APUD or APDO Gr. (http://www.ciu.edu/content/it-finished-look-greek), Hal has been teaching the Bible for over three decades. Although the linen ephod is primarily associated with the high priests garments, it was by no means limited to the high priest. Gideons ephod just added to this division. Much effort went into the making of the ephod, and it was crafted from finery. Praecidan. 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 reminds us that we are set apart. [2] The verb --, "to gird," is used for an ephod, [3] implying that an ephod contains (or perhaps is) a belt or sash. This led to even more division among the Israelites. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. We are sinners in need of a Savior. The Present tense is linear: meaning something that continues on into the future and has ongoing results/implications. This means that we are eternally secure in Jesus. On many levels, linen and cotton are similar fabricsone made from the fibers of the cotton plant, the other from fibers of the flax plant, which has many of the same qualities as cotton. In Exodus 39, we read how the Israelites were obedient in this and crafted the ephod exactly as God commanded. Breastpiece or breastplate of judgment.. In this situation, it is clear that God alone was being worshiped following the victory. The high priest was the one who represented the people before God. NASB Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD, as a boy wearing a linen ephod. While cotton fabric is derived from the fibers in the bolls that grow around the plant's seed heads, linen is made from fibers in the stems of the flax plant. A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When Youre Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. (significance and symbolism), And thats it, folks, the ephod in the bible, Dream About the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem (Raw), 31+ Brilliant Bible Emergency Numbers (Verses). The High Priest and Priests wore no shoes or sandals, meaning they would walk barefoot, which is the prerequisite for walking on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). (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. The Bible tells us that we are not to worship anything but God. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. This sash was made of only white linen thread. He told Moses, Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. Josephus, Antiquities 3:7:1 Twelve stones were also on the breastplate, extraordinary in largeness and beauty; and they were anornament not to be purchasedby men, because of theirimmense value. Once you become purple, you can never become red again. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 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. These were integral elements in the communion between God and the high priest, like our union with Christ today, who represented the entire nation before God. Over a robe of checker work the High Priest wore a garment called an 'ephod'. When Jesus cried out FINISHED from the cross, He only said one word in Aramaic:KLH: Finished or fulfilled! Pictured above: Blue, purple, and scarlet wool yarn along with white linen thread and pure gold thread. It was not, therefore, a peculiarly priestly dress, though naturally more worn by them than by any one else. In modern Christianity, it is easy to gloss over the parts of scripture that are no longer seen or practiced like the garments and items the Jewish priests wore in the Old Testament. This bespoke of custom-fitted, meticulously detailed, and immaculately clean garments. The exact meaning and derivation of the term "ephod" are not clear. However . 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. This connection between the ephod and the oracle may also be seen very clearly in the combination of . White Righteousness and purity. I will start by explaining what an ephod is, who was allowed to wear it, and what it looked like. In the Old Testament this word has two meanings; in one group of passages it signifies a garment; in another, very probably an image. The most important garment worn by the High Priest is the ephod. God also told Moses to make sure the people stayed back and did not try to approach the Lord, for they were not holy or capable enough to be in His presence. ), (4) Depicted is a Temple service with the kohane blessing ritual (duchenen in Yiddish) that is performed on certain holy days. Long sleeves were worn by privileged people, meaning they did not have to perform manual labor. To most commentators, a belt and shoulder straps suggested an apron-like garment. That is, you cannot lose your salvation because the work of the Last Adam was greater than the work of the First Adam! 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. We dont need anything else when we have him. 12 Fascinating Facts About the Ephod in the Bible, What is the spiritual meaning of the ephod today? 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 settings for the two sardonyx stones (i.e., memorial or remembrance stones) were attached at the ends of these straps, on the shoulders. