WeeklyWorship.org – Discipling Nations – Rev. Scott Zior

Ephod Anointing

The ephod was a special vest first made by Moses for Aaron, the High Priest, to wear according to thepattern given by God (Ex 28.6). The shoulder pieces were studded with two onyx stones with the twelvetribes inscribed on them, half on each. There was a sash for tying it to the waist. And a breastplate,known as the “breastplate of judgement,” fitted with twelve precious stones inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes was attached to the portion over the chest (Ex 28.15). And inside the breastplate there was a pocket containing two special stones called the Urim and theThummim (Ex 28.30). These stones were used to discern the will of God (Ex 28.15). They may haveindicated “innocent or guilty” or been a sign “yes or no” regarding the will of God. We read about other ephods made and used in the Old Testament on a number of occasions. Gideonmade and used one (Judges 8.27). David danced before the ark in a linen ephod when the ark wasbeing brought to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6.14). The priest at Nob had one (1 Sam 21.9). And idolatrousMicah also made one (Judges 17.5). The ephod was made of fine linen, gold and precious stones. The chains and fittings were made fromgold. The gold speaks of the glory of God, light and holiness. The linen was woven from blue, purpleand scarlet yarn. The blue speaks of royalty, the priesthood and God's chosen people. The purplespeaks of royalty, majesty, wealth, power, authority and penitence. The scarlet symbolizes the blood of Christ, the covenant and the atonement

The precious stones speak of “precious truths of faith” found inthe Scripture. The names of the twelve tribes were inscribed in two places, the shoulder pieces and the breastplate.When something is repeated, it is a matter which is firmly established. The Lord bears the burden of Hispeople, their sins and disobedience on his shoulders but he also bears them on His heart and is lovingand merciful to them when they repent and turn to Him.Since God is merciful, there is hope for all of us. James teaches us that “if we confess our sins, he isfaithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1.9).” Andthe writer of Hebrews says “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we mayreceive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Heb 4.16).” The ephod speaks of unity, the twelve tribes are one. It is also a lesson to the Church. Although we aredifferent denominations, congregations and organizations, we are one body. That's what Paul clearlyteaches. There is one body with many members (1 Cor 12.12). We all need each other. When the priest wore the ephod and went into the tabernacle, it brought the holy anointing upon thepriest. There were even times when “the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud,for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God (2 Chron 5.14).” There were singers, musicians,trumpeters and prophets ministering and worshiping the Lord regularly which ushered in a powerfulanointing. The Apostle Peter says we, as believers, are a royal priesthood (1 Pet 2.9) and the samething can happen to us when we enter the presence of the Lord in heartfelt, passionate worship andprayer, when we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. The cloud of His presence can enter and we may