This skillful weave was not the routine cross-weave pattern found in most linen garments made from Israels looms. Breastpiece or breastplate of judgment.. The ephod is a garment of great significance. 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. One he wore in the morning and the other in the evening. Linen Leggings (Short Pants Undergarments), Undergarments (Short Pants Linen Leggings). Glad this was of some help. The ephod reminds us that we are set apart. Although there is some mystery around it, it appears that the stones were a way for the Israelites to hear from God directly. It reminds us of our need to obey Gods laws and of His authority over us. 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 . Lesson 4: A LINEN EPHOD "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod" (2 Sam. God invents boxer shorts! This indicates the ongoing nature of our salvation. The ephods front and back were made to be as one garment by a sash or girdle, which was tied about the priests waist. In Exodus 39, we read how the Israelites were obedient in this and crafted the ephod exactly as God commanded. Heather, such a well detailed out explanation about the Ephod. 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. His thoughts are for us. Goldwas beaten, pressed, and hammered into paper-thin sheets, then cut into tiny strips. They sacrificed to it and made offerings to it. According to the ancient apocryphal Lives of the Prophets, after the death of Zechariah Ben Jehoiada, the priests of the Temple could no more, as before, see the apparitions of the angels of the Lord, nor could make divinations with the Ephod, nor give responses from the Debir. Connection Between Ephod and Oracle. Thomas Hamilton ( Exodus) describes the ephod of Aaron: It "is shaped like an apron encircling the body and covers the loins (maybe "from waist to thigh). However, it is still a very important part of Jewish tradition and culture. Hebrews 4:14-15 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Sacr. This isnt mentioned negatively, but as an act of worship. The high priest wore it when he went into the Holy of Holies to intercede with God on behalf of the people. It was worn at all times while the High Priest was within the Temple. All the best with your assignment, I hope you get a good grade. The wearing of the ephod, however, is spoken of in 1Samuel 22:18 as characteristic of the priests, and in Judges 8:27; Judges 17:5; Judges 18:14-20, it is connected with idolatrous worship. They were all united under one High Priest. P.S Here is the YouTube video that relates to this blog post: Wow! Photo credit: GettyImages/Javier_Art_Photography. We dont have to fear Gods wrath when we approach Him or think He cannot hear us. It was long it extended from just below his elbows, all the way to his heels. It was also a symbol of his office. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) But rather this means as we go through our daily lives, we are to rest in Jesus, not worrying about what we shall eat, drink, or wear, etc. There are two basic meanings for the word ephod. It symbolized authority and power and signified the wearers status as a mediator between God and man. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Now the first three stones were asardonyx, a topaz, and an emerald. He consecrated it to God, but after his death homage was paid to it as an idol. NIV But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod. APUD or APDO Gr. The exact meaning and derivation of the term "ephod" are not clear. 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. The precious stones with the names represented that all of Gods Special Treasures (i.e., His people) are on His heart. From the tribe of Levi, the family of Aaron was chosen to serve as priests. The same as the High Priests sash previously described. Lesser priests, as well as others engaged in sacred ministrations, Samuel (i Sam. Other scholars[who?] 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). We are now at peace with God because Jesus has born the full judgment of Gods wrath for us! But these items, designed by God, are significant. Best effort color determination of Breastplate Stone colors since some of the stones names have changed over time (Exodus 28:17-21. When we understand this, we can see how important it is to have a relationship with him. The ephod was a sacred garment in the Old Testament. God was furious over their disobedience and faithlessness and planned to destroy the Israelites. We cant be sure, but we do know that it was a significant part of the priests garments and it was worn out of obedience to God while they made intercession and heard from God. (Hebrews 2:17;4:15) He does not simply understand what we feel, He feels what we feel! Pictured above: Blue, purple, and scarlet wool yarn along with white linen thread and pure gold thread. Ephesians 2:13-18. The Hebrew word for "linen" used in describing the ephod worn by young Samuel and the 85 priests is badh, while shesh . Only the special priest could wear the ephod. When we wear Jesus Christ, we are clothed in his righteousness and are forgiven of our sins. According to Josephus, the engraved onyx stones on the shoulders were designed so that the six eldest sons names were engraved on the stone on the right shoulder and those of the six youngest sons on the stone on the left shoulder. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Mosess brother, Aaron, donned the ephod and other priestly garments as his formal clothing at the holy tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites to worship the Lord during their years in the wilderness. Jesus, our Great High Priest, has human emotions, human understanding, and human compassion. So when they wanted to know Gods will, they consulted a priest or prophet, who would then speak to God on their behalf. The breastplate was held in place by golden chains attached to the onyx shoulder clasps and blue lace ribbons, which attached the breastplate to the ephod. