Directions are here given concerning the ephod, which was the outmost garment of the high priest. Linen ephods were worn by the inferior priests, 1 Samuel 22:18. Samuel wore one when he was a child (1 Samuel 2:18), and David when he danced before the ark (2 Samuel 6:14); but this which the high priest only wore was called a golden ephod, because there was a great deal of gold woven into it.
It was a short coat without sleeves, buttoned closely to him, with a curious girdle of the same stuff (Exodus 28:6-8); the shoulder-pieces were buttoned together with two precious stones set in gold, one on each shoulder, on which were engraven the names of the children of Israel, Exodus 28:9-12.
In allusion to this, 1. Christ our high priest appeared to John girt about the breast with a golden girdle, such as was the curious girdle of the ephod, Revelation 1:13. Righteousness is the girdle of his loins (Isaiah 11:6), and should be of ours, Ephesians 6:14.
He is girt with strength for the work of our salvation, and is ready for it. 2. The government is said to be upon his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6), as Aaron had the names of all Israel upon his shoulders in precious stone.
He presents to himself and to his Father a glorious church, Ephesians 5:27. He has power to support them, interest to recommend them, and it is in him that they are remembered with honour and favour.
He bears them before the Lord for a memorial (Exodus 28:12), in token of his appearing before God as the representative of all Israel and an advocate for them.