“And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
This verse is a part of the larger context of the construction and preparation of priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. In Exodus 28 and 39, God gives detailed instructions to Moses about the garments that the priests are to wear while serving in the tabernacle.
The Ephod:The ephod was a significant part of the priest’s attire. It was a sleeveless garment made of finely woven linen and adorned with beautiful craftsmanship. It had two shoulder pieces joined together at the front and back. These shoulder pieces were fastened by two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolized the priest’s role in carrying the burden of the people on his shoulders when he ministered before the Lord.
The Curious Girdle:The “curious girdle” mentioned in Exodus 39:5 was a belt or sash that was worn over the ephod. It was intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, in accordance with God’s specific instructions. The curious girdle served to secure the ephod and to add to the beauty and dignity of the priestly garments.
Symbolism and Significance:The priestly garments, including the ephod and the curious girdle, were not merely decorative; they carried significant symbolic meanings. They represented the holiness and consecration required of those who served in the tabernacle, acting as intermediaries between God and the people. Each element of the garments was divinely appointed to communicate spiritual truths.
Obedience to God’s Commands:The verse emphasizes that every aspect of the ephod and the curious girdle was made exactly as God had commanded Moses. This obedience to God’s instructions highlights the importance of following God’s Word precisely and not adding or subtracting from it. It reflects the Israelites’ commitment to honoring God’s desires in their worship and service.
Application:As Christians today, we may not have a physical tabernacle or wear priestly garments, but there are lessons we can draw from this passage. The attention to detail and obedience displayed by the Israelites in crafting the priestly garments should inspire us to obey God in all aspects of our lives. Just as they followed God’s instructions faithfully, we are called to follow His Word and His will for us in our daily living.
In conclusion, Exodus 39:5 reminds us of the significance of the priestly garments and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. It prompts us to examine our own lives and seek ways to faithfully follow God’s Word in all that we do.
