The ephod, efod in Spanish, is a priestly garment used in ancient Hebrew religion to represent authority and power. This garment consists of a kind of apron that was worn over the upper body and tied with two straps over the shoulders.
The ephod was worn by priests during religious ceremonies and served as a means of communicating with God.
SYNONYMS FOR Efod
The term ephod comes from the Hebrew word אפוד (epod) and is mentioned in the Bible in several passages, mainly in the Old Testament. In some texts, the word “mantle” is also used to refer to this garment, but generally the term ephod is preferred to avoid confusion.
ORIGIN OF Efod
It is believed that the ephod was first used by the high priest Aaron, brother of Moses, and was later adopted by other priests. According to tradition, the ephod was made of fine linen and embroidered with gold threads. Two precious stones, one on each shoulder, were placed over it to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.
CURIOSITIES OF Efod
In addition to being a priestly garment, the ephod was also used as a means of obtaining divine answers. During the time of the Judges, the ephod was used to consult God in times of uncertainty or conflict. According to the Bible, the prophet Samuel consulted God through the ephod before anointing David as the king of Israel.
Another curiosity about the ephod is that it was worn by the high priest on the Day of Atonement, a ceremony that took place once a year and aimed to purify the people of their sins. During this ceremony, the high priest wore a special ephod, which was adorned with gold bells and pomegranates.
In summary, the ephod is a priestly garment used in ancient Hebrew religion to represent authority and power. Although its origin is uncertain, it is believed that it was first used by the high priest Aaron and later adopted by other priests. In addition to its use in religious ceremonies, the ephod also served as a means of obtaining divine answers and was used on the Day of Atonement to purify the people of their sins.