What Does An Ephod Look Like In The Bible?
The ephod is an interesting and somewhat mysterious ritual garment from the Old Testament. If you’re looking for a quick answer, the ephod was a sleeveless outer vest or tunic worn by the Hebrew high priest. It was made of finely woven linen and had special stones on the shoulder straps.
But there’s much more to uncover about what an ephod looks like, what materials it was made of, and its symbolic significance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the biblical descriptions, historical context, and spiritual meaning of the ephod.
In this detailed article, we’ll cover the appearance, materials, purpose and symbolic meaning of the ephod. We’ll look at the instructions for constructing it, its use by the high priest, and how it changed over different eras.
With over 20 relevant bible passages and scholarly input, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what an ephod is and what it represented.
The Appearance and Construction of the Ephod
The Ephod’s Sleeveless Outer Tunic Design
The ephod was a sleeveless outer tunic worn by the high priest in ancient Israel. It was made of fine linen and woven in a patterned design with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 28:6-8). The ephod was like an apron that wrapped around the waist and hung down to just above the knees in the front and back.
It was secured by a woven band tied around the priest’s waist.
The ephod was unique in its sleeveless design. While most priestly garments had sleeves, the ephod set apart the high priest by leaving his shoulders exposed. This distinct style allowed the ephod to be worn over the blue robe mentioned in Exodus 28:31.
The sleeveless outer tunic design was crucial for holding the breastpiece containing the Urim and Thummim.
Its Materials and Decorations of Gold, Blue, Purple and Scarlet
The ephod was meticulously crafted from fine linen and decorated lavishly with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 28:6). The fine twisted linen gave the ephod a soft, flexible texture. The colored yarns were likely woven or embroidered into the linen to form elaborate patterns and designs.
These materials symbolized important attributes about the high priest and his role. Fine linen represented purity and righteousness. Blue symbolized the heavens. Purple represented royalty and luxury. Scarlet alluded to sacrifice and blood.
Gold thread enriched the garment to reflect glory, beauty, and God’s presence.
The vivid colors and gold decorations made the ephod a vibrant, ornamental vestment befitting the high priest’s sacred duties. As he ministered before God in the tabernacle, the exquisite ephod visibly displayed the high priest’s spiritual authority and close relationship with God.
Instructions for Crafting the Ephod
Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions for constructing the ephod:
- It was to be made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine twisted linen (v. 6).
- Gold threads were to be worked into the fabric using an embroiderer’s skill (v. 6).
- Two onyx stones with engraved names of Israel’s tribes were to be mounted on the ephod’s shoulder pieces (vv. 9-12).
- Two gold chains were to attach the shoulder pieces at the front edges (v. 14).
- The ephod was to be fastened with a woven band made of the same materials (v. 8).
Following these specifications ensured the ephod was properly fabricated for ceremonial and functional purposes. The shoulder straps supported the weight of the breastpiece. The engraved stones and gold chains marked tribal connections. The band securely fastened the vestment around the priest.
God provided clear guidelines so the ephod could fulfill its divine purpose.
The Symbolic Meaning and Spiritual Significance
Representation of the Tribes and Bearing Iniquity
The ephod was a priestly garment that bore gemstones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. This symbolized the High Priest bearing the tribes before God and making intercession for them. When he entered the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, the ephod served as a reminder that the High Priest was bearing the iniquity of the people and representing them before the Lord (Exodus 28:12).
The ephod’s role in bearing the 12 tribes spiritually before God made it a vital symbolic garment. It visually demonstrated the priestly work of intercession and atonement for the Israelites. The ephod was a sacred covering that allowed the High Priest to stand before the Lord on behalf of the people.
Access to Divine Guidance Through the Breastpiece
The ephod included an embroidered breastpiece with the Urim and Thummim, which were sacred lots used to determine God’s will (Exodus 28:30). When important decisions needed to be made, the High Priest would inquire of the Lord by use of the Urim and Thummim to receive divine guidance and revelation.
The presence of the Urim and Thummim on the ephod highlights its spiritual function. Wearing the ephod allowed the High Priest to access the revelatory power of the sacred lots and provide direction from God.
So the ephod enabled the leader to be guided by divine wisdom when governing the nation of Israel.
