Exodus 39:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and the opening of the robe in it was like the opening in a garment, with a binding around the opening, so that it might not tear.

NIV: with an opening in the center of the robe like the opening of a collar, and a band around this opening, so that it would not tear.

NASB: and the opening of the robe was at the top in the center, as the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding all around its opening, so that it would not be torn.

CSB: There was an opening in the center of the robe like that of body armor with a collar around the opening so that it would not tear.

NLT: with an opening for Aaron’s head in the middle of it. The opening was reinforced with a woven collar so it would not tear.

KJV: And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

NKJV: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Accessed 9/16/2025 12:37:32 AM