“They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purpose, and scarlet yarn. It must have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges so that it can be joined together. The artistically woven waistband that is on the ephod must be of one piece, according to the same workmanship of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen. Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of Israel’s sons: six of their names on the first stone and the remaining six names on the second stone, in the order of their birth. Engrave the two stones with the names of Israel’s sons as a gem cutter engraves a seal. Mount them, surrounded with gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the Israelites. Aaron will carry their names on his two shoulders before the Lord as a reminder. Fashion gold filigree settings and two chains of pure gold; you will make them of braided cord work, and attach the cord chains to the settings.” (CSB – Read the chapter)
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to go to the World War I museum in Kansas City. It is a truly world class exhibit that boasts one of, if not the largest collection of artifacts from the war they said would end all wars, in the world. One of the things that caught my eye on the tour were all the different ceremonial military outfits from all the different nations that participated in the conflict. There were some that struck me as regal and others that just seemed silly. Yet each was designed on purpose and in line with what the cultures that produced them believed would communicate well the weight of the position they represented. Sometimes we understand why people wear what they do. Sometimes we don’t. That doesn’t mean the people wearing it don’t. Let’s keep that in mind as we start talking about Israel’s priestly garments.
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The Nexus 