The Ephod was an apron-like garment worn in priestly activities at the temple. Aww! The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. This is a type of Christ's righteousness and perfect holiness during his entire human life. The same as the High Priests undergarments previously described. The first of the third row was aligure, then an amethyst, and the third an agatebeing the ninth of the whole number. Further, two onyx stones are to be mounted in gold and fastened on the ephods shoulder pieces. Indeed, no one is exactly certain just what an Ephod was, other than something liturgical. Best effort color determination of Breastplate Stone colors since some of the stones names have changed over time (Exodus 28:17-21. ephod, also spelled Efod, part of the ceremonial dress of the high priest of ancient Israel described in the Old Testament (Ex. His sufferings were now finished, both those of his soul and those of his body. So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord. This indicates the ongoing nature of our salvation. He remains faithful, He is the God who saves. On each side, one chain represents that we will never be snatched from God our Fathers hand, and a second chain represents we will never be snatched from our God Jesus hand. What does it look like? His name is Jesus Christ, and He is our great High Priest. But the people had gone astray, as the Bible tells us. When we are trying to make a decision, we can ask God for guidance, and He will show us what to do. On many levels, linen and cotton are similar fabricsone made from the fibers of the cotton plant, the other from fibers of the flax plant, which has many of the same qualities as cotton. As previously stated,Urim and Thummim were an important part of the ephod and were used to inquire of the Lord about specific matters. The garment hung down in front and in the back, and its length extended all the way down to the priests feet. The high priest, in particular, wore skillfully crafted, expensive and beautiful items to indicate that he had been consecrated by God to come before Him on behalf of the nation. As Christians, we can look at the image of the ephod and praise God that through the death of His Son, Jesus our Great High Priest, we can have direct access to God. (Hebrews 5:6,10; 6:20) Even as the Levites were priests of the Old Covenant, we believers are all priests and kings after the order of Melchizedek and ministers of the New Covenant. The color of Grace. When a priest would inquire of the Lord about a specific matter, he would put his hand on the appropriate stone. ";[8] according to the Bible this action eventually caused the whole of Israel to turn away from God yet again and the ruin of Gideon and his family. (q) Hackman. [1][2] However, the biblical text states the Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate, not the ephod (Leviticus 8:8). It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together. But praise be to God, we have a Savior! Doulos Hal's Topical Index, on The Tabernacle of Moses Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part VI: The Priestly Garments, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part I: The Outer Court, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part II: The Holy Place Golden Lampstand, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part III: The Holy Place Table of Showbread, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part IV: The Holy Place Golden Altar of Incense, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part V: The Most Holy Place, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part VI: The Priestly Garments, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part VII: Our Great High Priest, Gods Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Transformation Part VIII: The Women of the Tabernacle, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel Introduction, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel The Burnt Offering, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel The Meal Offering, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel The Peace Offering, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel The Sin Offering, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel The Trespass Offering, The Fire Sacrifices and Offerings of Israel The Red Heifer Offering, http://www.templeinstitute.org/high-priest-garments-gallery.htm, http://www.ciu.edu/content/it-finished-look-greek, The Beautiful Attitudes Part IV: Blessed are those that Hunger and Thirst, Part X: The Lord of the Scroll When will the King of Kings Return? But the ephod is not just mentioned in Exodus and Leviticus. We are sinners in need of a Savior. June 13, 2014 by Peter Leithart. In the Books of Samuel and Books of Chronicles, David is described as wearing an ephod when dancing in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:14, 1 Chronicles 15:27) and one is described as standing in the sanctuary at Nob, with a sword behind it (1 Samuel 21:9). Purple Gods Royal Blood in the Son of Man (Red) that came from Heaven (Blue). What Was the Spiritual Purpose of the Ephod in the Bible? We can also replace Jesus Christ with our own self-righteousness. He reminded His people of His faithfulness with beautiful depictions of the names of the 12 sons of Jacob on the onyx stones on the ephod (and breastpiece). The exact meaning and derivation of the term "ephod" are not clear. In particular, I was interested in the conquest where David defeated the Amalekites. (, The descendants of Aaron were responsible for offering sacrifices and keeping the tabernacleor, later, the templeclean and orderly. The robes hem was woven over double to prevent it from ripping due to the weight of the pomegranates and bells. 