Exodus 39 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 39 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This is the last chapter explaining Israel's obedience in making components for the tabernacle (Exodus 35—38). These passages frequently repeat exact phrases from God's original instructions (Exodus 25—31), often in the same order. This highlights Israel's renewed desire to closely follow the Lord's will. Bezalel (Exodus 35:30), Oholiab (Exodus 35:34), and a group of artisans (Exodus 35:10) manufacture these pieces.

Israel's high priest wore a garment called an 'ēphōd in Hebrew. The term suggests a sleeveless jacket or a very loose vest. At some point, people began draping similar garments over idols, and the term was used for that form of idolatry (Judges 8:26–27; 17:5; Hosea 3:4). The priestly ephod includes decorative shoulder pieces with onyx stones. The stones are engraved with the names of Israel's tribes. The design here exactly follows the requirements given in Exodus 28:6–14. Other components will be worn along with the ephod (Exodus 39:1–7).

In the same way, Israel fashions a jeweled breastplate with a stone representing each tribe. This also carefully follows the Lord's instructions as recorded in Exodus 28:15–30. Tribal names are engraved on these stones. The breast piece itself is a pouch used to carry additional sacred objects (Exodus 28:30). This is connected to the ephod with a gold chain (Exodus 39:8–21).

The priestly robe is blue (Exodus 28:31–35). The material is linen, and the robe includes a reinforced collar. Along the bottom is an alternating pattern of yarn spheres, like pomegranates, and golden bells. The bells will create a sound to remind others that the high priest is going about his work (Exodus 39:22–26).

As commanded (Exodus 28:36–43), the artisans make a turban for the high priest. On this is a metal headpiece, engraved with the words "Holy to the Lord." As before, the craftsmen take care to follow God's instructions closely (Exodus 39:27–31).

When all components are complete, Moses performs a final inspection. Scripture once again lists each piece to highlight the Lord's specific instructions for the tabernacle. The work is accurate to the Lord's designs and Moses is pleased (Exodus 39:32–43).

In the final verses of Exodus (Exodus 40), Israel will assemble these parts into the Lord's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). God's glory will come down to encourage and lead the people.

Exodus 39:1–7 records how Israel made a ceremonial garment called an "ephod." The description here is a point-by-point repeat of the design given in Exodus 28:6–14. This garment is worn by the high priest during his work in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) oversees this work.

Exodus 39:8–21 says that Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) exactly follows the instructions given in Exodus 28:15–30. These describe a breastplate worn by Israel's high priest. The plate includes twelve stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel.

Exodus 39:22–26 is nearly identical to the information given in Exodus 28:31–35. The garment is a robe used by Israel's high priest. God provided the initial designs to Moses and assigned Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) to oversee the work.

Exodus 39:27–31 continues to record Israel's close obedience to God's designs for the tabernacle. This section indicates that the garments described in Exodus 28:36–43 were made precisely as commanded. Among these is a turban and headpiece engraved with the words "Holy to the Lord."

Exodus 39:32–43 shows that the Israelites followed the Lord's instructions correctly (Exodus 25—31). Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) and Oholiab (Exodus 35:34) supervised as craftsmen (Exodus 35:10) made all the sacred components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Moses ensures that the work matches the proper designs and is pleased to see that everything is in order.

Chapter Summary:

Israel's craftsmen (Exodus 30:10, 30, 34) make the ceremonial clothes used in the tabernacle. These include an "ephod," a breastplate, a robe, and a turban with an engraved headpiece. The high priest will wear these. Other garments are for the rest of the priesthood. Instructions from Moses' encounter with the Lord (Exodus 28:6–43) are closely followed in this process. After inspection, Moses blesses those who have completed the work.

Chapter Context:

Israel is building the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) according to the Lord's instructions (Exodus 35—38). Most records of their work closely match the phrasing of God's original statements to Moses (Exodus 25—31). This emphasizes that the Israelites are committed to careful obedience. This chapter completes the preparation phase. The next, final chapter describes the tabernacle's assembly and God's response (Exodus 40).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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