Exodus 39 Study Notes
General
What did the twelve gemstones on the breastpiece stand for (39:14)?
Answer: The twelve tribes of Israel, one tribe's name engraved on each stone
The breastpiece held four rows of precious stones (39:10-13). The twelve stones matched Israel's sons, each one engraved the way a seal is cut with a single tribe's name (39:14). A blue cord tied it firmly to the ephod so it would not come loose (39:21). God had said Aaron would carry the tribes' names over his heart whenever he entered the Holy Place (28:29). The high priest carried God's people close to his heart before God. Christ is the great High Priest, and He understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-15) and always lives to pray for those who come to God by Him (Hebrews 7:25).
- Exodus 39:14 (BSB)“The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”The twelve stones of the breastpiece each bear the name of one of the tribes.
- Exodus 39:21 (BSB)“Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The breastpiece is tied to the ephod with a blue cord so it stays in place.
- Exodus 28:29 (BSB)“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.”Aaron was to carry the names of Israel's sons over his heart whenever he entered the Holy Place.
- Hebrews 4:14-15 (BSB)“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”Christ is the great High Priest who sympathizes with His people's weaknesses.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Christ always lives to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him.
Theological
According to 39:14, what did the twelve stones of the breastpiece represent?
Answer: The twelve tribes, each stone engraved with one tribe's name
The breastpiece's four rows of gems (39:10-13) corresponded to Israel's sons, each stone cut like a signet with one tribe's name (39:14), and a blue cord bound it securely to the ephod (39:21). Aaron thus bore the tribes' names over his heart whenever he entered the Holy Place (28:29). The high priest's bearing of the people before God finds its fulfillment in Christ, the great High Priest, one who feels for us in our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-15) and intercedes perpetually for all who come to God by Him (Hebrews 7:25). The significance of the particular gemstones is not explained in Scripture.
- Exodus 39:14 (BSB)“The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”The twelve stones of the breastpiece each bear the name of one of the tribes.
- Exodus 39:21 (BSB)“Then they tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with a cord of blue yarn, so that the breastpiece was above the waistband of the ephod and would not swing out from the ephod, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The breastpiece is tied to the ephod with a blue cord so it stays in place.
- Exodus 28:29 (BSB)“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.”Aaron was to carry the names of Israel's sons over his heart whenever he entered the Holy Place.
- Hebrews 4:14-15 (BSB)“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”Christ is the great High Priest who sympathizes with His people's weaknesses.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Christ always lives to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him.
General
When all the work was finished, what did the Israelites do (39:33-41)?
Answer: They carried the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments to Moses
Once the work was done, the people brought everything to Moses, including the tent with its clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and sockets; the coverings and the veil; the ark, the table, the lampstand, the gold altar and the bronze altar; the basin; the courtyard hangings; and the priestly garments (39:33-41). The long list mirrors the list of items God had called the craftsmen to make (35:10-11). Bringing the finished pieces to Moses allowed the work to be checked against the pattern God had shown him (25:9).
- Exodus 39:33 (BSB)“Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases;”The people bring the finished tabernacle and all its parts to Moses.
- Exodus 35:10-11 (BSB)“Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded: the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases;”The skilled craftsmen had been summoned to make everything the LORD commanded, beginning with the tabernacle and its parts.
- Exodus 25:9 (BSB)“You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.”God had required the tabernacle and all its furnishings to follow the pattern He showed Moses.
Theological
What does 39:33-41 record the Israelites doing once the work was complete?
Answer: Presenting the tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the vestments to Moses
The completed components are presented to Moses in a comprehensive inventory: the tent and its structural parts, coverings and veil, ark, table, lampstand, gold and bronze altars, basin, court hangings, and the priestly vestments (39:33-41). The list echoes the summons of 35:10-11, and the presentation places the work under Moses' review against the divinely revealed pattern (25:9).
- Exodus 39:33 (BSB)“Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases;”The people bring the finished tabernacle and all its parts to Moses.
