Exodus 28:6

¶ And they shall make the ephod [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

And they shall make {H6213} the ephod {H646} of gold {H2091}, of blue {H8504}, and of purple {H713}, of scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}, with cunning {H2803} work {H4639}.

"They are to make the ritual vest of gold, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely woven linen, crafted by a skilled artisan.

They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.

And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skilful workman.

Commentary

Exodus 28:6 initiates the detailed divine instructions for creating the ephod, a highly significant garment for the high priest. This verse specifies the rich and symbolic materials—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—and emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship required for its construction.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 25-31 and 35-40) where God gives Moses precise blueprints for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the sacred garments for the priests. The ephod was central to the attire of Aaron, the first high priest, and his successors. These instructions were not merely for aesthetic purposes but were integral to establishing proper worship and delineating the roles of the consecrated Levitical priesthood in ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Design: God's instructions are incredibly detailed, highlighting His sovereignty and the importance of obedience in worship. Every element of the ephod, from material to color, was divinely ordained.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The elaborate garments were designed to set the high priest apart, signifying his sacred office and role as mediator between God and Israel.
  • Symbolism of Materials:
    • Gold: Represents divinity, royalty, and purity.
    • Blue: Often symbolizes heaven, the divine, and God's glory.
    • Purple: Signifies royalty, majesty, and kingship.
    • Scarlet: Points to life, sacrifice, and atonement, often associated with blood.
    • Fine Twined Linen: Represents purity, righteousness, and holiness.
  • Skilled Craftsmanship: The phrase "cunning work" (Hebrew: ma’aseh choshev) emphasizes the requirement for highly skilled and artistic workmanship, reflecting the excellence and beauty fitting for God's sanctuary.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ephod" (Hebrew: ’ephod) refers to a distinctive priestly garment, likely a sleeveless vest or apron worn over other priestly garments, which held the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim. The "cunning work" describes intricate, artistic weaving, suggesting that the gold threads were skillfully interwoven with the colored threads and linen to create complex patterns, not merely laid on top.

Practical Application

While Christians are no longer under the Old Testament sacrificial system, this verse offers timeless principles:

  • Excellence in Worship: God delights in beauty and excellence in our service and worship, reflecting His own perfect nature. Our best efforts should be offered to Him.
  • Symbolism Fulfilled in Christ: The rich symbolism of the ephod's colors and materials points forward to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. He is divine (gold), came from heaven (blue), is King of kings (purple), shed His blood for our atonement (scarlet), and is perfectly righteous (linen).
  • Preparation for Service: Just as the priests were meticulously prepared for their ministry, believers today, as a royal priesthood, are called to prepare ourselves through holiness and spiritual growth for service to God and others.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:2

    And he made the ephod [of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

  • Exodus 39:7

    And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, [that they should be] stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 26:1

    ¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.