Exodus 39
AI Bible study · KJV · Grammatical-historical hermeneutics
Summary
Exodus 39 narrates the final completion of the priestly garments and the tabernacle components, emphasizing that the craftsmen executed the work in exact accordance with divine instructions.
- The creation of the High Priest's garments, including the ephod and the breastplate (vv. 1–21).
- The construction of the robe of the ephod and the priestly linen garments (vv. 22–31).
- The final assembly of all tabernacle parts and furniture (vv. 32–41).
- The final inspection by Moses and the resulting blessing upon the people (vv. 42–43).
- The repeated refrain 'as the Lord commanded Moses' (vv. 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43).
- The use of 'gold' (זָהָב [H2091]), 'blue' (תְּכֵלֶת [H8504]), 'purple' (אַרְגָּמָן [H713]), and 'fine twined linen' (שֵׁשׁ [H8336]).
- The inclusion of the names of the children of Israel on the ephod and breastplate stones (vv. 6, 14).
This chapter demonstrates that God’s presence among His people is inextricably linked to holiness and precise obedience to His word, providing the final link between the revelation given on Sinai and its physical realization.
Godly service requires careful attention to divine instruction, prioritizing the Creator's specified design over human innovation.
Themes
The chapter functions as a narrative of completion, mimicking the pattern of creation where work is finished and evaluated by a superior authority (Moses) to confirm it aligns with the divine pattern.
The chapter begins and ends with the summary statement that the work was done exactly as commanded, framing the entire account of construction.
The phrase 'as the Lord commanded Moses' recurs throughout the text to emphasize strict fidelity to the divine pattern.
The High Priest acts as a representative of the people; he wears their names on his shoulders and chest, bringing them before the presence of the Lord.
- The engraving of names (שֵׁם [H8034]) on stones (אֶבֶן [H68]) like a signet (חוֹתָם [H2368]).
The garments and work are designated for the purpose of 'ministering' (שָׁרַת [H8334]) in the Holy Place (קֹדֶשׁ [H6944]), showing that service to God requires specific sanctification.
- The description of the clothing as 'holy garments' (בֶּגֶד [H899]) set apart for the priest's office.
The narrative insists that the craftsmen utilized their skills ('skilled' [H2803]) not for creativity but for exact replication of the divine instructions.
- The frequent mention of 'made' (עָשָׂה [H6213]) following 'commanded' (צָוָה [H6680]).
- The implicit, ongoing command to construct the tabernacle and priestly attire exactly according to the pattern shown to Moses (vv. 1, 32, 42).
Context
- The events take place at the foot of Mount Sinai following the giving of the Law.
- The craftsmanship reflects ancient Near Eastern metalworking (hammering thin plates [H7554]) and textile arts.
- The use of 'onyx' (שֹׁהַם [H7718]) and specific dyes like 'blue' (תְּכֵלֶת [H8504]) and 'purple' (אַרְגָּמָן [H713]) indicates the high value and honor accorded to the service of the priesthood.
- This chapter concludes the 'Tabernacle construction' section (Exodus 35–40), transitioning from the detailed 'blueprints' found in Exodus 25–31 to their physical realization.
- The construction fulfills the mandate given in Exodus 28-30. Matthew Henry observes that these garments and the tabernacle served as shadows of 'good things to come,' specifically the work of Christ. It is a point of historic theological debate whether the tabernacle is a direct 'type' of Christ or primarily a historical symbol of God dwelling with His people; both the Reformed typological view (as seen in Henry) and the historical-grammatical view emphasize the holiness and presence of God.
- The language of 'finely woven' (שְׂרָד [H8278]) links this passage to the creation of the garments for the 'ministering' (שָׁרַת [H8334]) priests, establishing the connection between the inner temple service and the garments worn.
- The word 'made' (עָשָׂה [H6213]) is central, used throughout to denote the literal act of fabrication.
- The term 'skilled' (חָשַׁב [H2803]) is interesting, as it is often used for mental planning or plotting; here, it underscores that the artisans were acting with intellectual intentionality to fulfill the divine plan.
- The phrase 'Holy Place' (קֹדֶשׁ [H6944]) signifies a 'set-apart' place, emphasizing the separation between the common and the divine.
- Modern readers often miss that the entire work is 'finished' (v. 32) before Moses performs the final inspection; there is no ambiguity about the completion of the task.
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