# Overview Exodus Chapter 39 details the completion of the sacred garments for #Aaron and his sons, as prescribed by #God to #Moses on #MountSinai. The skilled artisans, led by #Bezalel and #Oholiab, crafted the #ephod, #breastplate, robe, tunics, turbans, and sashes with meticulous care, using materials such as gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. Each piece of clothing is made with specific instructions, symbolizing the holiness and glory required for the #HighPriest in his service to #God. The #breastplate, adorned with twelve precious stones each representing one of the tribes of #Israel, signifies the priest's role in bearing the people before the #Lord. The chapter emphasizes the obedience of the Israelites to #God's commands given through Moses, as they complete the work exactly as instructed. The narrative highlights the importance of following divine instructions to the letter, showcasing the faithfulness of the people in their devotion to #God. Upon completion, the garments and all the components of the #Tabernacle are brought to Moses, who inspects the work and blesses the people for their dedication and fidelity. This chapter underscores the theme of holiness, obedience, and the preparation necessary for the worship and service of #God, setting the stage for the consecration of the priests and the inauguration of the Tabernacle in the subsequent chapters. ## Theological Insights Exodus 39 is significant in the construction and completion of the #Tabernacle, as it details the making of the priestly garments and other sacred items, emphasizing the theme of holiness and obedience to God's commands. This chapter illustrates the importance of divine instructions and the faithful execution of God's will by the people of #Israel. 1. **Holiness and the Priesthood**: The chapter highlights the sanctity of the #priesthood, notably through the detailed craftsmanship of the garments for #Aaron and his sons. The garments, described in Exodus 39, serve a dual purpose: they are both functional and symbolic, representing the holiness required of those who serve in the presence of the Lord. The intricate designs, such as the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunics, turbans, and sashes, underscore the sacredness and the divine calling of the priestly office. These garments symbolize the spiritual purity and dedication expected of the priests, as they mediate between God and His people. 2. **Obedience to Divine Instructions**: The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that the work was done "as the Lord had commanded Moses" (Exodus 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 43). This refrain highlights the importance of obedience in the life of #Israel. God's instructions are not merely suggestions but commands that require precise execution. The Israelites' adherence to these instructions in the making of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments reflects their commitment to the covenant and their desire to honor God with their craftsmanship and devotion. 3. **Completion and Dedication**: The completion of the Tabernacle and its furnishings marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Israelites. It represents the readiness of the people to have God's presence dwell among them, as described in earlier chapters like [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]. The dedication of the Tabernacle symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promise to be with His people. The concluding verses of Exodus 39 show that Moses inspected the work and blessed the people, signifying divine approval and the importance of consecrating every aspect of worship to God. 4. **The Glory of God and Worship**: The detailed description of the priestly garments and the Tabernacle elements points to the glory and majesty of God. The use of precious materials such as gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen reflects the splendor of God's presence and the reverence due to Him. The beauty and precision of the work serve as a reminder that worship is a sacred act that requires preparation, reverence, and a heart aligned with God's holiness. Exodus 39, therefore, is a testament to God’s meticulous care for His people and their worship, highlighting themes of holiness, obedience, and the glory of God's presence among His chosen people. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Instructions and Human Obedience Exodus 39 highlights the meticulous adherence to God's instructions given to #Moses for the construction of the #Tabernacle and the priestly garments. This theme of obedience to divine instructions is reminiscent of the detailed directions given for the building of the #Ark in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 6|Genesis 6]] and the precise commands for the #Passover in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12|Exodus 12]]. The faithfulness of the Israelites in constructing the tabernacle as God commanded underscores the importance of obedience in fulfilling God’s purposes. ### Holiness and Consecration The chapter emphasizes the holiness and consecration necessary for those who would serve as #priests before God. The garments, including the ephod, breastpiece, and robe, are made with precise materials and colors as a reflection of their sacred purpose. This theme of holiness is connected to the wider Levitical laws seen in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8|Leviticus 8]] concerning the consecration of Aaron and his sons, and it echoes the call for God's people to be holy as found in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19|Leviticus 