Understanding Exodus 28:6

Exodus 28:6 states, "And they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work." This verse is part of the divine instructions given to Moses regarding the garments for Aaron and his sons, who would serve as priests. The ephod, a significant priestly garment, symbolizes both the glory and responsibility of the high priest.

Meaning and Significance

The ephod, crafted with great skill and vibrant colors, represents the beauty and holiness of God's presence among His people. This verse emphasizes:

• The Divine Design: The ephod's intricate design reflects God's meticulous nature and His desire for perfection in worship.
• Symbolism of Materials: Gold signifies divinity, while blue, purple, and scarlet represent royalty and sacrifice, showcasing the multifaceted aspects of God’s character.
• Priestly Role: The ephod is a reminder of the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, bearing the names of the tribes of Israel on their shoulders.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the ephod's construction was to be done with "cunning work," illustrating the necessity for excellence in serving God. He notes that the colors and materials used convey the rich symbolism of God’s covenant with Israel.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes highlights the significance of the ephod as a "garment of glory and beauty," intended to signify the high priest's authority and dignity. He provides connections to other Scriptures that outline the themes of priesthood and service to God.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke discusses the spiritual implications of the ephod, viewing it as a prefiguration of Christ's role as our High Priest. Clarke also draws parallels with the New Testament, where Christ fulfills the role of mediator, encapsulated in Hebrews 4:14-16.

Bible Verse Cross-References

To gain a deeper understanding of Exodus 28:6, it is beneficial to explore its connections with other Bible verses:

• Hebrews 5:4-6: Discusses Christ's high priesthood, echoing the themes from Exodus.
• Revelation 1:6: Illustrates God making believers kings and priests, tying into the royal element of the ephod.
• Exodus 39:2-5: Describes the actual making of the ephod, reinforcing its ornamental and functional attributes.
• 1 Peter 2:9: Declares believers a "royal priesthood," linking to the duties of the Levitical priests.
• Isaiah 61:10: Speaks of God clothing His people with garments of salvation, which can be symbolically aligned with the ephod.
• Luke 22:19-20: Highlights Christ instituting the Eucharist, where He intercedes for us, akin to the priestly function.
• Hebrews 8:1-2: Mentions Jesus as our high priest, serving in the heavenly sanctuary, where the earthly tabernacle served as a model.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21: Discusses believers being made righteous in Christ, similar to how priests are set apart for service.
• Ephesians 6:14: Talks about putting on the armor of God, akin to putting on the holy garments.
• Philippians 4:19: Assures that God provides for all needs, reflecting the support promised to His priests.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The ephod's significance extends beyond Exodus. It presents themes central to Biblical theology:

• Holiness of God: Reflecting His purity and the necessity for holiness in worship.
• Sacrificial System: Enhancing the understanding of the sacrificial practices established under the Law.
• Divine Presence: Representing God's continual presence with His people, especially through the high priest's role.
• Intercession: The priest's ability to intercede highlights God’s willingness to engage in relationship with humanity.
• The fulfillment in Christ: Connecting Old Testament priestly duties to the New Testament themes of Jesus as our eternal High Priest.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

Engaging in a deeper study of Exodus 28:6 can be enhanced using various tools and resources:

• Bible Concordance: A valuable resource for finding cross-references by listing words and related verses.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Helps in identifying relationships between different scriptures.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Systematic study methods to uncover thematic links.
• Bible Reference Resources: Comprehensive materials that aid in exploring intertextual connections.
• Bible Chain References: Provides a sequence of verses connected by similar themes or keywords.

Conclusion

Exodus 28:6 serves as a foundational verse that illustrates not just the physical garment of the high priest, but the spiritual and theological implications tied to the priestly role. Understanding this verse through cross-referencing enriches the study of Scripture, facilitating deeper insight into God's plan and character.