Question 1

What is the ephod in this passage and how did it look?

Accepted Answer

In this passage the ephod is the special outer garment worn by the high priest. It was like a short, sleeveless coat that fit closely around his body. It was made from fine linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with threads of gold woven into it. It had shoulder pieces that joined it together and a matching woven belt, called the curious girdle, made from the same materials. It was beautiful, but it was also meant to show the holiness and importance of the high priest’s work before God.

Question 2

Why were the names of the children of Israel engraved on onyx stones?

Accepted Answer

The names of the twelve tribes of Israel were engraved on two onyx stones to show the close link between the high priest and the people. Six tribe names were on one stone and six on the other, set in gold and placed on the high priest’s shoulders. God calls them “stones of memorial.” This means they were a visible reminder that the whole people of Israel were carried before God. The high priest did not serve for himself alone, but as the one who represented all the tribes in God’s presence.

Question 3

What does it mean that Aaron bore Israel’s names on his shoulders for a memorial?

Accepted Answer

Aaron bearing Israel’s names on his shoulders for a memorial means he carried the people before God in a special, official way. The shoulders are a picture of strength and support. By wearing their names in precious stones, Aaron showed that the people were always remembered in God’s presence and supported by the strength God gave their priest. This also points to Christ, who carries His people, lifts them up when they are weak, and always represents them before the Father as their perfect High Priest.

Question 4

Why were the stones called stones of memorial for the children of Israel?

Accepted Answer

They were called stones of memorial because they were meant to be a lasting sign of the relationship between God and His people. The stones reminded everyone that the tribes were accepted and brought into God’s presence through one appointed mediator. Some have seen the memorial as reminding God of His people, others as reminding the priest, or reminding the people that God is at peace with them. In any case, the main idea is that these stones marked a shared bond and God’s welcome to His people in worship.

Question 5

What is the curious girdle of the ephod and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The curious girdle was the woven belt attached to the ephod. It was made from the same materials as the ephod itself: gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. It wrapped around the high priest and held the ephod close to his body. This showed his readiness and commitment to serve. Elsewhere in Scripture, a girdle or belt is linked with righteousness and faithfulness. In a similar way, this girdle hints at how Christ is perfectly prepared and firmly devoted to carry out His work as our High Priest and Savior.

Question 6

How does the ephod and its stones point to Christ as our High Priest?

Accepted Answer

The ephod and its stones picture Christ in several ways. The rich materials hint at His glory and the beauty of His character. The names of Israel on the shoulders show how Christ carries His people and takes responsibility for them. He lifts us up when we could never reach God on our own. Just as Aaron went into God’s presence with the tribes on his shoulders, Christ appears before the Father with His people on His heart, praying for them and using His strength to support them on their way to eternal life.

Question 7

What was the purpose of the gold ouches and chains on the ephod?

Accepted Answer

The gold ouches were settings or sockets that held the onyx stones in place on the shoulders of the ephod. The pure gold chains, made in a twisted pattern, were fastened to these settings. Together, they secured the precious stones so they would not fall and later helped attach the breastplate. The use of gold shows the value and honor of the priest’s work. It also reminds us that the way God’s people are held before Him is not loose or uncertain, but firmly fixed and beautifully ordered by His design.

Question 8

How can this passage about priestly clothes apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

At first, this passage can feel like it is only about old priestly clothes, but it still speaks to us. It shows that God cares about how we approach Him and that worship is not casual. It reminds us that we need a mediator, and that Christ perfectly fills that role, carrying us like the tribes on His shoulders. Knowing this can grow our trust in Him, especially when we feel weak. It also encourages us to carry others in prayer, bringing their names before God, just as the high priest bore Israel’s names.

Exodus 28:6

¶ And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

The Ephod

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Exodus 28:6

¶ And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

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The Ephod

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