- Exodus 35:10-11 (BSB)“Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded: the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases;”The skilled craftsmen had been summoned to make everything the LORD commanded, beginning with the tabernacle and its parts.
- Exodus 25:9 (BSB)“You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.”God had required the tabernacle and all its furnishings to follow the pattern He showed Moses.
General
What was engraved on the gold plate fastened to Aaron's turban (39:30-31)?
Answer: Words declaring him consecrated to the LORD
The last piece of the high priest's clothing was a pure gold plate, called the holy crown, engraved the way a seal is cut with an inscription declaring holiness to the LORD, and tied to the turban with a blue cord (39:30-31). God had explained that wearing it on his forehead, Aaron would bear the guilt connected with the people's holy gifts, so that the gifts would be accepted by the LORD (28:36-38). The plate marked Aaron's holiness as an office God had given him, shown in an outward sign. Christ is the High Priest, truly holy and without sin (Hebrews 7:26), and God calls His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Exodus 39:30-31 (BSB)“They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The gold plate engraved with the words of consecration is fastened with a blue cord to the turban.
- Exodus 28:36-38 (BSB)“You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.”The plate on Aaron's forehead meant he bore the iniquity of the holy gifts so that they would be acceptable before the LORD.
- Hebrews 7:26 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”Christ is the High Priest who is truly holy, innocent, undefiled, and set apart from sinners.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (BSB)“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””God calls His people to be holy because He is holy.
Theological
What inscription did the gold plate on Aaron's turban bear, according to 39:30-31?
Answer: A declaration of consecration to the LORD
The gold plate called the holy crown bore an engraved inscription consecrating its wearer to the LORD and was fastened to the turban with a blue cord (39:30-31). On Aaron's forehead it signified that he bore the iniquity attaching to Israel's holy gifts so that they would be accepted by God (28:36-38). Aaron's holiness was official and representative; Christ is the High Priest, intrinsically holy, innocent, and undefiled (Hebrews 7:26), and His people are called to the holiness of the God who called them (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Exodus 39:30-31 (BSB)“They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Then they fastened to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The gold plate engraved with the words of consecration is fastened with a blue cord to the turban.
- Exodus 28:36-38 (BSB)“You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten to it a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.”The plate on Aaron's forehead meant he bore the iniquity of the holy gifts so that they would be acceptable before the LORD.
- Hebrews 7:26 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”Christ is the High Priest who is truly holy, innocent, undefiled, and set apart from sinners.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (BSB)“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””God calls His people to be holy because He is holy.
General
True or False: In making the ephod, the craftsmen beat gold into thin sheets and sliced it into threads to weave in with the yarn and linen.
Answer: True
This is true. The ephod was a special outer garment worn by the high priest. It was made of fine linen worked with gold thread plus blue, purple, and crimson yarn (39:2). To work the gold into the fabric, the craftsmen beat it into thin sheets and sliced those sheets into threads, then wove them together with the yarn and linen (39:3). This matched God's command for the ephod (28:6), and it was possible because God had given the workers the skill for such fine work (35:35).
- Exodus 39:2-3 (BSB)“Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman.”Thin sheets of gold are hammered out and cut into threads to be woven into the ephod.
- Exodus 28:6 (BSB)“They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.”God had commanded the ephod to be made of fine linen worked with gold and colored yarn.
- Exodus 35:35 (BSB)“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft.”God filled the craftsmen with skill for engraving, design, embroidery, and weaving.
Theological
True or False: According to 39:2-3, gold was beaten into sheets and cut into threads to be woven into the ephod.
Answer: True
This is true. The ephod, the high priest's outer vestment, combined fine linen, gold, and blue, purple, and crimson yarn (39:2), the gold being beaten into thin sheets and cut into threads for interweaving with the yarn and linen (39:3). The work carries out the command of 28:6, accomplished by craftsmen whom God had endowed with every such skill (35:35).
- Exodus 39:2-3 (BSB)“Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman.”Thin sheets of gold are hammered out and cut into threads to be woven into the ephod.
- Exodus 28:6 (BSB)“They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.”God had commanded the ephod to be made of fine linen worked with gold and colored yarn.
