Aaron was clothed in the ephod and breastplate because these garments symbolized his role as the high priest who represented the people before God. The ephod and breastplate were central to his official attire, each element designed by God to reflect authority, intercession, and holiness.
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 woven garment worn over the robe, and the breastplate was fastened to it. The breastplate contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This showed that the high priest bore the people on his heart when he came before the Lord.
Exodus 28:29 states:
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually.”
This clothing declared that Aaron did not minister for himself alone but as a representative of the entire nation. The garments were also described as for “glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2), reflecting the dignity of the priesthood.
Ultimately, the ephod and breastplate pointed forward to Christ, our Great High Priest, who continually intercedes for us before the Father, bearing our names in perfect righteousness.
