1. 1 Samuel 30:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What was the ephod?

1 Samuel 30:7 (ESV)

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.

The ephod is used in this context (and elsewhere, see 1 Samuel 23:6) as a shorthand designation for the breastplate of the high priest that contained the Urim and the Thummim. The breastplate was attached to the ephod (garment) of the high priest (Exodus 28:4–14).1 The Urim and Thummim were two stones used to cast lots in order to discern God’s will. Most likely they were of different colouring and they would provide a yes or a no answer to specific questions.2 By these means the Lord provided guidance to the faithful kings under the old covenant.