12 Fascinating Facts About the Ephod in the Bible, What is the spiritual meaning of the ephod today? Verse 6. He used to be only All God, but now He is also All man, making HIm the Perfect Man! The ephod is a very important symbol in the Bible. Although the linen ephod is primarily associated with the high priests garments, it was by no means limited to the high priest. Consequently, it is NOT all about us but rather all about Jesus Christ, and we are hidden in Him! When Gideon made the ephod, he made it an object of worship for the Israelites. Lesser priests, as well as others engaged in sacred ministrations, Samuel (i Sam. The stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and they were arranged in four rows of three stones each. "And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked. In this situation, it is clear that God alone was being worshiped following the victory. What Do We Learn about Babylon in the Bible? He believes, second to cultivating his relationship with God that raising his family unto the Lord is the most significant task for him while on Earth. The high priest wore a skillfully crafted ephod consisting of gold shoulder pieces bearing carved onyx stones showing the names of the 12 tribes, and a woven band of colorful threads. The Sky-Blue (the color of the sky at noon)robe or tekhelet (Hebrew) was a closed garment, seamlessly woven from one piece of fabric and slipped on over the head. Note that God is concerned about covering our nakedness or private parts (Exodus 20:26. Gods divinity has come from Heaven. They are hidden in the place where he removes them. The ephod iss mentioned only in the Old Testament. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx . That is, we have the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us based on His finished work and are now free from the impossible task of attempting to earn righteousness through our dead works (1). Praecidan. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord. Photo credit: GettyImages/Javier_Art_Photography. We are also given the Holy Spirit, who helps us to grow in our relationship with God. This arrangement of the tribes forms a cross with its base to the East. In Hebrew, Dham means blood and Adham (i.e., Adam) means red-blooded man. Thats the number of GRACE! The ephod was not always used to honor God. It is clear that the ephod (and the associated breastpiece with the Urim and Thummim stones) was a way that God was able to direct His people (this is some time after he fights Goliath as a boy). Is it an article of clothing, or a piece of jewelry? Ephodits a word you dont typically see today, and yet it carries great weight in the Bible when it comes to ceremony and honor. (Genesis 3:21) However, here the tunic was made out of very fine linen. According to the Talmud, the wearing of the ephod atoned for the sin of idolatry on the part of the Children of Israel.[7]. From the tribe of Levi, the family of Aaron was chosen to serve as priests. Without the ephodor the breastpiece, tunic, or sashthe priest was unfit to serve. NASB Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD, as a boy wearing a linen ephod. He wanted to wear it to signify that God was with him and would help him defeat his enemies. The crafting of these priestly garments, along with other preparations for the elaborate details of the Lords tabernacle, takes up several chapter in Exodusfirst the descriptions of how they are to be made, then the description of the crafting itself. They have to be diligently searched for with great determination, excavated, washed, and finally cut andpolished(1) by the master jeweler to release their true beauty. White Righteousness and purity. The high priest also wore a plate of pure gold on his forehead. But Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people, and God relented. The names on the breastplate were always close to Aarons heart, just as with Christ and His precious ones. Although David was not a priest, he was a man of God who sought to follow His will in all things. The high priest was to wear the ephod as a reminder that he must obey all of Gods laws. