Aaron was clothed in the ephod and breastplate because these garments were divinely appointed symbols of his high priestly office, representing both his authority and his role as a mediator between God and Israel. They were part of the holy attire that set him apart for sacred service.
Exodus 28:4 says:
“And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest.”
The ephod was a richly embroidered garment with shoulder stones bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This signified that the priest bore the people before God. The breastplate contained twelve stones, also engraved with the names of the tribes, symbolizing constant remembrance and intercession.
Leviticus 8:7–8 records the actual clothing:
“And he put the tunic on him, girded him with the sash, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him… then he put the breastplate on him, and he put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastplate.”
These garments pointed forward to Christ, our Great High Priest, who continually intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Aaron’s clothing emphasized that approach to God must come through a consecrated, appointed mediator.
