Exodus 39

Exodus 39 describes the construction of the priestly garments, following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter emphasizes the craftsmanship and devotion of the Israelites in creating these garments, which were vital for the proper execution of their priestly duties in the Tabernacle. The chapter highlights the completion of the work and the presentation of these sacred garments to Moses, signaling the Israelites' compliance with God's commands.

Exodus 39:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet thread they made garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
2 He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen.
3 And they beat the gold into thin sheets and cut it into threads, to work it in with the blue, purple, and scarlet thread and the fine linen, by artistic design.

The initial verses of Exodus 39 detail the materials and methods used to create the high priest's garments. The ephod, an apron-like garment worn by the high priest, was made from a combination of gold, linen, and dyed threads, indicating not only the aesthetic beauty but also the immense value and sacredness of the attire. The use of gold beaten into thin sheets and crafted into threads demonstrates the exquisite craftsmanship required. This set the high priest apart, both visually and spiritually, for his unique role in leading worship and sacrifice.

Exodus 39:4-7 (NKJV)
4 They made shoulder straps for it to couple it together; it was coupled together at its two edges.
5 And the intricately woven band of his ephod that was on it was of the same workmanship, woven of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
6 And they set onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold; they were engraved, as signets are engraved, with the names of the sons of Israel.
7 He put them on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

These verses describe further details of the ephod, focusing on its construction and significance. The shoulder straps and the band were made from the same materials as the ephod, maintaining a consistent sacred aesthetic. The onyx stones set in gold and engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel underscored the representational role of the high priest. When wearing the ephod, the high priest symbolically carried the entire community of Israel before God, highlighting the collective nature of worship and atonement in the Israelite faith.

Exodus 39:8-10 (NKJV)
8 And he made the breastplate, artistically woven like the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen.
9 It was square; they made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its width was a span, when doubled.
10 And they set in it four rows of stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row.

The breastplate, described here, was both an ornamental and functional piece, square and folded to form a pocket. This elaborately woven piece matched the ephod and contained rows of precious stones. Each stone represented a tribe of Israel, thus reinforcing the high priest’s role as the intercessor for the people. The use of various stones also reflected the diversity and unity of the Israelites, each stone’s unique qualities contributing to the sacred function of the breastplate.

Exodus 39:11-14 (NKJV)
11 The second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;
12 the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
13 the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings.
14 There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.

The continuation of the description of the breastplate stones in these verses adds to the symbolism of the high priest’s garments. Each stone, set in gold, not only added to the physical beauty of the breastplate but also served a deeper spiritual purpose by visually representing the tribes of Israel. This visual representation affirmed the priest’s role as a mediator between God and His people, carrying the identity of each tribe into the presence of God during sacred rituals.

Exodus 39:15-18 (NKJV)
15 And they made chains for the breastplate at the ends, like braided cords of pure gold.
16 They also made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
17 And they put the two woven chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.
18 The two ends of the two braided chains they fastened in the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in front.

These verses focus on the attachments and fittings that secured the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring that it stayed in place. The use of pure gold for these elements highlights the importance of durability and purity in the priestly garments. This practical design ensured that the breastplate, a crucial element of the high priest’s attire, would remain secure and functional during movements, reflecting a blend of divine instruction, aesthetic consideration, and practical utility.

Exodus 39:19-21 (NKJV)
19 And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge that was on the inner side of the ephod.
20 They made two other gold rings and put them on the bottom of the two shoulder straps of the ephod, at the front of it, close to the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod.
21 And they bound the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it would be above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate would not come loose from the ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

In these verses, the details of how the breastplate was secured to the ephod are further elaborated, ensuring no separation during priestly duties. The specific mention of a blue cord not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a visual continuity to the design. This meticulous attention to detail in following God’s commands underscores the reverence and care the Israelites showed in preparing for worship and highlights the interconnectedness of the priestly garments, mirroring the unity and interconnectedness of the community they represent.

