They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. They are to makeThis phrase indicates a divine command given to the skilled artisans of Israel. The Hebrew root for "make" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to do, fashion, or accomplish. This command underscores the importance of human participation in divine plans. God involves His people in the creation of sacred objects, emphasizing the partnership between the divine and human in worship. the ephod
The ephod is a significant priestly garment, intricately designed and rich in symbolism. The Hebrew word אֵפוֹד (ephod) refers to a vest-like garment worn by the high priest. Historically, the ephod was a central part of the high priest's attire, signifying his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. It represents the weight of spiritual responsibility and the beauty of holiness. of finely spun linen
This phrase highlights the quality and purity of the materials used. Linen, derived from the Hebrew word שֵׁשׁ (shesh), was a luxurious fabric, symbolizing purity and righteousness. The use of finely spun linen indicates the care and precision required in creating garments for sacred service, reflecting the holiness and perfection of God. with gold
Gold, in biblical times, was a symbol of divinity and kingship. The inclusion of gold in the ephod signifies the divine nature of the priestly office and the glory of God. Gold's incorruptibility and brilliance serve as a reminder of God's eternal and unchanging nature. and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn
These colors hold deep symbolic meaning. Blue, often associated with the heavens, represents divine revelation and the Holy Spirit. Purple, a color of royalty, signifies the kingly authority of God. Scarlet, a vivid red, symbolizes sacrifice and redemption. Together, these colors woven into the ephod reflect the multifaceted nature of God's relationship with His people—His sovereignty, revelation, and redemptive plan. and skillfully worked
The phrase emphasizes the craftsmanship involved in creating the ephod. The Hebrew root חָשַׁב (chashab) means to think, plan, or devise, indicating that the work was not only physical but also intellectual and artistic. This craftsmanship reflects the creativity endowed by God to humanity, and the beauty of the ephod serves as a testament to the glory of God manifested through human skill and dedication. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the ephod from God on Mount Sinai. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. The ephod was part of his priestly garments. 3. IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from Egypt and were given the Law, including the instructions for the priestly garments. 4. Mount SinaiThe place where God gave Moses the Law and the detailed instructions for the tabernacle and priestly garments. 5. EphodA sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing his role as a mediator between God and the people. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe detailed instructions for the ephod highlight the importance of following God's commands precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in every aspect of our lives. Symbolism of the EphodThe materials and colors used in the ephod (gold, blue, purple, scarlet) symbolize royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. This points to the holiness and the mediating role of the high priest, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Role of the High PriestThe high priest served as a mediator between God and the people. Today, Jesus is our High Priest, and we are called to approach God with confidence through Him. Craftsmanship and SkillThe making of the ephod required skillful work, reminding us that God values excellence and dedication in our service to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the detailed description of the ephod in Exodus 28:6 reflect the character of God? 2. In what ways does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest? 3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the making of the ephod to our daily walk with God? 4. What does the use of specific colors and materials in the ephod teach us about the nature of worship and service to God? 5. How can we ensure that our service to God, like the craftsmanship of the ephod, is done with excellence and dedication? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 39:2-5This passage describes the actual making of the ephod, showing the obedience of the Israelites to God's instructions. Leviticus 8:7This verse describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the ephod is mentioned as part of the priestly garments. Hebrews 4:14-16This New Testament passage connects the role of the high priest to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who mediates on our behalf. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Artistic, Best, Blue, Byssus, Craftsman, Cunning, Curious, Designer, Ephod, Fine, Finely, Gold, Linen, Material, Purple, Red, Scarlet, Skilful, Skilfully, Skilled, Skillful, Stuff, Twined, Twisted, Worked, Workman, YarnDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:6 4808 crimson
5258 cloth Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Exodus 28:6-8 5272 craftsmen Exodus 28:6-13 7352 ephod Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 28:6 NIVExodus 28:6 NLTExodus 28:6 ESVExodus 28:6 NASBExodus 28:6 KJV
Exodus 28:6 Commentaries
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