The golden garments wereworn all yearin the rituals performed as the High Priest when he, in view of the people of Israel, enters the sanctuary interior in themorning and evening sacrifices. It shall have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, so that it may be joined together. 2 Corinthians 5:21) That is, God our Father looks upon us with all the favor with which He looks upon His own unique Son Jesus that He loves infinitely. And he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring the ephod here. Then David said, O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx . To most commentators, a belt and shoulder straps suggested an apron-like garment. Finally, I will take a look at the significance of the ephod today and how it can be applied to our lives. ephod, also spelled Efod, part of the ceremonial dress of the high priest of ancient Israel described in the Old Testament (Ex. 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.. While cotton fabric is derived from the fibers in the bolls that grow around the plant's seed heads, linen is made from fibers in the stems of the flax plant. This means that we are eternally secure in Jesus. This skillful weave was not the routine cross-weave pattern found in most linen garments made from Israels looms. The people of Israel worshipped the ephod as if it were a god. Therefore, the people knew they were not only duty-bound but also bound under threat of annihilation by God Himself to follow Gods commands. There was also a finely woven linen element to the piece. This belt was woven into the entire length of the ephods upper hem. Jesus is our high priest, our Redeemer, and He is all we need. 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). Red Blood (1), the requirement for redemption that leads to righteousness. The ephod also symbolized the importance of obedience to Gods laws. Again, linen isa unique fabric that keeps the wearer cool in hot weather and warm when it is cold which were very practical qualities for living in an arid climate with hot days and cold nights. No need for a third or more Adam as this one finished the work! In Judges, we see that there was already a lot of division among the Israelites. The ephod enabled him to do his job and to properly hear God. Mathew Henry describes all that is finishedat that exact moment in time: It is finished; that is, the counsels of the Father concerning his sufferings were now fulfilled. Satan seeks to display them in a shameful, exploitative way leading to a sense of vulnerability that approximates a fear of evil (Genesis 3:7). 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. The other items are a breastpiece, robe, woven tunic, turban, and sash (Exodus 28:4). Other biblical books describe an ephod that may or may not be similar to the one legislated for the High Priest. The tribe of Levi was set apart by God to be His holy ministers. When Gideon made the ephod, he made it an object of worship for the Israelites. Exodus 39:6,7). The robe is put on from above, meaning not self-appointed but rather office and authority God appointed (John 19:11). An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6a). He told Moses, Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. Shes also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When Youre Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed. It carried much symbolic weight. (Isaiah 53:5. 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. The ephod reminds us that we need to seek His face and ask for His help in everything we do. No demand made upon that grace can delete it. Linen isa unique fabric that keeps the wearer cool in hot weather and warm when cold, which were efficient qualities for living in an arid climate with hot days and cold nights. It was made . When we wear Jesus Christ, we are clothed in his righteousness and are forgiven of our sins. The High Priest was revered as much or more than any king or royalty of the nations around Israel. The high priest also wore a plate of pure gold on his forehead. Remember, it was customary in Israel to tear their garments and put sackcloth and ashes on their heads upon the death of a relative (Genesis 37:33,34). It was thin enough to arch across the forehead like a bow. Purple the God-Man (Blue+Red=Purple) Jesus who is the Last Adam! Only certain people were allowed to wear the ephod. Much effort went into the making of the ephod, and it was crafted from finery. The perfect tense is a combination of two Greek tenses: the Present tense and the Aorist tense. and David was girded with a linen ephod; which others, besides priests, sometimes wore, as Samuel did, and which David might choose to appear in, rather than in his royal robes, as being more agreeable to the service of God, and lighter for him both to walk and dance in on this occasion. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Jesus tunic was made out of the finest linen and was completely seamless. Romans 5:1;10:15. Hallelujah! It was an integral part of being ceremonially ready to serve God. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? But Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people, and God relented. He is our high priest, and he represents us before God. Jesus, the one full of Grace and Truth! The simplest explanation of an ephod is given to us in Exodus 28:6-8. So, just as the ephod was a reminder of Gods power for the Israelites, so too can our relationship with Jesus be a source of strength and comfort for us. Hebrews 12:23) This is because we are hidden in Christ, so the perfect light only reflects the perfect work of Jesus in removing our sins. According to the Talmud, the wearing of the ephod atoned for the sin of idolatry on the part of the Children of Israel.