Exodus 28:6-14

The Ephod

6 They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. ¹

7 It shall have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened.

8 And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship—with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen.

9 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:

10 six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth.

11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings.

12 Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.

13 Fashion gold filigree settings

14 and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings.

Exodus 28:6-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 28

This chapter informs us of the servants God would have to minister to him in the house, or tabernacle, he had ordered to be made, even Aaron and his sons, Ex 28:1 of the garments they were to wear in their service, Ex 28:2-5 and first of the garments of the high priest, and particularly of the ephod, with the girdle, on the shoulder pieces of which were to be two onyx stones, with the names of the children of Israel engraved on them, Ex 28:6-14, and that of the breastplate of judgment, with the Urim and Thummum in it, Ex 28:15-30 and of the robe of the ephod, Ex 28:31-35, and of the mitre, Ex 28:36-39 and then of the garments of the common priests, Ex 28:40-43.

Cross References

• 1. (Exodus 39:1–7)