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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. David leads the ark procession into Jerusalem wearing a linen ephod (1 Samuel 6). The High Priest and Priests wore no shoes or sandals, meaning they would walk barefoot, which is the prerequisite for walking on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). And David danced before the LORD with all, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Shortly after, in Leviticus 8, we read how Moses then adorned Aaron with the priestly garments, fastening them all on him just so. Romans 5:1;10:15. We are sinners in need of a Savior. Titus 3:5. God bless you . Ephod (Heb. (Psalms 110:4) That is, Jesus was to become the eternal High Priest, our Great High Priest. 6:14). May the Lord Jesus Christ be praised forever and ever! As a Garment. Pictured above: Memorial Stones with the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, which had the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob) according to their birth order and were placed on the shoulders of the ephod (Exodus 28:9-12. Although the significance of the ephod has changed over time, it still represents the authority and power that God has given to His people. [1], Besides its use as a garment, an Ephod was also used for oracular purposes, in conjunction with Urim and Thummim;[5] the books of Samuel imply that whenever Saul or David wished to question God via oracular methods, they asked a priest for the ephod. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He remains faithful, He is the God who saves. God desires His ministers to have cool passions. Also, the names were not simply written on the stones but rather engraved, meaning they can never be removed. (Matthew 6:25-34). Each garment was individually made from the finest white flax linen in Israel. However, I know if you are super interested, you will likely move along the post in a systematic fashion. It was not, therefore, a peculiarly priestly dress, though naturally more worn by them than by any one else. ), (4) Depicted is a Temple service with the kohane blessing ritual (duchenen in Yiddish) that is performed on certain holy days. When David asked for the Ephod, he was asking for a symbol of Gods presence and favor. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. It was worn over the tunic; the tunic was longer than the robe by one handbreadth, so it was visible underneath the robe at the bottom. In this manner, the crown, itself a thin plate, was kept tied and in place on the High Priests forehead. Therefore, some textual scholars regard its presence in the Masoretic text as a later editorial gloss.[2]. 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. [1][2], Even the ephods used for oracular purposes were not necessarily just pieces of cloth, as they are not described as being worn, but carried (though some translations render 1 Samuel 2:28 as wear an ephod rather than carry an ephod[4]); the Hebrew term used in these passages for carry is nasa, which specifically implies that the Ephod was carried either in the hand or on the shoulder. Consequently, the blue robe represents that the finished work of grace completed by Jesus, our Great High Priest, will never end (i.e., not undone or torn). What Was the Spiritual Purpose of the Ephod in the Bible? 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. They are a part of the ritual the people must do to communicate with God, both to worship God and atone for their sins. The Gospel of Matthew Jesus of royal lineage. A. (Leviticus 21:10. 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). The garment hung down in front and in the back, and its length extended all the way down to the priests feet. Purple is the color of Royalty. Once you become purple, you can never become red again. Without the ephodor the breastpiece, tunic, or sashthe priest was unfit to serve. 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. Breastplate Ephod (Vest or Apron) Robe (Coat - Outer Garment) Plate (Diadem or Crown) Tunic (Long Shirt - Inner Garment) Turban (Hat or Mitre) Sash ( Linen (1) Belt or Girdle) Undergarments (Short Pants) Now these are the garments that they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. Therefore, the people knew they were not only duty-bound but also bound under threat of annihilation by God Himself to follow Gods commands. The ephod is a very important symbol in the Bible. Jesus says Tetelestai here in the perfect tense, which is very rare in the New Testament and has no English equivalent. It is also the color ofgrace. (http://www.ciu.edu/content/it-finished-look-greek), Hal has been teaching the Bible for over three decades. The Urim and Thummim were placed inside this pouch. 12 Fascinating Facts About the Ephod in the Bible, What is the spiritual meaning of the ephod today? 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. It was a strip twice as long as it was wide but folded back on itself to form a square bag into which theUrimandThummimwere placed. All rights reserved. Lets take a look: Judges 8:27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. Purple Gods Royal Blood in the Son of Man (Red) that came from Heaven (Blue). Thanks Manu! Melchizedeks name comes from two Hebrew words: Melchi, meaning King, and Zedek,meaning Righteousness. Much effort went into the making of the ephod, and it was crafted from finery. After the Day of Atonements conclusion, he will never again wear the white garments he officiated on this day. It is finished; an end is made of transgression by bringing in everlasting righteousness. David then inquired of God, and God told him what to do. Much effort went into the making of the ephod, and it was crafted from finery. [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. 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. The ephod was of great importance. The blue cord represents that Jesus mind is our mind (i.e., the mind of Christ). 