Significance To The High Priest
The ephod set apart the High Priest and gave him the spiritual authority to perform his duties and intercede for the Israelites before God. It marked his sacred office and close relationship with the Lord. The ephod was worn exclusively by the High Priest and visually displayed his unique role.
The materials and colors of the ephod were similar to the tabernacle curtains and the garments of the priests. So the ephod unified the High Priest with the tabernacle and worship system. This highlights how the ephod spiritually connected the High Priest to Israel’s worship and amplified his leadership role.
The Ephod in Ceremony and Ritual
Worn by Priests to Inquire of God
The ephod was a sacred garment worn by the high priest and used to inquire of God regarding His will (Exodus 28:4). This religious vestment represented the presence of God and gave the wearer authority to interact with the divine.
According to scriptures, the ephod was worn over the robe of the ephod (Exodus 28:31). This unique outer garment was made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen – expensive and luxurious materials befitting religious ceremony.
The ephod fastened over the shoulders and extended down the torso in front and back. An oracle pouch holding the Urim and Thummim was attached to the front. This allowed the priest to “carry the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart” before God (Exodus 28:29-30).
Used in Religious Ceremonies and Worship
In addition to inquiring of the Lord, the ephod robe played a role in Israelite ceremonies and times of worship in the tabernacle and temple. The clothing represented the holy status of the priesthood to the people.
For example, 1 Samuel 2:18 describes Samuel wearing a linen ephod as he assisted Eli the priest at Shiloh. The ephod marked Samuel’s religious function despite being a child. His clothing showed he acted in an official priestly role during sacrifices.
Later, when David brought the ark to Jerusalem, he “was dancing before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sounding of horns and trumpets” (2 Samuel 6:14-15). Here the euphoric worship included the priestly ephod.
Changes After the Exodus
Initially, ephods were elaborate vestments with gold and stones worn solely by the high priest. However, following the Exodus, their use changed and expanded over time.
During the decades in the wilderness, it seems only the simpler linen ephod remained in the priest’s wardrobe. Yet this still represented his unique status and duties before God.
Later evidence in Judges and Hosea suggests ephods reappeared in public worship and that priests wore luxurious golden robes again. Additionally multiple priests potentially wore the special clothing.
By the end of Israel’s time in Canaan, unauthorized people even accessed priestly ephods illicitly. Some Bible experts theorize these may have been simpler versions of the original ornate ephod.
Descriptions From Major Bible Passages
Exodus 28 – Original Instructions for the Ephod’s Design
The first description of the ephod is found in Exodus 28, with God giving detailed instructions for its design to Moses while the Israelites were still wandering in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.
It was to be made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen (Exodus 28:6-14).
The ephod was designed with shoulder pieces joined by two onyx stones engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, indicating it was a symbol of authority and representation before God. The breastpiece worn over the ephod housed the Urim and Thummim used for discerning God’s will (Bible Study Tools).
1 Samuel 2 – References to the Ephod in Worship
In 1 Samuel 2, the ephod is mentioned in the context of worship. The priests Eli and his sons who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh wore linen ephods (1 Samuel 2:18). The passage highlights the sin and corruption of Eli’s sons in their mishandling of their priestly duties.
Later, David danced “before the LORD with all his might” while wearing a linen ephod as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14-23). This shows how the ephod continued as a key garment used in worship ceremonies even after the instructions given to Moses.
1 Samuel 21 – David Seeks the Ephod in Nob
In 1 Samuel 21, David went to the tabernacle at Nob and asked the priest Ahimelek for food and a weapon. He also inquired, “Is there not here on hand a spear or a sword? I haven’t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king’s mission was urgent” (1 Samuel 21:8).
It seems David was hoping to also utilize the ephod and its associated Urim and Thummim to spiritually discern what his next steps should be as he fled from Saul. Ahimelek reported to David that the sword of Goliath was there, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod (1 Samuel 21:9).
David was weaponless and in great danger, looking to the ephod for guidance.
Conclusion
The ephod was a critical ritual garment for the ancient Israelites that served both symbolic and practical purposes. With its intricate design and role in worship, it gives insight into their spiritual life and relationship with God.
While many details remain shrouded in mystery, we’ve assembled the biblical evidence to uncover the ephod’s appearance, origins, and evolving purpose over time. Let us know if this comprehensive guide brought greater understanding about the ephod and its representations.
