Topical Bible: The High Priest: Special Garments of Ephod With Its Curious Girdle

Bible > Topical > The High Priest

◄ The High Priest: Special Garments of Ephod With Its Curious Girdle ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The ephod is one of the most significant garments worn by the High Priest in ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. It is a central component of the priestly vestments, symbolizing the unique role and responsibilities of the High Priest in mediating between God and the people of Israel.

Description and Construction

The ephod is described in the Book of Exodus as a garment made of fine materials. Exodus 28:6-8 provides specific instructions for its construction: "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, and 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 is crafted from high-quality materials, including gold and various colored yarns, signifying the sacred and elevated status of the High Priest. The use of gold thread interwoven with the fabric highlights the divine nature of the priestly office.

The Curious Girdle

The "curious girdle" of the ephod, also referred to as the "skillfully woven waistband," is an integral part of the ephod's design. It serves both a functional and symbolic purpose. Functionally, it secures the ephod to the body of the High Priest, ensuring that the garment remains in place during priestly duties. Symbolically, the girdle represents readiness and commitment to service, binding the High Priest to his sacred responsibilities.

Symbolism and Significance

The ephod, along with its curious girdle, holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of the High Priest's role. It signifies the weight of the priestly office and the responsibility of bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord. Exodus 28:12 states, "Fasten both stones onto 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."

The ephod's design, with its shoulder stones and the breastpiece of judgment, underscores the High Priest's duty to intercede for the people and to seek divine guidance on their behalf. The ephod serves as a tangible reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with the High Priest acting as the intermediary.

Historical Context

The ephod and its curious girdle are part of the broader set of garments worn by the High Priest, which also includes the breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. These garments are described in detail in Exodus 28 and 39, emphasizing their importance in the religious life of ancient Israel.

Throughout Israel's history, the ephod remains a symbol of the priestly office, and its design reflects the intricate relationship between God and His chosen people. The ephod's presence in the tabernacle and later in the temple underscores the continuity of worship and the enduring significance of the priestly role in maintaining the spiritual well-being of the nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 28:6,7
And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... "They parted my garments among them ... be bringing down, his own high imaginations,
and every high thing that ... had ways of serving God that were special; but when ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Doctrine
... the one he doth not jostle the other out of its place ... of convictions, which God useth
as a special means to ... of the new covenant.7. Christ the High Priest of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm