Overview
The ephod was a divinely designed priestly garment that enabled the high priest to inquire of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim. When Israel turned from God, access to this means of divine guidance was lost; its return represented restoration of communion with God and proper priestly function in worship.
Key Scriptures
"Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen" (Exodus 28:6, ESV). "And he shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment upon his heart, when he goes into the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord" (Exodus 28:29, ESV). "And the priest shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the Lord" (Numbers 27:21, ESV).
Application
Believers today access God's will directly through Christ and Scripture rather than through priestly intermediaries, enjoying the fulfillment of what the ephod represented in the old covenant.