Exodus 39:22-26 (NKJV)
22 He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.
23 And there was an opening in the middle of the robe, like the opening in a coat of mail, with a woven binding all around the opening, so that it would not tear.
24 On the hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen.
25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates;
26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe, to minister in, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

The robe of the ephod was entirely blue, symbolizing heavenly and divine elements. The opening in the robe was reinforced to prevent tearing, illustrating the care taken to preserve the sanctity and longevity of these garments. The decorative pomegranates and bells alternated around the hem served not only as aesthetic enhancements but also had ceremonial significance. The bells would sound during the high priest’s movements in the Tabernacle, serving as an audible sign of his presence and activity within the holy space, thereby fulfilling God’s commandments and ensuring a continual reminder of the priest’s sacred service.

Exodus 39:27-29 (NKJV)
27 They made tunics, artistically woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons,
28 a turban of fine linen, exquisite hats of fine linen, short trousers of fine woven linen,
29 and a sash of fine woven linen with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, made by a weaver, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

This passage describes the other garments made for Aaron and his sons, indicating that not just the high priest, but his immediate priestly family, were also marked by distinctive attire that set them apart for their sacred roles. The tunics, turbans, hats, trousers, and sashes were all crafted from fine linen and richly dyed threads, emphasizing purity, dignity, and the beauty of holiness in their ministerial functions. These garments underscored the sanctity of their roles and their separation from the laypeople, dedicated to serving God in the Tabernacle.

Exodus 39:30-31 (NKJV)
30 Then they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription like the engravings of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
31 And they tied it to the turban with a blue cord, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

The final verses detail the creation of the holy crown, a pure gold plate inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," affixed to the high priest’s turban. This crown was a physical manifestation of the high priest's dedicated purpose of leading the people in holy service to God. The blue cord not only secured the plate but also symbolically tied the concept of holiness directly to the high priest’s head, serving as a constant, visible reminder of his set-apart status and the sacredness of his service.

Exodus 39:32 (NKJV)
32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did.

This concluding verse marks the completion of all the work related to the Tabernacle, affirming that the Israelites faithfully executed everything as God had commanded. This obedience reflects their reverence for God and their commitment to upholding His instructions for worship. It sets the stage for the next phase of their spiritual journey—activating the sacred space where God would dwell among them.

Exodus 39:33-34 (NKJV)
33 They brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent and all its furnishings, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;
34 and the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of badger skins, and the veil of the covering.

These verses describe the presentation of the completed Tabernacle and its components to Moses. This act of bringing all elements to Moses for inspection symbolizes the accountability and transparency of the craftsmen and the community in fulfilling God's commands. The detailed listing of each part highlights the thoroughness and precision involved in constructing this dwelling place for God’s presence among His people.

Exodus 39:35-37 (NKJV)
35 The ark of the Testimony with its poles and the mercy seat;
36 the table, all its utensils, and the showbread;
37 the pure gold lampstand with its arrangement of lamps and all its utensils, and the oil for light.

This inventory continues with the central furnishings of the Tabernacle, each with significant ritual and symbolic functions. The ark represented God's covenant and mercy, the table with showbread signified sustenance and presence, and the lampstand symbolized enlightenment and guidance from God. Together, these items not only furnished the Tabernacle but also facilitated the rituals that would connect the Israelites with their God in a tangible and continuous way.

Exodus 39:38-41 (NKJV)
38 the gold altar, the anointing oil, and the sweet incense; the screen for the tabernacle door;
39 the bronze altar, its grate of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the laver and its base;
40 the hangings of the court, its pillars and its sockets, and the screen for the court gate, its cords, and its pegs; all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting;
41 the garments of ministry to minister in the holy place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests.

The listing of additional components and garments serves as a comprehensive review of the items prepared for the Tabernacle's function. From the altars for incense and burnt offerings to the basins for washing, each element was crafted with precision and sacred intention. The enumeration of these items underscores the complexity and communal effort involved in creating a space worthy of divine encounters and continuous worship.

Exodus 39:42-43 (NKJV)
42 According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.
43 Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it. And Moses blessed them.

The chapter concludes with a confirmation that all tasks were completed as per divine instructions, and Moses’ inspection and blessing serve as a final affirmation of the people’s obedience and God's approval. This blessing not only validated the work done but also sanctified it, setting the stage for the Tabernacle’s sacred function within the Israelite community. The successful completion of this project symbolized divine favor and readiness for God to dwell among His people, fulfilling the covenantal promise of His presence and guidance.