garments, as seen in the accounts of the High Priests who succeeded Aaron. Its design and use are a testament to the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the enduring nature of His commandments.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In the broader cultural and religious context, the ephod is a reminder of the distinctiveness of Israel's worship practices compared to surrounding nations. It highlights the unique calling of the Israelites to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6).

The ephod's intricate design and the precious materials used in its construction reflect the glory and majesty of God, whom the High Priest serves. It is a visual representation of the beauty and order inherent in God's creation and His divine plan for His people.

Conclusion

The ephod for the High Priest, worn over the robe, is a profound symbol of the sacred duties and responsibilities entrusted to the priestly office. It embodies the connection between God and His people, serving as a perpetual reminder of the covenant relationship established through His divine law and guidance.Exodus 28:31
And you shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:7
And he put on him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it to him therewith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... this was signified by the golden plate worn over the forehead ... people: this was denoted
by the ephod which they ... of divine things united in the high-priest to his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The King --Continued.
... his armour and kingly robe for the priest's ephod, when he ... that burst their bonds
and flame heaven high, he is ... worn world, the servants of the priest-king are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

Notes
... purple-edged toga praetexta, which was worn during the ... David from his wearing the
priestly ephod as he ... the frankincense, consider the great high priest: in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the listening crowd with wonder: "The high places of ... that Hosea must have been a
priest from the ... sacrifice and without pillar, and without ephod or teraphim ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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