Exodus 28:6 - Meaning and Application

Instructions are now given about the ephod, the outer garment of the high priest. Ordinary priests wore linen ephods (1 Samuel 22:18). Samuel wore one as a child (1 Samuel 2:18), and David wore one when he danced before the ark (2 Samuel 6:14). But the ephod worn only by the high priest was called a golden ephod, because much gold was woven into it.

It was a short coat without sleeves, fastened closely to the body, with a special sash made from the same material (Exodus 28:6-8). The shoulder pieces were joined by two precious stones set in gold, one on each shoulder, and the names of the children of Israel were engraved on them (Exodus 28:9-12). This points to Christ, our high priest, who was seen by John dressed with a golden sash around his chest, like the ephod’s special belt (Revelation 1:13).

Righteousness, that is, right living before God, is the belt around his waist (Isaiah 11:5), and it should also be ours (Ephesians 6:14). He is ready for the work of our salvation and fully fitted for it. The rule of his kingdom rests on his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6), just as Aaron carried the names of all Israel on his shoulders in precious stones.

He presents the church to himself and to his Father in glory (Ephesians 5:27). He has the power to support his people, the standing to present them well, and in him they are remembered with honor and favor. He bears them before the Lord as a memorial (Exodus 28:12), showing that he appears before God as the representative of all Israel and as their advocate.