Topical Bible: Weaving of the Ephod

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The ephod is a significant garment in the biblical tradition, particularly within the context of the priestly attire as described in the Old Testament. It is most notably associated with the high priest of Israel and is intricately linked to the worship and sacrificial system established by God through Moses.

Biblical Description and Instructions

The ephod is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for its creation as part of the priestly garments. The ephod was to be made with great care and skill, reflecting its sacred purpose. Exodus 28:6-8 states: "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 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 ephod was a sleeveless garment, worn over the priest's robe, and it was fastened at the shoulders with two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This design symbolized the high priest bearing the tribes before the Lord as he ministered in the tabernacle.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The weaving of the ephod required the use of high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. The inclusion of gold thread, alongside blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, signified the garment's importance and the holiness of the office it represented. The use of these colors and materials was not arbitrary; each held symbolic meaning within the Israelite tradition. Gold represented divinity and kingship, blue symbolized the heavens and divine revelation, purple was associated with royalty, and scarlet signified sacrifice and atonement.

The artisans responsible for creating the ephod were endowed with wisdom and skill by God Himself, as noted in Exodus 31:3-5 : "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft."

Symbolism and Function

The ephod served not only as a garment but also as a symbol of the high priest's role as an intercessor between God and the people of Israel. The onyx stones on the shoulders, engraved with the names of the tribes, emphasized the priest's duty to carry the people before God in prayer and sacrifice. Additionally, the ephod was connected to the breastpiece of judgment, which contained the Urim and Thummim, tools used for discerning God's will.

The ephod's design and function underscored the holiness required of those who approached God on behalf of the people. It was a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and the need for purity and dedication in worship.

Historical and Theological Significance

Throughout Israel's history, the ephod remained a central element of the high priest's attire, symbolizing the continuity of the priestly office and the enduring covenant with God. Its detailed description in the Scriptures highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the reverence due to His holy ordinances.

The weaving of the ephod, with its rich symbolism and divine craftsmanship, serves as a testament to the sacredness of the priestly role and the meticulous care with which God instructed His people to approach Him.

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Exodus 28:32
And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the middle thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
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Exodus 39:22
And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.
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Library

Introduction.
... written [1912] "the one of action, the other of spirit, weaving together the ... These
colours entered into the fashioning of the High Priest's Ephod (Exodus 28:5 ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 4.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... and when you have, studied them, go and sing in the women's weaving shops." It is ...
him in glorious robes; the third indued him with a linen ephod; the fourth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm