I will also explore some of the most famous stories involving the ephod, such as Gideon and David. (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. The high priest also wore a plate of pure gold on his forehead. Did David dance naked (2 Samuel 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org The ephod didnt have the Aaronic priesthood or Levites behind it to give it authority. 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 some sort of outer garment, probably apron-like, and was the typical attire of a priest. The necks opening was round, with a hem that was doubled over and closed by weaving-not by a needle. This isnt mentioned negatively, but as an act of worship. 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. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. Anyone who dared to wear it without being authorized by God Himself would be judged harshly. Hallelujah! Urim and Thummim are two stones that were set in the ephod and were used to inquire of the Lord about specific matters. Although there is some mystery around it, it appears that the stones were a way for the Israelites to hear from God directly. There are two basic meanings for the word ephod. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Purple is the color of Royalty. The ephod is frequently mentioned in close connection with the sacred oracle. 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. As stated earlier, there is a part of the ephod called the breastplate of judgment. However, now- through Jesus, we have the breastplate of righteousness. NASB Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD, as a boy wearing a linen ephod. In the Old Testament this word has two meanings; in one group of passages it signifies a garment; in another, very probably an image. We can also replace Jesus Christ with our own self-righteousness. These pomegranates were actually hollow spheres of fabric in the shape of pomegranates. 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. The Hebrew word for "linen" used in describing the ephod worn by young Samuel and the 85 priests is badh, while shesh . Indeed, no one is exactly certain just what an Ephod was, other than something liturgical. (Matthew 26:62-65). This connection between the ephod and the oracle may also be seen very clearly in the combination of . The garment hung down in front and in the back, and its length extended all the way down to the priests feet. That is, you cannot lose your salvation because the work of the Last Adam was greater than the work of the First Adam! These names were to be a reminder to the nation and The LORD of the history of Israel, and so were called the stones of remembrance. Then take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names . That is, God became something He was not before. The ephod was a symbol of the authority of the high priest. 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. Similar material as the High Priests Turban previously described; however, it was donned by wrapping the head. This means that we are eternally secure in Jesus. In conclusion,in Jesus statement It is finished, we have a declaration of salvation that is both in a particular moment in time and eternal, Aorist and Present, linear and punctiliar. The high priest used the ephod along with the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim as a means of divination. This is a type of Christ's righteousness and perfect holiness during his entire human life. Today, we dont have Urim and Thummim, but here is what we can learn from their use in the Old Testament: The ephod played an important role in the lives of both Gideon and David. Priesthood garments - Ephod - and significance - JudaicaWorld archives Thanks Lallie, thanks for stopping by! CSB Samuel served in the Lord's presence--this mere boy was dressed in the linen ephod. Gideons ephod just added to this division. This sparked an interest in re-reading the story of David and his conquests. David needed guidance from God, so he asked Abiathar again to bring him the ephod (1 Samuel 30:7). The ephod is also a reminder of our need for God. God graciously communicated through these stones, leading His people. with all his mightintimating violent efforts of leaping, and divested of his royal mantle (in a state of undress), conduct apparently unsuitable to the gravity of age or the dignity of a king. 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 word urim means lights, and thummim means perfections.. There was also a finely woven linen element to the piece. 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. As a garment the ephod is referred to in the priestly ordinances as a part of the official dress of the high priest. The first of the third row was aligure, then an amethyst, and the third an agatebeing the ninth of the whole number. Now thenames of all those sons of Jacob were engraved on these stones, whom we esteem the head of our tribes, each stone having the honor of a name, in theorder according to which they were born. God bless you so much. The Golden Garments of the High Priest revealed Jesus as God the Great High Priest in Heaven. Some believe the ephod looked like an apron that covered the body from shoulder to hip, others that it was like a chestless jacket for the breastpiece to fit into. We cannot do anything without Him. Ephod | Encyclopedia.com It is also to be noted that the high priests ephod (Exodus 28:6; Exodus 28:8, &c.) was made of shesh, while the garments of the ordinary priests, as well as the ephods of Samuel and David, were of bad. That means today there is a real, live, beating human heart in Heaven representing you and meat the right hand of the Father. Note It is always mentioned second. The High-Priest: His Clothes The Clothing of the High Priest The same as the High Priests undergarments previously described. 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. The settings for the two sardonyx stones (i.e., memorial or remembrance stones) were attached at the ends of these straps, on the shoulders. God was furious over their disobedience and faithlessness and planned to destroy the Israelites. Gideon went on to make an ephod out of the gold won in battle; according to Ginzberg's The Legends of the Jews: "..In the high priest's breastplate, Joseph was represented among the twelve tribes by Ephraim alone, not by Manasseh, too. Linen Leggings (Short Pants Undergarments), Undergarments (Short Pants Linen Leggings). Before Jesus, most people didnt simply talk with God about His will, whether out of fear they were not holy enough and would incur His wrath or because God typically only spoke through His prophets. Years later the prophet Samuel, who so pleased God especially in comparison to the showy, sinful sons of the prophet Eli, is described as wearing a linen ephod as he served the Lord as a boy (1 Samuel 2:18). One he wore in the morning and the other in the evening. There were instances in scripture when the people took their eyes off God and chose to worship an ephod in His place, forgetting that the power belonged to God, not the ephod. Each garment was individually made from the finest white flax linen in Israel. Likely this had to do with the sacredness of the priesthoods garments and what these materials and colors represented typologically. 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. We know the ephod was a tool of ceremonya special, ornate, handcrafted item with great significance. He (David) has an infamous line Bring me the ephod.. An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. It was a day of rejoicing as David "and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets . The holy garments that the priests wore while performing their duties set them apart from the rest of the Israelites. Without the ephodor the breastpiece, tunic, or sashthe priest was unfit to serve. I will start by explaining what an ephod is, who was allowed to wear it, and what it looked like. Hallelujah! Leviticus 10:1-7) Furthermore, he could not go near any dead person, including his father and mother (Leviticus 21:11). This arrangement of the tribes forms a cross with its base to the East. Note that God is concerned about covering our nakedness or private parts (Exodus 20:26. APUD or APDO Gr. Epomis, ephod, ephoud, Lat. The Ephod - Theopolis Institute 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). In Jesus statement, It is finished, we have a declaration of salvation that is both in a particular moment in time and eternity. The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. May God bless you abundantly! (John 10:28,29) Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38,39). She has a weekly YouTube devotional, too. (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) The Gospel of Mark Jesus the suffering servant. On each shoulder piece, six of Jacobs sons names were engraved on an onyx stone (these were the 12 men who founded the 12 tribes of Israel). The ephod was of great importance. There are many opinions on what are the correct stones and order for the stones. The Tabernacle of Moses - God's Heavenly Pattern for our Spiritual Ephod - The 1901 Jewish Encyclopedia He was not prepared, not clean and holy enough, to do the work of the Lord. I agree that more studies need to be done on the O.T. The High Priests garment was holy and sacred; therefore, not to be torn even for a relatives death. Decorative pomegranates made of sky-blue, purple, and crimson-dyed wool were attached to the robes lower hem. ";[8] according to the Bible this action eventually caused the whole of Israel to turn away from God yet again and the ruin of Gideon and his family. This post is all about the ephod in the bible. These included: According to scripture (Exodus 28:6-12), the high priests ephod consisted of two gold shoulder pieces and an intricately woven band of gold, scarlet, blue, and purple yarn connecting them. What Is an Ephod - Purpose and Meaning in the Bible Ephod - Holman Bible Dictionary - StudyLight.org Sweat was part of the curse and represents human works, effort, reasoning, striving, worrying, fear, etc. The Gospel of Matthew Jesus of royal lineage. He is our ever-present help (See. Again, no sewing was used, simply weaving. [See on [265]1Ch 15:27.]. Jesus, the one full of Grace and Truth! It carried much symbolic weight. When we do this, we make an idol out of something that is not God. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (1 John 1:5. Hebrews 7:1-17) Therefore, He is the King of Righteousness and Peace and a giver of righteousness that leads to peace with God the Father. The Bible mentions Urim and Thummim many times. Hallelujah! It is often used in ceremonial dress, and it is also used in religious artwork. It carried much symbolic weight. God invents boxer shorts! Jesus tunic was made out of the finest linen and was completely seamless. In Jesus, we have someone who has even more authority. If you are unsure of what to do, dont be afraid to ask God for guidance. Again, He assesses us in the light of His unique Son, Jesus. Jesus the Messiah! The same as the High Priests Tunic previously described. However . They sacrificed to it and made offerings to it. ESV Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. Furthermore, Hal believes that being a successful leader in the church or workplace is no substitute for failing to be a successful leader at home. 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. Again, what Jesus is is what we are in the sight of God! The ephod is a garment of great significance. Only he can save us from our sins and give us eternal life. June 13, 2014 by Peter Leithart. 