And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship--with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. The skillfully woven waistbandThis phrase refers to a specific part of the priestly garments described in Exodus 28. The Hebrew word for "skillfully woven" is "ḥēšeḇ," which implies a work of art, crafted with precision and care. The waistband was not merely functional but also a symbol of the beauty and intricacy of God's design for worship. In the context of the priestly garments, it signifies the importance of attention to detail and the dedication required in serving God. Historically, the craftsmanship of such garments would have been a significant task, requiring skilled artisans, which underscores the value God places on beauty and excellence in worship. Of the ephod
The ephod was a sacred vestment worn by the high priest, and it held great significance in the religious life of Israel. The Hebrew term "ēp̄ōḏ" refers to this garment, which was an essential part of the high priest's attire. It symbolized the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. The ephod was intricately designed, reflecting the glory and holiness of God. In a broader scriptural context, the ephod represents the weight of responsibility and the honor of serving in God's presence. To be of the same workmanship
This phrase emphasizes the unity and consistency in the design of the priestly garments. The Hebrew word "ma‘ăśê" for "workmanship" indicates that the waistband was to be crafted with the same skill and care as the rest of the ephod. This reflects the biblical principle that all aspects of worship and service to God should be done with excellence and integrity. The consistency in workmanship also symbolizes the harmony and order that God desires in His creation and in the lives of His people. With gold, with blue, with purple, and with scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen
These materials were not only valuable but also rich in symbolic meaning. Gold represents divinity and purity, blue signifies heaven and divine revelation, purple is a symbol of royalty and majesty, scarlet denotes sacrifice and redemption, and finely spun linen represents purity and righteousness. The use of these materials in the priestly garments highlights the sacredness of the priestly office and the divine nature of their service. Historically, these materials were costly and required skilled labor to produce, indicating the high value placed on worship and the priesthood in Israelite society. The combination of these colors and materials in the ephod and its waistband serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of God's character and the comprehensive nature of His covenant with His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the priestly garments from God on Mount Sinai. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel, for whom the ephod and its waistband were made. 3. The EphodA sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing his role as a mediator between God and the people. 4. The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the high priest performed his duties. 5. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, for whom the priestly garments were made to facilitate worship and atonement. Teaching Points Symbolism of the EphodThe ephod and its waistband symbolize the unity and integrity required in the service of God. Just as the waistband was of one piece, our lives should be unified in purpose and devotion to God. The Role of Beauty in WorshipThe detailed craftsmanship and use of precious materials in the ephod remind us that beauty and excellence in worship honor God. Our worship should reflect the glory and majesty of God. Priestly MediationThe high priest's garments, including the ephod, highlight the importance of mediation between God and humanity. Today, Jesus serves as our High Priest, and we are called to intercede for others in prayer. Obedience to God's InstructionsThe precise instructions for the ephod's construction emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are called to follow God's Word with diligence and care. Unity in DiversityThe use of various colors and materials in the ephod's waistband reflects the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. Each believer brings unique gifts and talents to the service of God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the detailed description of the ephod's waistband in Exodus 28:8 reflect the importance of obedience to God's instructions in our lives? 2. In what ways can the beauty and craftsmanship of the priestly garments inspire us to pursue excellence in our worship and service to God? 3. How does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament foreshadow the mediating work of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews? 4. What lessons can we learn from the unity and diversity represented in the materials of the ephod's waistband for our relationships within the church? 5. How can we apply the concept of priestly mediation in our daily lives, particularly in our prayer life and intercession for others? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 39:5This verse describes the actual making of the ephod's waistband, confirming the fulfillment of God's instructions. Leviticus 8:7This passage details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the ephod and its waistband are part of the priestly attire. Hebrews 4:14-16This New Testament passage connects the high priestly role of Aaron to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who mediates on our behalf. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Band, Beautifully, Blue, Byssus, Curious, Ephod, Fine, Finely, Gird, Girdle, Goes, Gold, Linen, Linen-work, Material, Materials, Piece, Purple, Red, Scarlet, Skilfully, Skillfully, Stuff, Thereof, Twined, Twisted, Waistband, Wherewith, Worked, Workmanship, Woven, YarnDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:8 5258 cloth
5392 linen 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 28:8 NIVExodus 28:8 NLTExodus 28:8 ESVExodus 28:8 NASBExodus 28:8 KJV
Exodus 28:8 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