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. Bluespeaks of Jesus Divinity as Very God having come down from Heaven the abode of God. This arrangement of the tribes forms a cross with its base to the East. God made a way. 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.. Other biblical books describe an ephod that may or may not be similar to the one legislated for the High Priest. White represents Jesus purity and righteousness which is the legal foundation for our redemption. 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. Here is a super detailed video that explains the priestly garments with a very good visual: Exodus 28:30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aarons heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Sweat was part of the curse and represents human works, effort, reasoning, striving, worrying, fear, etc. Furthermore, the Lord clothes us with His own beauty, having imputed to us His sanctification. Note It is always mentioned second. We can replace Jesus Christ with money, power, status, or possessions. God then gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws. What has been done today was commanded by the Lord to make atonement for you. An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. Decorative pomegranates made of sky-blue, purple, and crimson-dyed wool were attached to the robes lower hem. In those days the Israelites were so addicted to the worship of Beelzebub that they constantly carried small images of this god with them in their pockets, and every now and then they were in the habit of bringing the image forth and kissing it fervently. The actual blessing is done with both arms held horizontally in front, at shoulder level, with hands touching, to form the Hebrew letter shin. This stands for the Hebrew word for Shaddai, meaning Almighty [God]., (5)Wuests Word Studies From the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, Volume Three, Golden Nuggets, Kenneth S. Wuest, Reprinted 1999,ISBN-13:978-0802822802, (6) It is finished or completed is the translation of the Greek word Tetelestaiwhich only appears twice in the Bible (John 19:28,30). 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. The high priest also wore a plate of pure gold on his forehead. (q) Hackman. And why was it important? 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. We become like Jesus with the difference that we started out all red and He started out all blue (i.e., all God). Again, He assesses us in the light of His unique Son, Jesus. superhumerale) is a kind of garment mentioned in the O. T., which differed according to its use by the high-priest, by other persons present at religious services, or as the object of idolatrous worship.. Ephod of the High-Priest.Supplementing the data contained in the Bible with those gleaned from Josephus and the Egyptian monuments . ephod, also spelled Efod, part of the ceremonial dress of the high priest of ancient Israel described in the Old Testament (Ex. Gideon is additionally described as creating an ephod made up of 1,700 shekels of gold (Judges 8:2527). This does not mean we are to sit around and do nothing all day. The onyx stones were meant to be memorial stones, we are told in Exodus 28:12, representing the sons of Israelliterally, the descendants of the biblical patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, through his 12 sons birthed through his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. The same as High Priests Turbin previously described. Then take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names . Hallelujah! The first of the third row was aligure, then an amethyst, and the third an agatebeing the ninth of the whole number. 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. This connection between the ephod and the oracle may also be seen very clearly in the combination of . She has a weekly YouTube devotional, too. We set ourselves up for disappointment and disillusionment. (John 19:23,24). The holy garments that the priests wore while performing their duties set them apart from the rest of the Israelites. We dont need an ephod anymore, because Jesus fulfilled its purpose. God made a way. Ephodits a word you dont typically see today, and yet it carries great weight in the Bible when it comes to ceremony and honor. Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? [2] The conclusion thus is that Ephod, in these cases, referred to a portable idol, which the lots were cast in front of;[1][2] some scholars have suggested that the connection between the idol and the garment is that the idol was originally clothed in a linen garment, and the term Ephod gradually came to describe the idol as a whole.[2]. Girded with a linen ephod.This is usually spoken of as if David were arrayed in a distinctively priestly dress; but it is remarkable that the ephod was not prescribed as a part of the priestly dressthe ephod of the high-priest (Exodus 25:7, &c.) being quite a different thingand was worn by others, as Samuel (1Samuel 2:18). (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. That is, God became something He was not before. As long as he wore the crown his thoughts were considered pure. It was an integral part of being ceremonially ready to serve God. The ephod is also a reminder of our need for God. Purple the God-Man (Blue+Red=Purple) Jesus who is the Last Adam! Listed below are a few of them. The High Priests garment was holy and sacred; therefore, not to be torn even for a relatives death. Is it an article of clothing, or a piece of jewelry? As a garment the ephod is referred to in the priestly ordinances as a part of the official dress of the high priest. Here goes: Modern-day society can replace Jesus Christ with various things. 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. The breastplate, called the Urim and Thummim would rest in a cloth receptacle upon the ephod. 