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Now the first three stones were asardonyx, a topaz, and an emerald. The ephod is also a reminder of our need for God. NIV But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod. The prophet Samuel, too, wore an ephod during his service to God. Lets take a closer look at why this act of making an ephod became a snare. The ephod supported the breastpiece of 12 precious stones. Therefore, the people knew they were not only duty-bound but also bound under threat of annihilation by God Himself to follow Gods commands. Hello Ken, thank you so much for stopping by! There appears to have been a strong religious and ceremonial implication to wearing an ephod, since the 85 priests at Nob are specifically identified as being the type of people who wore an ephod;[2] though the Masoretic text here describes them as being linen ephods (1 Samuel 22:18) the word linen is not present in the Septuagint version of the passage, nor is it present when the Septuagint describes David and Samuel as girding themselves with an ephod. [1][2] However, the biblical text states the Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate, not the ephod (Leviticus 8:8). Hallelujah! But the people had gone astray, as the Bible tells us. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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.. The ephod also symbolized the importance of obedience to Gods laws. That is, right standing or rather the right to stand before our Holy God. According to the ancient apocryphal Lives of the Prophets, after the death of Zechariah Ben Jehoiada, the priests of the Temple could no more, as before, see the apparitions of the angels of the Lord, nor could make divinations with the Ephod, nor give responses from the Debir. The Bible mentions Urim and Thummim many times. The High Priests garment was holy and sacred; therefore, not to be torn even for a relatives death. 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, The actual blessing is done with both arms held horizontally in front, at shoulder level, with hands touching, to form the Hebrew letter shin. This stands for the Hebrew word for Shaddai, meaning Almighty [God]., (5)Wuests Word Studies From the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, Volume Three, Golden Nuggets, Kenneth S. Wuest, Reprinted 1999,ISBN-13:978-0802822802, (6) It is finished or completed is the translation of the Greek word Tetelestaiwhich only appears twice in the Bible (John 19:28,30). The explanation seems to be that the ephod of bad was simply a garment worn by any one engaged in a religious service, and it is used in 1Samuel 22:18 to describe the priests, because such service constituted their ordinary life. Although David was not a priest, he was a man of God who sought to follow His will in all things. The purpose of this study is to review in detail each of the three priestly garments of the Old Testament. Well, I recently wrote a blog post on breakthrough and touched on David. He took a merciless beating so we would not have to take one! Other scholars[who?] Blue, purple, and scarlet wool yarn along with white linen thread and pure gold thread of the ephod. These stones represented that all the names of Gods Special Treasure (i.e., His people) and their needs are carried on His shoulders which represents being upheld by His strength. These pomegranates were actually hollow spheres of fabric in the shape of pomegranates. The ephods front and back were made to be as one garment by a sash or girdle, which was tied about the priests waist. The same as High Priests Turbin previously described. [1] The book of 1 Chronicles states that David was "clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark [and] David also wore an ephod of linen," [NAS Bible translation; 1 Chronicles, 15:27] "and David was wearing a linen ephod" [NAS Bible translation; 2 Samuel, 6:14]. Shortly after, in Leviticus 8, we read how Moses then adorned Aaron with the priestly garments, fastening them all on him just so. His sufferings were now finished, both those of his soul and those of his body. Decorative pomegranates made of sky-blue, purple, and crimson-dyed wool were attached to the robes lower hem. (Matthew 26:62-65). This post is all about the ephod in the bible. 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. Purple is the color of Royalty. Gold (pure) (1) Almighty God who is Holy. Jesus tunic was made out of the finest linen and was completely seamless. Learnt a lot from the work you put into this. Gideons ephod became a snare because it was an object of worship. What Jesus is, we are in the sight of God. We dont have to fear Gods wrath when we approach Him or think He cannot hear us. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Consequently, it is NOT all about us but rather all about Jesus Christ, and we are hidden in Him! There are many opinions on what are the correct stones and order for the stones. What does it look like? It is kept in position on the body by means of two shoulder pieces (v. 7) and a fastening band (v. 8).". Great detail goes into the Lords description of the ephod. We are saved at a specific point in time, it is finished, our debt is paid, we are ransomed from the kingdom of darkness, and then we confidently rest in the reality that it will continue to be finished because we are in a position of grace and stand justified for all time before God. It was an integral part of being ceremonially ready to serve God. 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). Ephesians 2:8,9. 22:18). This belt was made of a mixture of blue, purple, and scarlet wool yarn and white linen thread. (Genesis 14:18,20. Scarlet,or red, is the last color mentioned. It was as if The Word (i.e., Jesus) offered the animal sacrifices to God the Father. Romans 11:6)Hallelujah! 