Exodus 39:1-7 – Let’s put on our priestly ephod

Earlier in Exodus 28, God gave instruction to Moses how the garment for Aaron, the high priest ought to be made. As we come to Exodus 39:1-31, we see the production of the garment. But before we look at the high priest’s garment, let’s consider Aaron, the person who would be wearing the garment. We cannot help but be drawn to see the graciousness of God as we come to this chapter. We remember when God was giving instruction on how the garment for Aaron should be made and how the Tabernacle should be constructed, Aaron was committing a grave sin against God at the foot of Mount Sinai. Exodus 32 shows us that he was encouraging the Israelites to worship the golden calf, which he had made from the gold he collected from the people. Rightly, he should have been disqualified from service. Yet in God’s graciousness, he was forgiven, pardoned and given another opportunity to serve God in the highest office of the priesthood. This is an act of God’s grace. Thankfully, Psalm 103:14 tells us that God knows our frame and is mindful that we are but dust. Therefore, we must not take His grace for granted and spurn His love for us. We should instead give our best to serve Him.

The complete suit of the high priest garment comprised of four pieces, namely: the ephod, the breast-piece, the robe, and the tunic. Exodus 39:1-7 describe the making of the ephod. It was made of the same material as the inner layer of the Tabernacle. The finely woven garment was made from blue, purple and scarlet yarn interwoven with threads of gold. Hence the garment provides an optical link between his garment and the place he was serving in.  It was a sleeveless vest with two shoulder straps. Onyx stones in fine gold lace were also made. On those onyx stones were engraved the names of the sons of Israel like the engraving on a signet. Then these stones would be mounted on the shoulder straps. As Aaron, the high priest, went into the presence of God, he was representing the nation of Israel. He was carrying the people on his shoulder. He was bringing the people before the Lord. The Apostle Peter tells us that we are a royal priesthood. And we must function as a priest of Christ. Remember the function of the priest is two-fold. When he comes before God, he represents the needs of the people before God. When he emerges and stands before the people, he stands in God’s place and carries the message of God for the people. Like Aaron, every time we come before God in prayer, we carry the needs of the people before God. And when we are with them, we must be mindful of our role as God’s representative. We are carriers of the message of God before a watching world. We must intercede for the people and we must also be ambassadors of God before the people. So, let’s intercede for others, and also live righteously, because they matter. Let’s do it for God!