Exodus 28:1-14
Aaron is a type of Christ, in the character of the great High Priest. He was the spokesman for the people to the LORD, as Christ is now, before God, the representative of those who belong to Him. His clothing accordingly speaks to us in type of all that relates to the service which Jesus undertakes in heaven on behalf of His redeemed people. May the Holy Spirit give us understanding (v. 9) as we examine its different parts. They illustrate, in fact, at the same time, the glorious attributes of our High Priest, and also truths which touch us closely.
The ephod, a sort of tunic without sleeves, was the essential and most characteristic element of it all. Like the veil, it was woven and embroidered with threads of different colours, the meaning of which we have already learnt. Unlike the veil, it included threads of gold metal, important addition. Two shoulder pieces, acting as hooks linking the front and back parts of the ephod, completed this garment, and on them were mounted onyx stones upon which were permanently engraved as a memorial the names of the twelve tribes of Israel – beautiful picture, is it not, of the way in which Jesus sustains and bears up His redeemed people. They are known by name, and are constantly in His thoughts (cf Luke 15:5). And, even more than this, they form part of His glory and beauty (v. 2).