What is the ephod in the Old Testament?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The ephod in the Old Testament has two main meanings: one is a special garment worn by the high priest, made of fine linen and decorated with gold and colorful threads (Exodus 28:4). This ephod was used in the priest's service to God, symbolizing holiness and reverence in worship. The second use refers to a type of idol, as seen when Gideon and Micah used ephods in idolatrous worship (Judges 8:26-27, 17:5). The ephod in the New Testament is not a major focus, but it is connected to the broader themes of priesthood and sacrifice, pointing to Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Covenant. The ephod teaches us to worship God with purity and to avoid turning holy symbols into idols. Instead, we’re to focus on a true relationship with God.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• As part of the high priest's garments, the ephod would be made of fine, twisted linen that was blue, purple, and scarlet colored, and embroidered with gold thread (Exodus 28:4; 29:5; 39:2; Leviticus 8:7). A similar girdle held the ephod together by being draped over the shoulders, crossed, and held together in the back. Two golden rings were attached to the front of the ensemble to hold the breastplate.
• A different type of ephod is described in Judges 8:26-27 where Gideon melted down 1,700 shekels worth of gold earrings from the Midianites to make some sort of symbol. We are told that the Israelites worshiped it "… and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family" (Judges 8:27).
• Later, in Judges 17:5, Micah also made what is called an ephod and teraphim for his sanctuary.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Although the ephod is more prominently mentioned in the Old Testament as part of the priestly garments, its symbolic role in the New Testament references the priesthood and the sacrifices tied to Jesus' ultimate fulfillment of the Old Covenant (Matthew 27:31; Hebrews 9:4). The ephod itself is not a major feature in the New Testament narrative but is connected to the broader theme of priesthood and sacrifice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The ephod in the Old Testament holds important lessons for us today, particularly regarding how we approach God and the way we use symbols and rituals. The ephod as part of the high priest's garments represents God's holiness and the reverence required when approaching Him. It reminds us that we are called to worship God with purity and obedience, as the high priest did in service to God. In contrast, the misuse of ephods as idols in Judges warns us against placing anything, even something that seems sacred, above God or using it in ways that distract from true worship. We are invited to seek God with a heart fully committed to Him, avoiding the temptation to turn holy things into objects of idolatry, instead focusing on the relationship that He desires with us.

UNDERSTAND

• The ephod was a sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing holiness in worship.
• The ephod also referred to an idol used in idolatrous worship by Gideon and Micah.
• The ephod represents the priesthood and sacrifice, which Jesus fulfilled.

REFLECT

• How do you approach God with reverence in your own life, and what can you do to deepen that sense of holiness in your worship?
• In what areas of your life do you need to be cautious of turning symbols or rituals into distractions that take your focus away from a true relationship with God?
• How can you ensure that your worship of God is pure and not influenced by idolization of anything—even things that seem sacred?

ENGAGE

• The ephod for the high priest was a garment instructed to be made by God. The ephods in Judges were used in ungodly idol worship. Some scholars think that the idol was clothed in a linen garment and the word "ephod" gradually transitioned to refer to the idol as a whole. Why do you think the ephod was misused as an idol by Gideon and Micah, and what lessons can we learn from their mistakes?
• What are the implications of the ephod as a symbol of holiness and reverence in worship for the way we approach God today?
• How can we appreciate the use of symbols and rituals in worship without allowing them to become idols or distractions from God Himself?