Ephod & Breastplate

The ephod was a richly woven garment of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet worn by the high priest, and over it sat the breastplate of judgment — a jewelled pouch set with twelve precious stones, one for each tribe of Israel.

Their purpose was deeply pastoral. On the shoulders of the ephod were two onyx stones engraved with the tribes’ names, and the breastplate bore all twelve again over the heart, “that Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel… upon his heart… for a memorial before the LORD continually.” The priest carried the whole people, by name, into God’s presence — on his shoulders (strength) and over his heart (love).

Within the breastplate were kept the Urim and Thummim for discerning God’s will. The vestments picture the work of a mediator who represents his people before God — a role the New Testament sees perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the great High Priest who bears his own upon his heart and ever lives to intercede for them.