19]]. ### Symbolism of the Twelve Tribes The breastpiece contains twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of #Israel, symbolizing the unity and representation of the entire nation before God. This theme connects with the blessings given to the twelve tribes by Jacob in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49|Genesis 49]] and later by Moses in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 33|Deuteronomy 33]]. It underscores the continuous presence and memory of the tribes before God, as well as the inclusivity of God’s covenant with Israel. ### The Glory of God’s Presence The completion of the tabernacle, as described in this chapter, prepares the way for the glory of God to dwell among His people, which is fulfilled in the next chapter. This theme of God’s presence is deeply rooted in the narrative of God dwelling with His people, as seen in the #Garden of Eden in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 3|Genesis 3]], the #BurningBush in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Exodus 3]], and later, the indwelling of the #HolySpirit within believers as described in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2|Acts 2]]. The tabernacle serves as a physical reminder of God's desire to be among His people. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Priestly Garments In Exodus 39, the completion of the priestly garments for #Aaron and his sons signifies the fulfillment of God’s instructions given in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]]. These garments are not only a fulfillment of God’s directives for the #tabernacle but also a foreshadowing of the ultimate high priestly ministry of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. Hebrews 4:14-16 describes Jesus as the great high priest who has passed through the heavens, fulfilling the role that these garments symbolized. The intricate design and sacred purpose of Aaron’s garments point to the holiness and perfection of Christ’s priesthood, underscoring the prophetic anticipation of a perfect mediator between God and humanity. ### The Ephod and Breastpiece The ephod and breastpiece, detailed in Exodus 39, were designed for the high priest to bear the names of the tribes of #Israel before the Lord. This act prophetically points to Jesus, who in His high priestly role, carries the names of His people before God. As noted in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53]], Jesus bears the iniquities of many, interceding on behalf of humanity. The breastpiece, with its Urim and Thummim, symbolized divine guidance and judgment, fulfilled in Christ, who is described as the light of the world in [[John/John Chapter 8|John 8:12]] and the one who will judge the living and the dead as seen in [[2 Timothy/2 Timothy Chapter 4|2 Timothy 4:1]]. ### The Robe with Bells and Pomegranates The robe of the ephod, with its alternating bells and pomegranates, served to announce the high priest’s entry into the holy place. This is a precursor to the announcement of the coming of the #Messiah, as prophesied in [[Malachi/Malachi Chapter 3|Malachi 3:1]], where the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple. The bells can be seen as symbolic of the proclamation of the good news of Jesus' coming, echoed in the New Testament where angels announce the birth of the Savior in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 2|Luke 2:10-14]]. ### The Holy Crown The engraving on the high priest's turban, "Holy to the Lord," symbolizes the ultimate sanctification and holiness that Christ brings. Jesus’ fulfillment of this prophetic image is seen in Hebrews 7:26, where it describes Him as holy, blameless, and set apart from sinners. The crown on the turban signifies the kingship and divine authority of Jesus, fulfilling the prophetic visions of the righteous branch who will reign over His people, as seen in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 23|Jeremiah 23:5-6]]. ### The Completion of the Tabernacle The completion of the tabernacle signifies God’s dwelling with His people, which is a foreshadowing of the incarnation of #Christ. In [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:14]], the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, fulfilling the prophetic image of God’s presence with His people. The tabernacle serves as a type of the ultimate tabernacle, Jesus, through whom God’s presence is fully realized among humanity. This dwelling is further realized in the eschatological vision of [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21:3]], where God’s dwelling place is with man. ## Verses - **Exodus 39:1** - "The craftsmen made beautiful sacred garments of blue, purple, and scarlet cloth—clothing for Aaron to wear while ministering in the Holy Place, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - Related: [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]], where the instructions for these garments are given. - **Exodus 39:2** - "Bezalel made the ephod of finely woven linen and embroidered it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - The ephod is further described in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]]. - **Exodus 39:3** - "They made gold thread by hammering out thin sheets of gold and cutting it into fine strands. With great skill and care, they worked it into the fine linen with the blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - The craftsmanship here echoes the skill commanded in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 31]]. - **Exodus 39:4** - "The ephod consisted of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces." - **Exodus 