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. You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aarons garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. It was as if The Word (i.e., Jesus) offered the animal sacrifices to God the Father. We know the ephod was a tool of ceremonya special, ornate, handcrafted item with great significance. [2] The verb --, "to gird," is used for an ephod, [3] implying that an ephod contains (or perhaps is) a belt or sash. It is mentioned throughout the Bible and has been worn by some of the most well-known figures in Christianity. The exact meaning and derivation of the term "ephod" are not clear. For all time and eternity, we are the objects of the Fathers supreme affection, the recipients of His unlimited mercies (i.e., unlimited ability to meet all our needs, wants, and desires). It reminds us of our need to obey Gods laws and of His authority over us. The figure above graphically depicts how Israel was instructed to camp (Numbers 2:1-34) with the width (East and West) or height (North and South) of each tribe corresponding to its population. As an Image. However, at Jesus Sanhedrin trial, the High Priest Caiaphas (the name means rock) tore his clothes even though this was forbidden. The Hebrew word tekheletliterally means blue, with its root word meaning complete. When Jesus from the cross cried out finished, He said one Aramaic word: kulah, translated as Teleostei in Greek, with both words meaning finished (6). He has gone into the presence of God on our behalf and has made intercession for us. Lets find out more about the significance of the ephod. The people of Israel worshipped the ephod as if it were a god. What Was the Spiritual Purpose of the Ephod in the Bible? [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]. We dont need an ephod or any special objects in order to do this; all we need is the Holy Spirit. Notice that there are five components: Gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen. These garments are made from white flax, hence their designationthe white garments.They must be woven, and each thread used must be six-ply woven from six individual strands of fabric. The Golden Garment of the High Priests uniform was a two-layered set of clothing which included the four garments of the regular priests plus four additional articles of clothing that were added to enhance the ritual beauty and honor of the sacredness of the duties of the High Priest in his daily work of atonement for the children of Israel. Aww! White typifies righteousness and purity. 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. After his victory, Gideon made an ephod out of the gold that he had captured from the Midianites. 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. Red and blue combined yield purple. The ephod was one of these instructions, as significant as the rest. 2 Samuel 6:14 Commentaries: And David was dancing before the LORD with (Hebrews 5:6,10; 6:20) Even as the Levites were priests of the Old Covenant, we believers are all priests and kings after the order of Melchizedek and ministers of the New Covenant. (Song of Songs 5:16) We have been brought by Jesus, our Great High Priest, to the place where we have enteredinto the presence of God the Father. It reminds us that we are His chosen people and have been given authority over the enemy. He consecrated it to God, but after his death homage was paid to it as an idol. The precious stones with the names represented that all of Gods Special Treasures (i.e., His people) are on His heart. This means that we are eternally secure in Jesus. Ephod - Wikipedia (3) The ephod covered the back of his body. What is a Ephod and what does it look like? - Quick-Advice.com He made a covenant with Moses, promising He would still be with the people in spite of their misdeeds as long as they obeyed God (Exodus 34:10-11). White is the symbolic color of purity, of cleanliness. Both were made of white linen, woven without a seam. The spiritual significance of the ephod is that it points to Jesus as our high priest. The names on the breastplate were always close to Aarons heart, just as with Christ and His precious ones. Verse 6. Glad this was of some help. The integration of the stones in the breastplate, as well as the Hebrew usage of "Urim" as "lights," suggest that the Urim and Thummim may have been a type of ocular device through which the priest would look when receiving divine communication. 6:14). This belt was woven into the entire length of the ephods upper hem. As He specifies, the ephod should be made of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linenthe work of skilled hands. The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. In Hebrew, Dham means blood and Adham (i.e., Adam) means red-blooded man. The ephod enabled him to do his job and to properly hear God. Therefore, some textual scholars regard its presence in the Masoretic text as a later editorial gloss.[2]. l. 3. c. 7. sect. The ephod was worn by David while dancing in the presence of the Ark (containing the stone tablets). The first of the fourth row was achrysolite, the next was an onyx, and then a beryl, which was the last of all. 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. The high priest wore a skillfully crafted ephod consisting of gold shoulder pieces bearing carved onyx stones showing the names of the 12 tribes, and a woven band of colorful threads. These are the same people who Moses led out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. The Ephod is a beautiful reminder of the history of the Jewish people and their faith. To wipe out this slight upon his own tribe, Gideon made an ephod bearing the name of Manasseh. God made a way. Although the linen ephod is primarily associated with the high priests garments, it was by no means limited to the high priest. The Talmud argues that each of the textures was combined in six threads with a seventh of gold leaf, making 28 threads to the texture in total. Why did David request the ephod knowing he wasnt the High Priest? For instance, in 1 Samuel 23, when David heard Saul was plotting against him, he went to Abiathar the priest and asked him to bring the ephod (v. 9). Jesus is the one who can help us find forgiveness and eternal life. The Ephod was an apron-like garment worn in priestly activities at the temple. This belt was made of a mixture of blue, purple, and scarlet wool yarn and white linen thread. He reminded His people of His faithfulness with beautiful depictions of the names of the 12 sons of Jacob on the onyx stones on the ephod (and breastpiece). The ephods front and back were made to be as one garment by a sash or girdle, which was tied about the priests waist. 