And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.
Ephod. It was a very gorgeous robe, made of byssus, curiously embroidered, and dyed with variegated colours, and further enriched with golden tissue, the threads of gold being either originally interwoven or afterward inserted by the embroiderer. It was short, reaching from the breast to a little below the loins; and though destitute of sleeves, retained its position by the support of straps thrown over each shoulder. These straps or braces, connecting the one with the back, the other with the front piece of which the tunic was composed, were united on the shoulder by two onyx stones, serving as buttons, and on which the names of the twelve tribes were engraved, and set in golden encasements. It was essential to all acts of divine worship; and none ever inquired of the Lord without it. The symbolical design of this was, that the high priest, who bore the names along with him in all his ministrations before the Lord, might be kept in remembrance of his duty to plead their cause, and supplicate the accomplishment of the divine promises in their favour. The ephod was fastened by a girdle of the same costly materials - i:e., dyed, embroidered, and worked with threads of gold. It was about a hand-breadth wide, and wound twice round the upper part of the waist: it fastened in front, the ends hanging down at great length (Revelation 1:13).