39:5** - "The decorative sash was made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - **Exodus 39:6** - "They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved." - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]] for the significance of the onyx stones. - **Exodus 39:7** - "He fastened these stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that the priest represents the people of Israel. All this was done just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - **Exodus 39:8** - "Bezalel made the chestpiece with great skill and care. He made it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread." - **Exodus 39:9** - "He made the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square." - **Exodus 39:10** - "They mounted four rows of gemstones on it. The first row contained a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald." - **Exodus 39:11** - "The second row contained a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone." - **Exodus 39:12** - "The third row contained an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst." - **Exodus 39:13** - "The fourth row contained a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones were set in gold filigree." - **Exodus 39:14** - "Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the name of that tribe was engraved on it like a seal." - For the tribes of Israel, see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 49]]. - **Exodus 39:15** - "To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, they made braided cords of pure gold thread." - **Exodus 39:16** - "They also made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings and attached them to the top corners of the chestpiece." - **Exodus 39:17** - "They tied the two gold cords to the rings on the chestpiece." - **Exodus 39:18** - "They tied the other ends of the cords to the gold settings on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod." - **Exodus 39:19** - "Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the inside edges of the chestpiece next to the ephod." - **Exodus 39:20** - "They made two more gold rings and attached them to the front of the ephod, below the shoulder-pieces, just above the knot where the decorative sash was fastened to the ephod." - **Exodus 39:21** - "They attached the bottom rings of the chestpiece to the rings on the ephod with blue cords. In this way, the chestpiece was held securely to the ephod, above the decorative sash. All this was done just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - **Exodus 39:22** - "Bezalel made the robe that is worn with the ephod from a single piece of blue woven cloth, with an opening for Aaron's head in the middle of it." - **Exodus 39:23** - "The opening was reinforced with a woven collar so it would not tear." - **Exodus 39:24** - "They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and attached them to the hem of the robe." - **Exodus 39:25** - "They also made bells of pure gold and placed them between the pomegranates along the hem of the robe." - **Exodus 39:26** - "The bells and pomegranates alternated all around the hem of the robe to be worn when ministering, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]] for the significance of the bells. - **Exodus 39:27** - "They made tunics for Aaron and his sons from fine linen cloth." - **Exodus 39:28** - "The turban and the special head coverings were made of fine linen, and the undergarments were also made of finely woven linen." - **Exodus 39:29** - "The sashes were made of finely woven linen and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - **Exodus 39:30** - "Finally, they made the sacred medallion—the badge of holiness—of pure gold. They engraved it like a seal with these words: Holy to the Lord." - **Exodus 39:31** - "They attached the medallion with a blue cord to Aaron's turban, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - **Exodus 39:32** - "And so at last the Tabernacle was finished. The Israelites had done everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses, and they brought the entire Tabernacle to Moses." - **Exodus 39:33** - "They presented the Tabernacle to Moses, including the tent and all its furnishings, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases;" - **Exodus 39:34** - "the tent coverings of tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; the inner curtain to shield the Ark;" - **Exodus 39:35** - "the Ark of the Covenant and its carrying poles; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;" - **Exodus 39:36** - "the table and all its utensils; the Bread of the Presence;" - **Exodus 39:37** - "the pure gold lampstand with its symmetrical lamp cups, all its accessories, and the olive oil for lighting;" - **Exodus 39:38** - "the gold altar; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the sacred tent;" - **Exodus 39:39** - "the bronze altar; the bronze grating and its carrying poles and utensils; the washbasin with its stand;" - **Exodus 39:40** - "the curtains for the walls of the courtyard; the posts and their bases; the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; the ropes and tent pegs; all the furnishings to be used in worship at the Tabernacle;" - **Exodus 39:41** - "the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place; the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests." - **Exodus 39:42** - "So the people of Israel followed all of the Lord’s instructions to Moses." - **Exodus 39:43** - "Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them." - This mirrors the obedience seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 40]].