[7]. This does not mean we are to sit around and do nothing all day. These straps were attached to the ephod at the two upper corners. It was intended for both the front and back of the body and made in two parts, which were clasped together at the shoulder by two onyx stones set in gold. When you and I accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we, the red of human birth, accept the blue of Christs divinity,and we become purple, too! One Greek word, Tetelestai, is spoken in the perfect tense by Jesus on the cross, and itwasfinished at that moment and for all time. Jesus the Messiah! It was listed first of these priestly garments, and the breastpiece was to be fashioned after the ephod, as well as tied to it with blue cord. Thanks Manu! And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. [See on [265]1Ch 15:27.]. Textual scholars attribute the description of the Ephod in Exodus to the priestly source and to a date later than the other mentions of Ephod;[4] biblical scholars believe that the Ephod may have evolved over time into this highly ceremonial form from more primitive beginnings (the simple linen form described in the Books of Samuel), much like the manner in which the highly liturgical maniple evolved from an ordinary handkerchief. Lets take a closer look at why this act of making an ephod became a snare. 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. In Jesus, we have someone who has even more authority. Note the neck of this garment was specifically fortified to prevent it from accidentally tearing. Ephod (Heb. The ephod is a very important symbol in the Bible. Genesis 35:16-19). I hope this post shows you the depth of the word of God and how the Lord Jesus came to fulfill the law. These are the same people who Moses led out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. They show us that we can consult God on all of our decisions. (Exodus 33:20-23. As previously stated,Urim and Thummim were an important part of the ephod and were used to inquire of the Lord about specific matters. Some believe David sinned by wearing the linen ephod in his worship. 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 word "ephod" occurs 51 times in 41 verses in the NASB, and refers to the sacred outer garment worn by the high priest, made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn (colors of royalty), to which the breastpiece was attached, and worn over a blue robe. Thanks Lallie, thanks for stopping by! The precious stones with the names represented that all of Gods Special Treasures (i.e., His people) are on His heart. This blog post will discuss 12 fascinating facts about the ephod. We are hidden in Jesus the PRECIOUS of God the Father (2 Peter 2:6), which makes us precious to Him! This indicates the ongoing nature of our salvation. What does it look like? After his victory, Gideon made an ephod out of the gold that he had captured from the Midianites. When Saul or David wished to question Yhwh through the oracle, they commanded the priest, "Bring hither the ephod" ( 1 Samuel 14:18 [A. V. "ark of God"], 23:9, 30:7). An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. White Righteousness and purity. Is it an article of clothing, or a piece of jewelry? These straps went behind, up, and slightly over the garments upper corners, over the priests shoulders. It is finished; all the types and prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed at the Messiahs sufferings, were accomplished. 6:14) wore a simple ephod of linen, apparently during sacred service or at special celebrations (i Sam. From my earlier description, it appears that the ephod was a very beautiful and intricate garment. All the best with your assignment, I hope you get a good grade. As an Image. Gold (pure) (1) Almighty God who is Holy. 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. That word literally means blue. Consequently, theblue thread is another picture of the God who came from Heaven, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose completed work is what holds us close to God our Fathers heart. He is not disappointed or angry at us living stones but rather well pleased since we are holy and perfect in Jesus Christ! In this situation, it is clear that God alone was being worshiped following the victory. If you are unsure of what to do, dont be afraid to ask God for guidance. The Ephod is a beautiful reminder of the history of the Jewish people and their faith. Those who spoke to God would use holy items, such as the ephod, to help them communicate with the Lord. The stones upon the breastplate represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and they were borne before the Lord continually as a memorial. We are sinners in need of a Savior. Then David asked God for guidance, and God told him what to do. Mandrakes in the Bible | Thought-Provoking! God desires His ministers to be even-tempered (i.e., cool-headed). Its threads were 12 plies. In Jesus statement, It is finished, we have a declaration of salvation that is both in a particular moment in time and eternity. This bespoke of custom-fitted, meticulously detailed, and immaculately clean garments. It symbolized authority and power and signified the wearers status as a mediator between God and man. 