Exodus 28:31-35

31-35. The robe of the ephod A garment distinct and separate from the ephod, and to be worn underneath it . Being all of blue it would appear as a becoming groundwork for the richly ornamented and variously . coloured breastplate with its precious stones . The hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof, was simply an opening, neatly bound by the weaver’s skill, through which the head was put, thus permitting the garment to come down and rest upon the neck, breast, and shoulders. In this same manner the habergeon, or military coat of mail, was made to fit about the neck and shoulders. See the cut at 1 Samuel 17:5. Linen habergeons of this form are said to have been common in Egypt . This robe was woven so firmly about the hole of it as to be not easily rent, and it seems to have been without sleeves . The skirts of this robe (not merely the hem of it, as the common version) were to be ornamented with pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, running like a rich border around the lower part, and bells of gold were to be placed between the pomegranates, so that a bell and a pomegranate alternated with each other round about. The bells were designed to assure those without that their officiating minister was about his holy work, and when the sound was heard they knew that he was performing his duties in proper attire . The sound indicated both when he entered and when he came out of the holy place. A failure to wear this robe (as also the linen breeches, Exodus 28:42-43) would have been on the part of the priest a wanton contempt shown to the holy place and its service, and would have exposed him to the judgment of death.