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. Furthermore, Hal believes that being a successful leader in the church or workplace is no substitute for failing to be a successful leader at home. NIV But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod. The Aorist tense is punctiliar: meaning something that happens at a specific point in time; a moment. We are also called to be holy people, set apart for His (Gods) purposes. As long as he wore the crown his thoughts were considered pure. He is our high priest, and he represents us before God. And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod. There must have been a small golden ring attached to each corner of the breastplate to which, in turn, the golden chains and ribbons were connected. (2)http://www.templeinstitute.org/high-priest-garments-gallery.htm, (3) Ut supra. Titus 2:14) The names were not simply written on the stones but rather engraved, meaning they can never be removed. It is kept in position on the body by means of two shoulder pieces (v. 7) and a fastening band (v. 8).". That is, God the Father looks at Jesus to judge Christians. The figure above graphically depicts how Israel was instructed to camp (Numbers 2:1-34) with the width (East and West) or height (North and South) of each tribe corresponding to its population. Bluespeaks of Jesus Divinity as Very God having come down from Heaven the abode of God. Now the first three stones were asardonyx, a topaz, and an emerald. The ephod is frequently mentioned in close connection with the sacred oracle. Just like how the ephod easily became a snare based on the three points provided, we can draw some lessons that we can apply today. May God bless you abundantly! The Hebrew word tekheletliterally means blue, with its root word meaning complete. When Jesus from the cross cried out finished, He said one Aramaic word: kulah, translated as Teleostei in Greek, with both words meaning finished (6). According to this description, the Ephod was woven out of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads, was made of fine linen, and was embroidered with skillful work in gold thread (Exodus 28:614). The other Levites were tasked with helping the priests in these duties (. Despite their periods of faithlessness, God remained faithful. In this manner, the crown, itself a thin plate, was kept tied and in place on the High Priests forehead. He is our ever-present help (See. [See on [265]1Ch 15:27.]. The ephod didnt have the Aaronic priesthood or Levites behind it to give it authority. After the Day of Atonements conclusion, he will never again wear the white garments he officiated on this day. Because of His sacrifice, we can have eternal life. Epomis, ephod, ephoud, Lat. Lets take a look: Judges 8:27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. The biblical description (Exodus 28:16, 39:9) continues describing the size of the breastplate which is affixed to the front of the ephod as a square measuring one span by one span (the width of an outstretched hand from little finger tip to out stretched thumb tip). A. Also, the names were not simply written on the stones but rather engraved, meaning they can never be removed. It is mentioned throughout the Bible and has been worn by some of the most well-known figures in Christianity. Why Does the Bible Use the Word Long-suffering? The book of 1 Chronicles states that David was "clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the . These stones represented that all the names of Gods Special Treasure (i.e., His people) and their needs are carried on His shoulders which represents being upheld by His strength. For an object to be considered an object of worship, it must have the approval of the Aaronic priesthood and Levites. Why Is it Important for Us to Be Restored? A passage in the Book of Exodus describes the Ephod as an elaborate garment worn by the high priest, and upon which the Hoshen, or breastplate containing Urim and Thummim, rested. (Deuteronomy 7:6. And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aarons heart, when he goes in before the Lord. The Ephod is a beautiful reminder of the history of the Jewish people and their faith. You might be surprised at how relevant the image of the ephod is today. Gideon went on to make an ephod out of the gold won in battle; according to Ginzberg's The Legends of the Jews: "..In the high priest's breastplate, Joseph was represented among the twelve tribes by Ephraim alone, not by Manasseh, too. Ephod (Heb. The Golden Garments of the High Priest revealed Jesus as God the Great High Priest in Heaven. It is finished; an end is made of transgression by bringing in everlasting righteousness. Only he is worthy of our worship and devotion. This doesnt always mean that he will give us an immediate answer, but if we trust him and follow his leading, he will never lead us astray. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its threads were 12 plies. We know the ephod was a tool of ceremonya special, ornate, handcrafted item with great significance. Jesus the Messiah! An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. Yarn and Thread Colors Five Colors which is the Biblical Number for Grace. Breastpiece or breastplate of judgment.. 