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. His thoughts are for us. The ephod was a sacred garment in the Old Testament. The crown had three small holes: two on each end and one in the center located along the upper edge. More specifically, it was worn only by the high priestthe head of the Aaronic priesthood. ), (4) Depicted is a Temple service with the kohane blessing ritual (duchenen in Yiddish) that is performed on certain holy days. 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. When a priest would inquire of the Lord about a specific matter, he would put his hand on the appropriate stone. The ephod also symbolized the high priests authority over the people. We also see King David wearing a linen ephod in 2 Samuel 6:14 and 1 Chronicles 15:27 as he and others carried the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. 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. As a Garment. This uniform consisted of four White Garments: The White Garments revealed Jesus as the Son of Man, the Last Adam, who stepped down from Heaven to become a servant and shed His blood for the original sin of the First Adam and everyones subsequent sins. Here, we explore the biblical meaning and spiritual significance of the ephod. It is kept in position on the body by means of two shoulder pieces (v. 7) and a fastening band (v. 8).". In Hebrew, Dham means blood and Adham (i.e., Adam) means red-blooded man. It was also a symbol of his office. When Jesus says It is finished (or completed),what He is actually saying is, It is finishedand will continue to be finished. The first element of the perfect tense: the Aorist, punctiliar, point in time statement It is finished is powerful. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people,a royal priesthood,a holy nation,Gods special possession,that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (Isaiah 9:6) They demonstrate that all believers, from the latest convert to the mature believer, are equally precious and complete in His sight. While the priestly garments were allowed to have a combination of wool and linen, those of the laity were not. He (David) has an infamous line Bring me the ephod.. The explanation seems to be that the ephod of bad was simply a garment worn by any one engaged in a religious service, and it is used in 1Samuel 22:18 to describe the priests, because such service constituted their ordinary life. 1 Corinthians 12:20-24). 1 Samuel 2:18. This sash was made of only white linen thread. The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. The high priests ephod of the Old Testament is not a part of the modern church or Christian worship experience but it is a part of scripture and so it is still relevant today. [6], The object at Nob, which must have been somewhat freestanding since another object is kept behind it, and the objects made by Gideon and by Micah, from molten gold, logically cannot have just been garments. 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. He is the only one who can give us true peace and satisfaction. 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. White typifies righteousness and purity. I will start by explaining what an ephod is, who was allowed to wear it, and what it looked like. There was also a girdle sewed to the breastplate. 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. Again, what Jesus is is what we are in the sight of God! In the Old Testament this word has two meanings; in one group of passages it signifies a garment; in another, very probably an image. The purpose of this study is to review in detail each of the three priestly garments of the Old Testament. This means that we are eternally secure in Jesus. The tearing by Caiaphas of the priestly garments represented the abolishment of the Levitical Priesthood and its replacement after the Melchizedek Priesthood order. The Breastplate was also attached to the Ephod by one piece of blue wool yarn on each lower side. The most well-known understanding of it, that of a garment or item to be worn, comes in Exodus and Leviticus, where God describes for Moses exactly what preparations Aaron is to take for his priestly service, including how to wash himself and what to wear. And David danced before the LORD with all, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. They were all united under one High Priest. Hallelujah! Breastpiece or breastplate of judgment.. Connection Between Ephod and Oracle. Today, the ephod is not worn by the High Priest. The first two articles of clothing worn by the High Priest were the linen breeches and the linen coat. It reminds us of our need to obey Gods laws and of His authority over us. Gideons ephod just added to this division. 1 Peter 2:4,5. It is finished; the work of mans redemption and salvation is now completed. The Aorist tense is only half of the perfect tense! From the tribe of Levi, the family of Aaron was chosen to serve as priests. All rights reserved. The wearer of such linen would not sweat. The occasion was the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. [2] The verb --, "to gird," is used for an ephod, [3] implying that an ephod contains (or perhaps is) a belt or sash. The stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and they were arranged in four rows of three stones each. dave marciano wiki,
