A Long Apron

O. T. "A Long Apron"
Feb. 19, 2013
Exodus 28-Part 3
And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. Exodus 28:8

LET IT GLOW

Last week, I brought my granddaughter and her two cousins to my home after school so they could have some playtime together. As they prepared her play kitchen, one girl asked me tie an apron around her waist, another asked me tie a full sized apron around her neck and waist. Third girl sat at a child-sized table awaiting her order to be taken at their imaginary restaurant. They were so cute; I should have taken a picture. This came to my mind after studying about the apron-type garment worn by Aaron, the High Priest. Are you curious yet? Read on dear ones.

God gave specific instructions for the special clothing to be worn while the high priest was serving God in the Tabernacle. Aaron, Moses' brother, was to be the first high priest of Israel. Aaron's sons and the tribe of Levi were selected by God for the duties for worship and sacrifices.

{The last post gave an overview of the high priest's wardrobe. If you missed it, it would advantageous for you to read it first, then proceed with today's lesson.}

The four parts of the high priest's garments mentioned in this chapter include:

1. The Ephod (verses 6-14)
2. The Breastplate (verses 15-30)
3. The Robe of the Ephod (verses 31-35) or embroidered coat
4. The Holy Crown (verses 36-39)

Shall we look closer at the first one today?

The Ephod
Whenever Aaron entered the sanctuary, he carried with him on the shoulders the badge and the engraved stones that were representative of the Twelve Tribes. (MacArthur)

In Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, there are two different Hebrew words used in this chapter for the word ephod: (1) Ephod (e'fod)-The first meaning of it as in verses 4,6, 12, 15, and 25-31 refers to
                                  the image, a high priest's shoulder piece;
                            (2) Ephuddah (ay-food-daw')-The second meaning of it as in verse 8, refers to a
                                 plating of metal (ornament).

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament says:

The ephod is described as a particular garment-a sleeveless coat made of the same material and colors as the hangings in the tabernacle. It was held together at the shoulders by special clasps, and on each clasp was an onyx stone engraved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel. The high priest carried his people on his shoulders as he served the Lord. The high priest wore a beautiful girdle around the ephod as a reminder that he was a servant.

Liberty Bible Commentary describes it this way:

The ephod was a beautiful outer garment similar to an apron in the front and back, joined at the two shoulders pieces (verse 7). Two onyx stones were to have engraved upon them the names of the twelve children of Israel (verse 9), six on each stone (verse 10). These were to be worn upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial (verses 11-12). Aaron bore up the children of Israel before the LORD. Ouches of gold mean gold settings in which the engraved stones were placed.

I'm sure you have seen pictures of this long, full-length outer apron garment.
Aren't you glad that we are not told what to wear and when to wear it?
Although, this wardrobe did set apart the office of the high priest in the Tabernacle service.


LET IT GROW


Friends, I was not wise enough to figure out the meaning of the ephod in relation to Jesus, our High Priest. However, I did find a wise man who helped me out.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible states:

Christ, our High Priest, appeared to John, girt about the paps with a golden girdle; such as was the curious girdle of the ephod (Rev. 1:13). Righteousness is the girdle of His loins (Is. 11:5) and should be of ours (Eph. 6:14). He is girt with strength for the work of our salvation, and is ready for it. The government is said to be upon His shoulders (Is. 9:6), as Aaron had the names of all Israel upon His shoulders in precious stones. He presents to Himself and to His Father a glorious church (Eph. 5:27). He has power to support them, interest to recommend them, and it is in Him that they are remembered with honor and favor: He bears them before the Lord for a memorial (verse 12), in token of His appearing before God as the Representative of all Israel, and an Advocate for them. 

LET IT GO

Make sure we are covered with the righteousness of Jesus.

Be a part of the glorious church of Christ.

Remember Whose name we represent to the people around us.

Go to Jesus for a spiritual cleansing so we are worthy to bear the name Christian.