22:18). Only he is worthy of our worship and devotion. And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. On each side, one chain represents that we will never be snatched from God our Fathers hand, and a second chain represents we will never be snatched from our God Jesus hand. In 1 Chronicles 15 (27-28), though not a priest, King David is seen wearing a linen ephod (not the high priests ephod) as the ark of the covenant is returned to Jerusalem. 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. Its appearance can be likened to an apron; it was worn in back, on top of his other garments, and was fastened by a long belt in the front, opposite his heart. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly. What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org 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. These were then rolled and hammered some more until each piece was the tiniest, finest pure gold thread. After the Day of Atonements conclusion, he will never again wear the white garments he officiated on this day. That is, right standing or rather the right to stand before our Holy God. Chitn is the word in the Greek Old Testament for the tunic/undergarment worn by all priests, while a different word, hypodyts ( ), is usually the word for the priestly robe. 3 Surprising Reasons to Be Like Doubting Thomas. This blog post will discuss 12 fascinating facts about the ephod. As Moses explained to Aaron, they needed to follow these directions perfectly or face consequences, including death. Again, 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. Romans 5:1;10:15. In this situation, it is clear that God alone was being worshiped following the victory. Today, the ephod is not worn by the High Priest. 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. What did the priestly garments look like? It was an integral part of being ceremonially ready to serve God. So, What Is An Ephod? | Ephods & Pomegranates Gideon had 70 sons from the many women he took as wives. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? (1) Select the link to open another article in a new tab with additional information. God then gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws. The video helped a lot in the understanding of how it was made. One Greek word, Tetelestai, is spoken in the perfect tense by Jesus on the cross, and itwasfinished at that moment and for all time. 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. But Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people, and God relented. Gods divinity has come from Heaven. 12 Fascinating Facts About the Ephod in the Bible, What is the spiritual meaning of the ephod today? The same as the High Priests sash previously described. 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. The same as High Priests Tunic previously described. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! [1][2] The object made by Gideon is plainly described as having been worshipped, and therefore the idol of some deity, while the object made by Micah is closely associated with a Teraphim, and the Ephod and Teraphim are described interchangeably with the Hebrew terms pesel and massekah, meaning graven image, and molten image, respectively. What He is, is what we are in the sight of God. A linen ephod; the usual habit of the priests and Levites in their sacred ministrations, yet sometimes worn by others, as it was by the young child Samuel, 1 Samuel 2:18, before he was come to those years in which the Levites were allowed to minister; and so hereby David, who laid by his royal robes, and put on this robe, to signify and declare, BIBLE WARDROBES AND THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SPIRITUAL CLOTHING - Lesson 4 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. Blue Heaven the abode of God. Over the ephod, the High Priest wore abreastplatewhich was a pouch about 22-cm (about 9 inches) square made of beautifully woven material. The Gospel of John Jesus the Son of God. Great detail goes into the Lords description of the ephod. The ephod also symbolized the high priests authority over the people. We can now approach God and see His face without dying (Exodus 28:35) and not just His backside like Moses under the law. Listed below are a few of them. The biblical description (Exodus 28:16, 39:9) continues describing the size of the breastplate which is affixed to the front of the ephod as a square measuring one span by one span (the width of an outstretched hand from little finger tip to out stretched thumb tip). There was also a girdle sewed to the breastplate. The ephod is a garment of great significance. The ephod is a very important symbol in the Bible. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? 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.. So when they wanted to know Gods will, they consulted a priest or prophet, who would then speak to God on their behalf. Shes also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When Youre Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed. 28:6-8; 39:2-5). Consequently, these clothes carried the richness and beauty that surpassed the royal robes of the mightiest kings of the surrounding empires. The breastpiece that was attached to the ephod also held huge significance and contained two stones, the Urim and Thummim. To most commentators, a belt and shoulder straps suggested an apron-like garment. The most important garment worn by the High Priest is the ephod. 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).
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