1. The Wise Hearted - Verses 2-5
God gave to certain individuals the ability to do what was needed in His work. These gifted individuals were to follow the instructions of the Lord explicitly. So today Christians are blessed with spiritual gifts that enable them to serve in the various capacities in the church. Likewise also we need to follow the scriptures in all that we do. We are no more at liberty than these "wise hearted" individuals were to do things in our own way.

2. The Ephod - Verses 6-14
A. The Ephod was worn only by the high priest. This garment was like a double apron held in place by a "curious girdle" which was so called to distinguish it from the plain girdle of the ordinary priests (verse 40). Both the ephod and the curious girdle were made of the same material as the veils and inner curtains of the tabernacle.
B. The ephod was a symbol of priestly duty and function. On each shoulder was an onyx stone set in an ouche of gold. Upon these stones were engraven the names of the tribes of Israel. What a precious truth is illustrated here. When the high priest went in before God he bore the names of the covenant people. He represented them in his duties and interceded for them before God. The stones were on his shoulder to reveal that his strength was pledged for their welfare.
C. This pictures Christ who is the strength, representative, and intercessor of His people. Our names are in the book of His covenant purposes (Revelation 13:8). He represented us at Calvary and now lives to carry our names before the Father (John 17:9). He is our strength and our salvation.
D. The girdle was the belt used to bind up the robe for work or travel. In scripture it symbolizes strength and readiness. Christ is ever ready to act in behalf of His people (John 13:3-5). His work and service are always done in righteousness whether He be blessing His people or judging their enemies (Isaiah 11:5).

3. The Breastplate - Verses 15-29
A. The breastplate was about nine inches square and inlaid with twelve precious stones engraven with the names of the tribes of Israel. It was fastened to the ephod and the curious girdle by the chains of gold and lace of blue.
B. As the names engraven on the onyx stones revealed our Saviour's strength so these reveal His love. We are always on the heart of our great high priest (verse 29) just as the tribes of Israel were over the heart of Aaron. It is wonderful to know that Christ intercedes for us because He loves us. We are His jewels (Malachi 3:16-17). He never goes before the Father without our names on His heart.

4. The Urim And The Thummim - Verse 30
A. The words "Urim" and "Thummim" mean light and perfection. These objects which are always associated with the Ephod and the breastplate had to do with the priestly work of discerning God's will (Numbers 27:21, I Samuel 23:9-11 & 28:6, Ezra 2:61-63). They reveal Christ as the counselor and one who reveals the will of God (Isaiah 9:6).
B. Exactly what these were and how they operated has been the subject of extensive debate. Basically there are two theories to which men have given many variations:
(1) Many believe that the Urim and the Thummim were two stones or objects kept in the pouch created when the breastplate was doubled (verse 16). In some way these were used to discern God's will. Some think they were engraven with a "yes" and a "no" and somehow revealed the answer from God when men sought direction.
(2) Others believe that the Urim and the Thummim were simply the twelve stones of the breastplate which were referred to as the "light" and "perfection." The high priest wore this because he was the official representative of Israel before the Lord. Because of the high priest's position it is believed that God spoke to the people through him.
C. While the author leans toward the latter theory we must remember that God could have made the details plain had He seen fit. The important thing to see in the Urim and the Thummim is that Christ as our high priest is also our prophet and revealer of the Father's will.

5. The Robe - Verses 31-35
A. Under the ephod was worn a robe of blue. Robes seem symbolic of position, office, and character (Isaiah 61:10). Our Saviour is pictured in a robe (Revelation 1:13).
B. Why was the robe of the high priest blue? Was it to remind us of Christ's heavenly origin? While this is probable yet Numbers 15:37-40 seem to give us more specific information. The children of Israel were to wear a ribband of blue to remind them of God's law. Christ who perfectly fulfilled and honored God's law is typified by a high priest clothed in a blue robe.
C. Beneath the hem of the robe hung in alternate order pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Golden bells were placed between the pomegranates.
D. What is the meaning of this? Perhaps it is best to see the pomegranates as a type of spiritual fruitfulness and the bells as a symbol of religious profession. Herein we learn that unlike false christs, our Lord was perfect in deed and word (John 7:46, Mark 7:37). He was all He professed to be. May we also strive to "walk" our "talk" (Matthew 5:16).

6. The Plate And The Mitre - Verses 36-38
A. Upon the high priest's head was a "mitre." This word comes from the Hebrew and means to "wrap." It was probably some sort of turban.
B. A golden plate engraven with the words "Holiness To The Lord" was placed on His forehead. The interpretation of this does not seem to be difficult. The forehead in scripture is pictured as displaying the intent of an individual. Christ our high priest was perfectly holy and totally devoted to the Father's will. As such He could die for our sins and make possible our acceptance with God (Ephesians 1:6). It is also through Christ that our gifts and labors are accepted by the Father. Even our prayers ascend in "Jesus" name.

7. The Embroidered Coat - Verse 39
The embroidered coat was the innermost garment of the high priest and was first placed on him after his purification (Leviticus 8:7). Fine linen is symbolic in scripture of righteousness (Revelation 19:8). Doubtless this coat should remind us that from head to toe, inside and out our Saviour was holy (I John 3:5).

8. Garments For The Ordinary Priests - Verses 40-43
While there was some special typology connected with the high priests yet every Levitical priest was a type of the Saviour. They were attired in white to reflect His purity. No immodesty was permitted as man's nakedness since the Fall reflects the sinfulness of human nature.