The ephod (אֵפֹד, ephod) refers to a sacred priestly garment worn by the high priest of Israel. It was constructed of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns with fine linen, and gold thread was woven throughout. The ephod bore two onyx stones on the shoulders, each engraved with six of the twelve tribal names, and it held the breastpiece of judgment with its twelve gemstones.
The ephod was central to the priestly mediation between God and Israel. When David brought the ark to Jerusalem, he "wore a linen ephod" (2 Samuel 6:14), suggesting its use in worship beyond the high priest. The Urim and Thummim were kept in the breastpiece attached to the ephod, used for discerning God's will. The ephod points forward to Christ, our great High Priest, who mediates between God and man in completeness.