1 : a linen apron worn in ancient Hebrew rites especially : a vestment for the high priest 2 : an ancient Hebrew instrument of priestly divination Word History Etymology Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew phdh First Known Use 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Time Traveler He took a merciless beating so we would not have to take one! Verse 14 says he was wearing a linen ephod as he danced before the LORD. col. 1793. He is the only one who can give us true peace and satisfaction. When David asked for the Ephod, he was asking for a symbol of Gods presence and favor. Therefore, the people knew they were not only duty-bound but also bound under threat of annihilation by God Himself to follow Gods commands. David needed guidance from God, so he asked Abiathar again to bring him the ephod (1 Samuel 30:7). For all time and eternity, we are the objects of the Fathers supreme affection, the recipients of His unlimited mercies (i.e., unlimited ability to meet all our needs, wants, and desires). This means that we are eternally secure in Jesus. (John 19:30) It is the verb form of the word, Complete. This is the root word for Tekhelet, pronounced te-KAY-let, which was theblue tunicworn by the high priest. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ephod&oldid=1142452419, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 13:06. Later on in 1 Samuel 23 and 30, we see David call for the ephod in order to communicate with God at a time when Saul was plotting against him. As a garment the ephod is referred to in the priestly ordinances as a part of the official dress of the high priest. But what is an ephod, exactly? It is also the color ofgrace. Wearing the Ephod demonstrated his humility and faith. The necks opening was round, with a hem that was doubled over and closed by weaving-not by a needle. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. Sacr. We will ultimately be let down when we put our trust in anything other than Jesus Christ. Now thenames of all those sons of Jacob were engraved on these stones, whom we esteem the head of our tribes, each stone having the honor of a name, in theorder according to which they were born. From my earlier description, it appears that the ephod was a very beautiful and intricate garment. The preciousness of Jesus in the eyes of God the Father has been imputed to us even as His righteousness has been imputed to us. It is often used in ceremonial dress, and it is also used in religious artwork. p. 156, 157. The ephod is an exterior garment, worn over the tunic and robe (vv, 31-35, 39). God redeemed our sweat when Jesus great drops of sinless blood mixed with the great drops of the sweat of the second and last Adam, Jesus, in the second garden (Gethsemane). The video helped a lot in the understanding of how it was made. Ephesians 2:8,9. He has gone into the presence of God on our behalf and has made intercession for us. Great detail goes into the Lords description of the ephod. 1 Peter 2:24). As God said through His prophet Hosea, The Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods (Hosea 3:4). The second element of Jesus statement is equally important: the Present, ongoing, linearand will continue to be finishedcomponent of the perfect tense. They show us that we can consult God on all of our decisions. There are two basic meanings for the word ephod. Heather, such a well detailed out explanation about the Ephod. Each garment was individually made from the finest white flax linen in Israel. God desires His ministers to be even-tempered (i.e., cool-headed). Since the twelve stones were in one breastplate, they speak of the oneness of the people of God, while their position upon Aarons breast speaks of Gods affection for His people. We dont need anything else when we have him. 5. Other biblical books describe an ephod that may or may not be similar to the one legislated for the High Priest. In modern Christianity, it is easy to gloss over the parts of scripture that are no longer seen or practiced like the garments and items the Jewish priests wore in the Old Testament. Well. (Luke 22:44) That is, He redeemed us from sweat produced from human works, effort, striving, worrying, fear, etc., and gave us His rest and peace! I will start by explaining what an ephod is, who was allowed to wear it, and what it looked like. Red and blue combined yield purple. Realize, precious stones are typically located deep within the earth. Only he can save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Again, no sewing was used, simply weaving. More specifically, it was worn only by the high priestthe head of the Aaronic priesthood. First, the "ephod" (a garment): They shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen, worked into designs . The ephod reminds us that we need to seek His face and ask for His help in everything we do. It also points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who sacrificed Himself for our sins. The Breastplate was also attached to the Ephod by one piece of blue wool yarn on each lower side. (Romans 5:1,2. Only Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship and devotion. (John 10:28,29). Much effort went into the making of the ephod, and it was crafted from finery.
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