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. God is holy and sin separated God from His people but they could still come before Him through a priest following sacrifices and cleansing. Gideon had 70 sons from the many women he took as wives. Consequently, these clothes carried the richness and beauty that surpassed the royal robes of the mightiest kings of the surrounding empires. The Ephod is a beautiful reminder of the history of the Jewish people and their faith. Although David was not a priest, he was a man of God who sought to follow His will in all things. 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 Much, much later, the Bible tells us God allowed the destruction of Israel because of their great and continued long streak of disobedience, and that part of their destruction included no guidance from God. The stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and they were arranged in four rows of three stones each. The same as the High Priests Tunic previously described. Stating that it was held together by a girdle, and had two shoulder straps which were fastened to the front of the ephod by golden rings, to which the breastplate was attached by golden chains (Exodus 28:614). But Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people, and God relented. No need for a third or more Adam as this one finished the work! (1 Corinthians 15:45,47), Golden Bells ringing out the good news that Jesus the Last Adam has paid the price of our sin from eating the forbidden fruit! (significance and symbolism), And thats it, folks, the ephod in the bible, Dream About the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem (Raw), 31+ Brilliant Bible Emergency Numbers (Verses). In Judges, we see that there was already a lot of division among the Israelites. (ee' fahd) A priestly garment connected with seeking a word from God and used in a wrong way as an idol. Description. More specifically, it was worn only by the high priestthe head of the Aaronic priesthood. He is the only one who can give us true peace and satisfaction. The first significant passage is in Exodus where God is providing Moses with the design of the ephod that Aaron, the high priest, would wear. An ephod was some sort of outer garment, probably apron-like, and was the typical attire of a priest. This blog post will discuss 12 fascinating facts about the ephod. It was made . Red Blood (1), the requirement for redemption that leads to righteousness. It was made by fine weaving, in which there was no sewing except to sew on the arm sleeves. He is our high priest, and he represents us before God. I will also explore some of the most famous stories involving the ephod, such as Gideon and David. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? (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. Hallelujah! Learnt a lot from the work you put into this. Finally, I will take a look at the significance of the ephod today and how it can be applied to our lives. 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). Although the linen ephod is primarily associated with the high priests garments, it was by no means limited to the high priest. The most important garment worn by the High Priest is the ephod. They attempted to follow everything God commanded, from His rules about how to properly make a sacrifice and how to build the tabernacle, to who gets to enter the tent and how they are to ceremonially prepare for this work. God bless you so much. [1] The book of 1 Chronicles states that David was "clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark [and] David also wore an ephod of linen," [NAS Bible translation; 1 Chronicles, 15:27] "and David was wearing a linen ephod" [NAS Bible translation; 2 Samuel, 6:14]. , 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.. [5] Since the oracular process is considered by scholars to have been one of cleromancy, with the Urim and Thummim being the objects which were drawn as lots, the Ephod is considered by scholars to have been some form of container for the Urim and Thummim;[2][5] to harmonise this with the descriptions of the Ephod as a garment, it is necessary to conclude that the Ephod must have originally been some sort of pocket, which the priests girded to themselves. (3) The ephod covered the back of his body. Gods divinity has come from Heaven. The settings for the two sardonyx stones (i.e., memorial or remembrance stones) were attached at the ends of these straps, on the shoulders. The second element of Jesus statement is equally important: the Present, ongoing, linearand will continue to be finishedcomponent of the perfect tense. The High Priests Day of Atonement garment. We cannot do anything without Him. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at jessicabrodie.com. 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.. An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. The Ephod was an apron-like garment worn in priestly activities at the temple. But it was unquestionably done as an act of religious homage, his attitudes and dress being symbolic, as they have always been in Oriental countries, of penitence, joy, thankfulness, and devotion. This led to idolatry and spiritual adultery. The necks opening was round, with a hem that was doubled over and closed by weaving-not by a needle. 6:14) wore a simple ephod of linen, apparently during sacred service or at special celebrations (i Sam. 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. Hebrews 4:16) (5), The Breastplate was attached to the Ephod by two solid gold chains on each side that were braided and twisted for double strength, meaning we are securely attached to our Great High Priest. When Gideon made the ephod, he made it an object of worship for the Israelites. The Stones of the Ephod. 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. These were then rolled and hammered some more until each piece was the tiniest, finest pure gold thread. moon island names animal crossing,