Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 261

"For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens..." Hebrews 7:26

Text: Exodus 28 : 26-28

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EPHOD AND THE BREASTPLATE

It is interesting to understand the relationship between the Ephod and the Breastplate of Judgment. Let us take time to ponder the following text.

“You shall make two rings of gold,
and put them on the two ends of the breastplate,
on the edge of it, which is on the inner side of the ephod.
And two other rings of gold you shall make, and put them
on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod towards
its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band
of the ephod. They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings
to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above
the intricately woven band of the ephod, and so that the
breastplate does not come loose from the ephod.”
EXODUS 28:26-28

Both pieces of garments share certain things in common. There were also features that were unique to each garment.

1. Things in Common- (Memorial purpose)

a) Both the Ephod and Breastplate have intricate workmanship.
b) Both have the names of the tribes of Israel engraved on stones.

2. Things unique to each piece of garment

a) The Ephod had only two stones made of onyx.
b) The Breastplate made use of twelve different types of stones.

3. Different Functions

a) The Ephod was used to represent God to the people (holiness, glory and beauty).
b) The Breastplate of judgment was used to represent Israel before God.

4. Intricately Linked

The high priest must know how to wear these two pieces of garments well. He must make sure that “the breastplate does not come loose from the ephod”. The symbolic meaning is very obvious! The two pieces of garments, though distinct one from the other, are intricately linked together. Both are to be used in worship and communion with God. Both represent Israel before the Lord!