Exodus 39 meticulously details the completion of the priestly garments and the Tabernacle's furnishings, following the exact specifications given by the Lord. This chapter emphasizes the faithfulness and obedience of the artisans, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, as they bring God's intricate design to fruition. It culminates with Moses's inspection and approval of all the work, underscoring the divine authority behind every stitch and structure, preparing for the Tabernacle's dedication and the Lord's presence among His people.
Historical context
Exodus 39 is situated within the larger narrative of Israel's exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. Following the dramatic deliverance from slavery and the covenant established at Mount Sinai, God provided detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the ordination of the priesthood (Exodus 25-31). Chapters 35-39 then describe the actual execution of these commands, highlighting the community's willing contributions and the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God specifically gifted for this task (Exodus 35:30-35).
The immediate context is the culmination of the construction phase, preceding the erection and dedication of the Tabernacle in Exodus 40. The meticulous repetition of the phrase “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” throughout this chapter serves to affirm the divine origin and authority of the Tabernacle's design, emphasizing Israel's obedience and the sacredness of the project. This obedience was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship with God, who desired to dwell among His people.
Verse by verse
- 1:
This verse begins by noting the use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn for the service garments, specifically for Aaron's priestly attire. These colors, along with fine linen, were consistently specified for the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. The phrase “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing strict adherence to divine instruction.
- 2:
The ephod, a key priestly garment, was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen. This intricate combination of materials and colors underscored its significance as a garment of glory and beauty, representing the high priest's unique role in mediating between God and Israel. The gold threads woven into the fabric would have made it exceptionally radiant.
- 3:
The gold was hammered into thin sheets and cut into threads, then skillfully woven into the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen. This detail highlights the extraordinary craftsmanship and the preciousness of the materials used, indicating the unparalleled value and sanctity of the objects dedicated to God's service.
- 8:
The chestpiece, or breastplate, was crafted with the same rich materials as the ephod. It was designed to be a square, folded in half to form a pouch, which would hold the Urim and Thummim—objects used for discerning God's will. Its construction mirrored the ephod, signifying its integral connection to the high priestly office.
- 9:
The chestpiece was indeed square, nine inches by nine inches when folded, and adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This arrangement symbolized the high priest carrying the names of God's people on his heart before the Lord, a powerful picture of intercession and representation.
- 22:
The robe of the ephod was made entirely of blue yarn, worn underneath the ephod itself. Its singular color emphasized its connection to heavenly things and the divine presence. This garment was simpler in construction than the ephod but equally essential for the high priest's full attire.
- 24:
Around the hem of the robe, pomegranates made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn were interspersed with gold bells. The pomegranates likely symbolized fertility and abundance, while the bells served a practical and symbolic purpose: their sound announced the high priest's movement in the Holy Place, ensuring he was alive and acceptable to God (Exodus 28:35).
- 30:
The holy crown, a plate of pure gold, was inscribed with the words “HOLY TO THE LORD.” This inscription, worn on the high priest's turban, declared his consecrated status and the sacredness of his office. It signified that he was set apart for God's exclusive service, bearing the iniquity of the holy things of Israel (Exodus 28:38).
- 32:
This verse marks a significant turning point, stating that all the work on the Tabernacle was completed exactly as the Lord had commanded Moses. This reiteration of obedience is crucial, highlighting the faithfulness of the people and the artisans in executing God's precise instructions for His dwelling place.
- 42:
The consistent refrain, “The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses,” appears again here, emphasizing the meticulous adherence to divine blueprints. This obedience was not merely about following instructions but about reverently creating a space where God could dwell among His people according to His own terms.
- 43:
Moses inspected all the work and found that it had been completed exactly as the Lord had commanded. His approval was a divine seal, confirming the faithfulness of the people. Following this inspection, Moses blessed them, a priestly act that invoked God's favor and presence upon the Tabernacle and those who built it.
Key themes
- Faithful Obedience
- Divine Design and Craftsmanship
- Sacredness of Worship
- Priestly Mediation
- God's Dwelling Among His People
Application
Exodus 39 offers us a profound lesson in faithful obedience and the sacredness of God's commands. The meticulous attention to detail in crafting the Tabernacle and priestly garments reminds us that God cares deeply about how we approach Him and serve Him. While we no longer build physical tabernacles, the principle remains: our worship and service should be offered with reverence, care, and a desire to honor God's revealed will.
The artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, exemplify how God gifts individuals for specific tasks within His kingdom. Their skill was not merely human talent but a divine endowment used for God's glory. This encourages us to recognize and employ our own gifts, whatever they may be, in service to Christ and His church. Ultimately, the Tabernacle pointed to Christ, the true dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14), and our ultimate High Priest (Heb 4:14-16). Our obedience now flows from gratitude for His finished work, seeking to live lives that reflect His holiness and love.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of the repeated phrase “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” in Exodus 39?
The repeated phrase “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” serves as a powerful affirmation of the divine origin and authority behind every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments. It underscores the Israelites' meticulous obedience to God's precise instructions, highlighting their faithfulness in creating a sacred space exactly as He desired. This emphasis on obedience was crucial for establishing and maintaining their covenant relationship with God, ensuring His presence could dwell among them.
Who were Bezalel and Oholiab, and why are they important in Exodus 39?
Bezalel and Oholiab were the chief artisans whom God specifically gifted with skill, intelligence, and knowledge for all kinds of craftsmanship related to the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35). They were divinely appointed and empowered to oversee and execute the intricate work of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments detailed in Exodus 39. Their importance lies in demonstrating that God not only gives commands but also provides the means and the gifted individuals to fulfill them, ensuring His plans are perfectly realized.
What was the purpose of the high priest's garments described in Exodus 39?
The high priest's garments, including the ephod, chestpiece, robe, and turban with its gold plate, served multiple purposes. They were for “glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2), signifying the dignity and sacredness of the high priest's office. More importantly, they were symbolic. The chestpiece with the twelve stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel carried on the priest's heart before God, symbolizing intercession. The inscription “HOLY TO THE LORD” on the turban declared his consecrated status, emphasizing his role as mediator between God and His people, bearing their iniquity.
How does the detailed description of the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus 39 relate to Christ?
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and its elements, as described in Exodus 39, ultimately points to Christ. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, a foreshadowing of Jesus, who is God incarnate, “dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The high priest, with his garments and role of mediation, prefigured Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who perfectly intercedes for us and offers the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Heb 4:14-16; Heb 9:11-14). The Tabernacle's perfection and holiness find their fulfillment in Christ's perfect life and atoning work.
What is the significance of Moses's blessing at the end of Exodus 39?
After inspecting all the completed work and finding it to be exactly as the Lord had commanded, Moses blessed the people (Exodus 39:43). This blessing was a significant act of divine approval and affirmation. It signified that the people's obedience was accepted by God and invoked God's favor and presence upon them and the Tabernacle they had built. It set the stage for the dedication of the Tabernacle and the visible manifestation of God's glory, assuring Israel that their efforts were not in vain and that God would indeed dwell among them.