Exodus 28:5-8 NKJV

5 “They shall take the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, 6 and they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, artistically worked. 7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined at its two edges, and so it shall be joined together. 8 And the [c]intricately woven band of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same workmanship, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.

The Ephod was an apron type of garment that was worn by the high priest. The colors of the thread that was used to make this garment tell of the coming Christ and his nature. Blue is the heavenly color that tells of Christ as a heavenly prophet. Scarlet is the color of the sinless blood that Christ shed on our behalf, while purple is the color of royalty. Thus, these three colors tell of Christ as priest prophet and king. The gold and the white tell of Christs two natures, human and divine.

The bible tells us that this garment was artistically woven meaning that all these threads were carefully interwoven clearly depicting that the different offices and natures of Christ were connected yet not mixed.

The ephod had two shoulder straps that were connected to the back at the shoulders with two shoulder stones. These were oryx stones and each contained 6 names of the children of Israel in the order of their birth engraved on them. The shoulders depict strength and security. This was a reminder to the children of Israel that their strength and security as a people is not in themselves but rather they are carried on the shoulders of the High Priest who stands between them and God.

This is a great reminder for us today because Jesus is our High Priest forever making intercession for us. Our strength is not in ourselves but in him who carries us on his shoulders.

The names were engraved in the stone, they were permanent meaning no one could erase them. We too who have been called Jesus said that no man can pluck us out of his hand. This a great reminder that we have been set apart and thus our lifestyle should reflect that.

Reflections

• What’s that garment that you have set aside for only special occasions?
• Jesus said come to me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest. What burden are you carrying today?
• Do you believe that you have been set apart? How does that affect how you live life?