What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org Jesus as High Priest: the Significance of the Seamless Robe Learnt a lot from the work you put into this. This bespoke of custom-fitted, meticulously detailed, and immaculately clean garments. When David asked for the Ephod, he was asking for a symbol of Gods presence and favor. It is mentioned throughout the Bible and has been worn by some of the most well-known figures in Christianity. The Urim and Thummim were placed inside this pouch. Exodus 39:10-14). He was the one who would offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. In Hebrew, the word for red is Adam or Edom. Adam, one of the words for man and literally means red-blooded man. It is derived from the root word in Hebrew for blood: Dam. Redspeaks of Jesus shed blood, The One Who became the second and last Adam, or red or red-blooded man.. God is holy and sin separated God from His people but they could still come before Him through a priest following sacrifices and cleansing. Anyone who dared to wear it without being authorized by God Himself would be judged harshly. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ephod&oldid=1142452419, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 13:06. The spiritual significance of the ephod is that it points to Jesus as our high priest. Each garment was individually made from the finest white flax linen in Israel. 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). We know the ephod was a tool of ceremonya special, ornate, handcrafted item with great significance. The first of the third row was aligure, then an amethyst, and the third an agatebeing the ninth of the whole number. The breastplate was, in reality, a piece of elaborately finished cloth of the same material as the ephod. This blog post will discuss 12 fascinating facts about the ephod. 22:18). We dont need anything else when we have him. 1 John 3:2). Lets take a closer look at why this act of making an ephod became a snare. The Bible mentions Urim and Thummim many times. Then David asked God for guidance, and God told him what to do. We dont need an ephod to talk to God today, just as we no longer need to sacrifice lambs on the altar to atone for our sins. Ephod - Holman Bible Dictionary - StudyLight.org The High Priests garment was holy and sacred; therefore, not to be torn even for a relatives death. This led to idolatry and spiritual adultery. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly. BIBLE WARDROBES AND THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SPIRITUAL CLOTHING - Lesson 4 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. It is a place of unlimited grace (i.e., unlimited favor). Rather it was made into a weaving pattern of small boxes or cells, or diamond-shaped, giving it an appearance of a white on white honeycomb. David leads the ark procession into Jerusalem wearing a linen ephod (1 Samuel 6). Now the first three stones were asardonyx, a topaz, and an emerald. The names on the breastplate were always close to Aarons heart, just as with Christ and His precious ones. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 2:18), and once even David (ii Sam. The ephod symbolized the authority that God had given to the Aaronic priesthood. I will start by explaining what an ephod is, who was allowed to wear it, and what it looked like. 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 The occasion was the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Red Blood (1), the requirement for redemption that leads to righteousness. Ephesians 2:13-18. (Exodus 39:1 NET). From this description it appears to have been something like an apron or skirt with braces,[1] though Rashi argued that it was like a woman's riding girdle. The blue cord represents that Jesus mind is our mind (i.e., the mind of Christ). Likely this had to do with the sacredness of the priesthoods garments and what these materials and colors represented typologically. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? suggest that the ephod originally refers to a container for the stones used to cast lots and later became associated with many objects that also could contain the stones or were used in divination. (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! One Greek word, Tetelestai, is spoken in the perfect tense by Jesus on the cross, and itwasfinished at that moment and for all time. The ephod is a garment of great significance. Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can approach Gods throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. And as were told in 1 John 5:14, This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.. We are also called to be holy people, set apart for His (Gods) purposes. Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them (Exodus 19:21-22). What is a Ephod and what does it look like? Jesus removed the barrier between us and God. God bless you . When we wear Jesus Christ, we are clothed in his righteousness and are forgiven of our sins. An ephod (Hebrew: f; /fd/ or /ifd/) was a type of apron, which according to the Hebrew Bible, was worn by the Jewish high priest the kohen gadol, an artifact and an object to be revered in ancient Israelite culture, and was closely connected with oracular practices and priestly ritual. Is it an article of clothing, or a piece of jewelry? Further, two onyx stones are to be mounted in gold and fastened on the ephods shoulder pieces. It is finished; all the types and prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed at the Messiahs sufferings, were accomplished. These straps were attached to the ephod at the two upper corners. It was as if The Word (i.e., Jesus) offered the animal sacrifices to God the Father. (q) Hackman. That means today there is a real, live, beating human heart in Heaven representing you and meat the right hand of the Father. Today, the ephod is not worn by the High Priest. (Matthew 13:44) When God, who is light, looks upon us living stones in Christ, He sees reflected back His perfect light from the stones. The settings for the two sardonyx stones (i.e., memorial or remembrance stones) were attached at the ends of these straps, on the shoulders. [1][2] However, the biblical text states the Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate, not the ephod (Leviticus 8:8). The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. Josephus, Antiquities 3:7:1 Twelve stones were also on the breastplate, extraordinary in largeness and beauty; and they were anornament not to be purchasedby men, because of theirimmense value. (1) A sacred vestment originally designed for the high priest ( Exodus 28:4; 39:2 ), and made "of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen," held together by two shoulder-pieces and a skillfully woven band which served as a girdle for the ephod. The Meaning of Aaron's Holy Garments - Jewish Theological Seminary The ephod also symbolized the high priests authority over the people. which was of the forementioned colors, with gold intermixed which, when it had gone once round, was tied again upon the seam and hung down.. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. ), (4) Depicted is a Temple service with the kohane blessing ritual (duchenen in Yiddish) that is performed on certain holy days. [2] The biblical description also adds that there were two engraved gems over the shoulder straps (like epaulettes), made from shoham (thought by scholars to mean malachite,[2][3] by Jewish tradition to mean heliodor,[2] and in the King James Version translated as "onyx", and with the names of the 12 tribes written upon them; the classical rabbinical sources differ as to the order in which the tribes were named on the jewels (Sotah 36a). That is, right standing or rather the right to stand before our Holy God. The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. Glad this was of some help. These sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjaminall became the heads of their own family groups, comprising Gods people, Israel. In the Bible, in the contexts where it is worn, the ephod is usually described as being linen, but did not constitute complete clothing of any kind, as the Books of Samuel describe. The robes hem was woven over double to prevent it from ripping due to the weight of the pomegranates and bells. Long sleeves were worn by privileged people, meaning they did not have to perform manual labor. The first of the fourth row was achrysolite, the next was an onyx, and then a beryl, which was the last of all. 6:14). The Bible instructs that each thread used in the High Priests breastplate and ephod must be 28 plies. In early Old Testament history, there are references to the ephod as a rather simple, linen garment, possibly a short skirt, apron, or loin cloth. (Deuteronomy 7:6. We are also given the Holy Spirit, who helps us to grow in our relationship with God. 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. The other meaning of ephod is somewhat similardescribed less as a garment but rather more as an item of ceremonial, sacred significance, much like an idol or other special item to be worn but not necessarily an item of clothing. It was worn outside the robe and probably kept in place by a girdle and by shoulder pieces, from which hung the breast piece (or pouch) containing the sacred lots (divinatory objects), Urim and Thummim, whose precise function is now unknown. I appreciate your kind sentiments. Thanks Lallie, thanks for stopping by! As a Garment. In the book of Exodus and in Leviticus one is described as being created for the High Priest to wear as part of his official vestments (Exodus 28:4+, 29:5, 39:2+; Leviticus 8:7). 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. , Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolishthe Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them butto fulfill them.. There are many opinions on what are the correct stones and order for the stones. Realize, precious stones are typically located deep within the earth. Later, the same thing happened. Lesser priests, as well as others engaged in sacred ministrations, Samuel (i Sam. The ephod was one of these instructions, as significant as the rest. 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. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6a). Per my previous explanations, the Ephod was a garment that was only to be worn by the high priest. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. Ephod | Encyclopedia.com An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. Today, we dont have Urim and Thummim, but here is what we can learn from their use in the Old Testament: The ephod played an important role in the lives of both Gideon and David. This belt was made of a mixture of blue, purple, and scarlet wool yarn and white linen thread. The only eye-witness account of the breastplate, outside of the OldTestament,is the written description of Josephus, who himself was a priest and served in his priestly duties in Herods Temple in Jerusalem. Ephod - Meaning and What Was it Used For? David needed guidance from God, so he asked Abiathar again to bring him the ephod (1 Samuel 30:7). His sufferings were now finished, both those of his soul and those of his body. Here, the ephod is included among a litany of sacred garments Aaron is to wear. This plate was inscribed with the words HOLY TO THE LORD. The high priest was to wear this plate whenever he went into the Holy of Holies, the most sacred room in the tabernacle or temple (Exodus 28:36-38). (1) Select the link to open another article in a new tab with additional information. 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. Each thread is made from 6 threads, each of sky-blue, of purple, of crimson and of white twisted linen, and 4 threads of pure gold. What Was the Spiritual Purpose of the Ephod in the Bible? These included: According to scripture (Exodus 28:6-12), the high priests ephod consisted of two gold shoulder pieces and an intricately woven band of gold, scarlet, blue, and purple yarn connecting them. David then inquired of God, and God told him what to do. We dont have to fear Gods wrath when we approach Him or think He cannot hear us. (1 John 1:5. 1 Peter 2:4,5. Ephod | RayKLiu Hallelujah! The exact meaning and derivation of the term "ephod" are not clear. . Only certain people were allowed to wear the ephod. (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. Although the linen ephod is primarily associated with the high priests garments, it was by no means limited to the high priest. The ephod also had a waistband, which was made of gold and was also attached to the ephod at the two upper corners (Exodus 28:27-28). (http://www.ciu.edu/content/it-finished-look-greek), Hal has been teaching the Bible for over three decades. In this manner, the crown, itself a thin plate, was kept tied and in place on the High Priests forehead. 3 Surprising Reasons to Be Like Doubting Thomas. Over the ephod, the High Priest wore abreastplatewhich was a pouch about 22-cm (about 9 inches) square made of beautifully woven material. This is so important because it indicates a condition, a state of being, a resting place. The Gospel of Matthew Jesus of royal lineage. 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. Connection Between Ephod and Oracle. Therefore, the people knew they were not only duty-bound but also bound under threat of annihilation by God Himself to follow Gods commands. (Tractate Yoma 72a) Some people[by whom?] The high priest was the one who represented the people before God. This blog post will discuss 12 fascinating facts about the ephod. 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. It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together. 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 wearer of such linen made from breathable flax fibers would not sweat. Photo credit: GettyImages/Javier_Art_Photography. p. 156, 157. He offers sacrifices after every six paces, gets the ark into a . Genesis 30:1-24. It was slightly wider than a mans back since it was to cover his back and extend a little towards the front on both sides as well, covering a portion of his belly from either side. attempt to assign meaning to the details of the Ephod, but such meanings are not given in either the biblical description or the Talmud. This sash was made of only white linen thread. It was worn at all times while the High Priest was within the Temple. Lets find out more about the significance of the ephod. These were then rolled and hammered some more until each piece was the tiniest, finest pure gold thread. He is the only one who can truly meet our needs. 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. On each shoulder piece, six of Jacobs sons names were engraved on an onyx stone (these were the 12 men who founded the 12 tribes of Israel). David's Ephod. 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?