1 : a linen apron worn in ancient Hebrew rites especially : a vestment for the high priest 2 : an ancient Hebrew instrument of priestly divination Word History Etymology Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew phdh First Known Use 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Time Traveler This doesnt always mean that he will give us an immediate answer, but if we trust him and follow his leading, he will never lead us astray. Only he can save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Besides the fact that the language of doing something "before the LORD" is inherently priestly language, this clothing is what especially draws our attention. These straps went behind, up, and slightly over the garments upper corners, over the priests shoulders. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Finally, I will take a look at the significance of the ephod today and how it can be applied to our lives. These are the same people who Moses led out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. We are now at peace with God because Jesus has born the full judgment of Gods wrath for us! The tunicwas first invented by God for Adam and Eve after they had sinned, and He made them from the skin of an animal which I believe was a ram. What Do We Learn about Babylon in the Bible? 1 John 3:2). God is holy and sin separated God from His people but they could still come before Him through a priest following sacrifices and cleansing. An ephod was a garment usually made of linen that covered the priest from the shoulder to the hip. The precious stones with the names represented that all of Gods Special Treasures (i.e., His people) are on His heart. Thomas Hamilton ( Exodus) describes the ephod of Aaron: It "is shaped like an apron encircling the body and covers the loins (maybe "from waist to thigh). God desires His ministers to have cool passions. 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). The robe is put on from above, meaning not self-appointed but rather office and authority God appointed (John 19:11). Let us take a closer look at the way in which the Torah describes how Aaron must function vis--vis the "clothing items.". Most likely some sort of bag or pouch that carried the Urim and Thummim, some sort of objects used for divination. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx . The breastplate, called the Urim and Thummim would rest in a cloth receptacle upon the ephod. Genesis 30:1-24. ephod, also spelled Efod, part of the ceremonial dress of the high priest of ancient Israel described in the Old Testament (Ex. (1 John 1:5. What Was the Spiritual Purpose of the Ephod in the Bible? This indicates the ongoing nature of our salvation. In Hebrew, Dham means blood and Adham (i.e., Adam) means red-blooded man. And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aarons heart, when he goes in before the Lord. In particular, I was interested in the conquest where David defeated the Amalekites. What He is, is what we are in the sight of God. 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). The Breastplate was also attached to the Ephod by one piece of blue wool yarn on each lower side. 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. This skillful weave was not the routine cross-weave pattern found in most linen garments made from Israels looms. The Golden Garments of the High Priest revealed Jesus as God the Great High Priest in Heaven. Epomis, ephod, ephoud, Lat. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. The first four articles of clothing were uniquely worn by the High Priest, and the last four garments were similar to those worn by the other Priests except the Sash, which was unique for the Golden Garment: From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, they made woven garments for serving in the sanctuary; they made holy garments that were for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. The High Priests Day of Atonement garment. O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant. And the Lord said, He will come down.. 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. The stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and they were arranged in four rows of three stones each. Today, the ephod is not worn by the High Priest. In one of the most effusive displays of worship recorded in the Bible, King David danced "before the Lord with all his might" ( 2 Samuel 6:14 ). When we are trying to make a decision, we can ask God for guidance, and He will show us what to do. Further, two onyx stones are to be mounted in gold and fastened on the ephods shoulder pieces. We are also given the Holy Spirit, who helps us to grow in our relationship with God. (John 19:23,24). Anyone who dared to wear it without being authorized by God Himself would be judged harshly. These straps were attached to the ephod at the two upper corners. These are the same precious stones in the Garden of God called Eden (Ezekiel 28:13), symbolizing when mankind was free from sin. That means today there is a real, live, beating human heart in Heaven representing you and meat the right hand of the Father. 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. Mandrakes in the Bible | Thought-Provoking! When Gideon made the ephod, he made it an object of worship for the Israelites. (, The descendants of Aaron were responsible for offering sacrifices and keeping the tabernacleor, later, the templeclean and orderly. 1 Corinthians 12:20-24). There are two basic meanings for the word ephod. David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. We have His revealed and complete Word The Bible. 