Topical Bible: The Ephod for the High Priest used by Idolatrous Priests

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ephod, a sacred garment worn by the high priest in ancient Israel, holds significant importance in biblical history and religious practice. It is described in detail in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the priestly garments worn by Aaron and his descendants. However, the ephod also appears in narratives involving idolatrous practices, where it is misused by those who deviate from the worship of Yahweh.

Biblical Description and Purpose

The ephod is first introduced in the Book of Exodus as part of the divinely ordained attire for the high priest. It is described as a skillfully woven garment made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen (Exodus 28:6). The ephod was to be worn over the priest's robe and was fastened with a waistband of the same materials. It featured two onyx stones on the shoulders, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the priest's role in representing the people before God (Exodus 28:9-12).

The ephod also included a breastpiece, known as the breastpiece of judgment, which contained the Urim and Thummim—tools used for divination and seeking God's will (Exodus 28:15-30). The high priest wore the ephod during sacred ceremonies, particularly on the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Misuse in Idolatrous Practices

Despite its sacred purpose, the ephod was sometimes appropriated for idolatrous practices, as seen in several biblical accounts. One notable instance is found in the Book of Judges, where Gideon, after his military victory, made an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils of war. This ephod became a snare to Gideon and his family, as it was worshiped by the Israelites, leading them away from true worship (Judges 8:24-27).

Another example is found in the narrative of Micah, who constructed an ephod as part of his household shrine, complete with idols and a personal priest (Judges 17:5). This ephod, along with the other elements of Micah's shrine, represented a syncretistic form of worship that blended elements of Yahwism with Canaanite religious practices.

Theological Implications

The misuse of the ephod in idolatrous contexts highlights the tension between true worship and syncretism in ancient Israel. The ephod, intended as a symbol of divine communication and priestly intercession, became a tool for leading people astray when removed from its God-ordained context. These narratives serve as a cautionary tale against the dangers of deviating from prescribed worship and the ease with which sacred objects can be co-opted for false religious practices.

The accounts of the ephod's misuse underscore the importance of adhering to the commandments and instructions given by God, as deviation leads to spiritual corruption and idolatry. The ephod, when used correctly, was a powerful symbol of God's presence and guidance; when misused, it became a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness and the human propensity to distort divine gifts for personal or cultural gain.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 8:27
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare to Gideon, and to his house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 17:5
And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 18:14
Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said to their brothers, Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what you have to do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... All in general used to be purified by washing in ... But the high-priest in particular
had eight vestments. ... twice dyed." Thirdly, he had the ephod, which covered ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... Of the golden plate on the high priest's forehead that ... idolatrous and rebellious
ten tribes, God's high displeasure and ... was girded with a linen ephod," ie he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... to correspond to the meil (RV "ephod ") of the ... led to the deposition of Athaliah;
the high priest was, however ... times of extreme distress the king used to borrow ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... it, (Matt.xvi.21.) that the chief priests and scribes ... a hill, a standng testimony
against an idolatrous world. ... and that the saints of the Most High should take ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

A Discourse
... That Lebanon is used figuratively by the inspired writers there ... to the immediate
interposition of the Most High, as in ... Christ is a priest to save, a prophet to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm