Exodus 28:8
And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
The band that held the ephod in place was to be of one piece with it, made of the same costly and skillfully worked materials — gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white finely twisted linen. The ephod itself was the shorter sleeveless outer garment distinctive of the high priest, worn over the seamless blue robe and over the linen dress common to the ordinary priest, as befitted his exalted station. Its shoulder pieces were embroidered with gold and set with two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The girdle stands among the high priest's precious and carefully fashioned garments, and the same glory is seen when Jesus enters the heavenly sanctuary clothed in precious garments and wearing a jeweled breastplate. The material and style of dress for those ministering before God were fixed by specific divine direction, down to the ephod and its girdle. That direction for the girdle was part of special instruction for everything connected with His service, extending even to the arrangement of houses.
The One who gave these directions is the God who moves the world and sustains and gives life and health. The apparel of those who officiate before Him honors or dishonors Him, and their appearance was to be proper and suited to their service in the holy place. Those ministering were to maintain order in everything and especially cleanliness, with nothing slack and untidy about those appearing in His holy presence.
Aaron's dress was symbolic, teaching that the clothing of all who serve God should represent Him; therefore dress is to be chosen with care and good taste, and to be neat, modest, and pure. This carefulness in dress and deportment in sacred office was to make a right impression upon the people, preserving their awe and reverence. Careful and particular dress and conduct gives the people an exalted idea of God and His requirements, showing that God is holy, His work is sacred, and everything connected with His work must be holy and free from impurity, uncleanness, and defilement.