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. Girded with a linen ephod.This is usually spoken of as if David were arrayed in a distinctively priestly dress; but it is remarkable that the ephod was not prescribed as a part of the priestly dressthe ephod of the high-priest (Exodus 25:7, &c.) being quite a different thingand was worn by others, as Samuel (1Samuel 2:18). (1) Select the link to open another article in a new tab with additional information. It was intended for both the front and back of the body and made in two parts, which were clasped together at the shoulder by two onyx stones set in gold. The ephod was a sacred garment in the Old Testament. which was of the forementioned colors, with gold intermixed which, when it had gone once round, was tied again upon the seam and hung down.. In the Books of Samuel and Books of Chronicles, David is described as wearing an ephod when dancing in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:14, 1 Chronicles 15:27) and one is described as standing in the sanctuary at Nob, with a sword behind it (1 Samuel 21:9). 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. (Exodus 39:1 NET). David leads the ark procession into Jerusalem wearing a linen ephod (1 Samuel 6). Titus 3:5. God, the Father, takes the holy and righteous thoughts of Jesus and imputes them to us. That is, God the Father looks at Jesus to judge Christians. For an object to be considered an object of worship, it must have the approval of the Aaronic priesthood and Levites. According to the Talmud, the wearing of the ephod atoned for the sin of idolatry on the part of the Children of Israel.[7]. (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) The Gospel of Mark Jesus the suffering servant. Feel free to use the table of contents to see what topics Ill cover. [6], The object at Nob, which must have been somewhat freestanding since another object is kept behind it, and the objects made by Gideon and by Micah, from molten gold, logically cannot have just been garments. For Glory and Beauty, the garments bring praise to God and admiration from all that gaze upon them. It was listed first of these priestly garments, and the breastpiece was to be fashioned after the ephod, as well as tied to it with blue cord. It is often used in ceremonial dress, and it is also used in religious artwork. However, I know if you are super interested, you will likely move along the post in a systematic fashion. 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. (Ephesians 2:4-6)Hallelujah! 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. Thus, Aaron and his sons were ordained as Gods priests in accordance with all Gods commands. Wearing the Ephod demonstrated his humility and faith. The stones upon the breastplate represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and they were borne before the Lord continually as a memorial. That word literally means blue. Consequently, theblue thread is another picture of the God who came from Heaven, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose completed work is what holds us close to God our Fathers heart. White represents Jesus purity and righteousness which is the legal foundation for our redemption. When we do this, we make an idol out of something that is not God. Again, what Jesus is is what we are in the sight of God! This isnt mentioned negatively, but as an act of worship. Ephesians 2:13-18. It was worn at all times while the High Priest was within the Temple. 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. 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. He is our ever-present help (See. The ephod symbolized the authority that God had given to the Aaronic priesthood. The breastpiece that was attached to the ephod also held huge significance and contained two stones, the Urim and Thummim. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people,a royal priesthood,a holy nation,Gods special possession,that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. This sparked an interest in re-reading the story of David and his conquests. Consequently, the blue robe represents that the finished work of grace completed by Jesus, our Great High Priest, will never end (i.e., not undone or torn). The other Levites were tasked with helping the priests in these duties (. It is finished; all the types and prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed at the Messiahs sufferings, were accomplished. Breastplate Ephod (Vest or Apron) Robe (Coat - Outer Garment) Plate (Diadem or Crown) Tunic (Long Shirt - Inner Garment) Turban (Hat or Mitre) Sash ( Linen (1) Belt or Girdle) Undergarments (Short Pants) Now these are the garments that they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. . The wearer of such linen would not sweat. God tells Moses the two stones upon the ephod are, in fact, memorial stones for the sons of Israel and that Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord (Exodus 28:12). Purple the God-Man (Blue+Red=Purple) Jesus who is the Last Adam! We also see King David wearing a linen ephod in 2 Samuel 6:14 and 1 Chronicles 15:27 as he and others carried the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. Despite their periods of faithlessness, God remained faithful. ";[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. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Per my previous explanations, the Ephod was a garment that was only to be worn by the high priest.
