SPECIAL TOPIC: EPHOD

SPECIAL TOPIC: EPHOD

Ephod (BDB 65, KB 77) refers to

a tight fitting, linen, priestly apron (e.g., 1 Sam. 2:18; 22:18)
a special one was worn by the High Priest (e.g., Exod. 25:7; 28:6-35; 39:2-6; Lev. 8:7). The Urim and Thummim were kept in a pouch behind the breastpiece, which was attached to the front of the ephod (cf. Exod. 28:30; 39:6-21). It was used to know the will of YHWH (cf. 1 Sam. 23:9-12; 30:7-8; also note Hosea 3:4).
a linen garment worn by regular priests
1. 1 Sam. 2:28; 22:18
2. Eli ‒ 1 Sam. 14:3
3. Samuel ‒ 1 Sam. 2:18
it was often associated with that which was unofficial or unauthorized
1. priests of Micah ‒ Jdg. 17:5; 18:14,17,18,20
2. as a life sized idol ‒ Jdg. 8:23; 1 Sam. 21:9; 22:18
there is even a hint that the King of Israel acted as a priest ‒ 2 Sam. 6:14; 1 Chr. 15:27