- Exodus 35:35 (BSB)“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft.”God filled the craftsmen with skill for engraving, design, embroidery, and weaving.
General
What did the craftsmen make from the colored yarn at the beginning of Exodus 39?
Answer: Woven clothing for serving in the sanctuary, including Aaron's holy garments
Chapter 39 turns from the tabernacle furniture to the clothing of the priests. From the colored yarn the craftsmen wove clothing for serving in the sanctuary, including Aaron's holy garments (39:1). God had commanded these garments to give Aaron glory and splendor as he served (28:2), and He had listed each piece to be made so that Aaron, together with his sons, could serve Him as priests (28:4). Aaron did not take the office on his own; God called him, just as God the Father appointed Christ as the great High Priest (Hebrews 5:4-5).
- Exodus 39:1 (BSB)“From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The craftsmen make woven garments for sanctuary ministry and the holy garments for Aaron.
- Exodus 28:2 (BSB)“Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.”God commanded holy garments for Aaron to give him glory and splendor.
- Exodus 28:4 (BSB)“These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.”God listed the garments to be made so that Aaron and his sons could serve Him as priests.
- Hebrews 5:4-5 (BSB)“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.””Aaron was called by God to the high priesthood, and Christ likewise was appointed High Priest by the Father.
Theological
What does 39:1 record as the first product of the colored yarn in this chapter?
Answer: Woven clothing for sanctuary service and Aaron's holy garments
The execution account now turns to the priestly vestments: woven clothing for sanctuary service and Aaron's holy garments (39:1). These were commanded for glory and splendor (28:2) and enumerated so that Aaron, with his sons, might serve as priests (28:4). The garments belong to an office conferred by divine call, not self-appointment, and Hebrews applies this to Christ, whom the Father appointed High Priest, as He had once called Aaron (Hebrews 5:4-5).
- Exodus 39:1 (BSB)“From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The craftsmen make woven garments for sanctuary ministry and the holy garments for Aaron.
- Exodus 28:2 (BSB)“Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor.”God commanded holy garments for Aaron to give him glory and splendor.
- Exodus 28:4 (BSB)“These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.”God listed the garments to be made so that Aaron and his sons could serve Him as priests.
- Hebrews 5:4-5 (BSB)“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.””Aaron was called by God to the high priesthood, and Christ likewise was appointed High Priest by the Father.
General
What material were the priests' tunics, turban, and undergarments made of (39:27-29)?
Answer: Fine linen
To clothe the priests, Aaron together with his sons, the craftsmen wove fine linen tunics, a linen turban, decorated linen headbands, linen undergarments, and a linen sash embroidered with colored yarn (39:27-29). God had commanded garments for Aaron's sons too, for their glory and splendor, and required the linen undergarments whenever they went in to serve (28:40-43). When the priests were ordained, they would be dressed in these garments, and the priesthood would belong to them by a lasting command from God (29:8-9).
- Exodus 39:27-29 (BSB)“For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen, the work of a weaver, as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen, and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Linen tunics, turban, headbands, undergarments, and an embroidered sash are made for Aaron and his sons.
- Exodus 28:40-43 (BSB)“Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor. After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”The sons' garments were for glory and splendor, and the linen undergarments were required when ministering.
- Exodus 29:8-9 (BSB)“Present his sons as well and clothe them with tunics. Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons.”Aaron's sons were to be clothed in tunics, sashes, and headbands, and the priesthood was theirs by permanent statute.
Theological
According to 39:27-29, of what material were the priests' tunics, turban, headbands, and undergarments made?
Answer: Fine linen
The tunics, turban, headbands, undergarments, and sash that clothed Aaron together with his sons were all fine linen, with the sash embroidered in colored yarn (39:27-29). These garments were commanded for the sons' glory and splendor, with the linen undergarments required for modesty when approaching the altar (28:40-43), and they were the vestments of ordination for a priesthood held by permanent statute (29:8-9).
- Exodus 39:27-29 (BSB)“For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen, the work of a weaver, as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen, and the sash of finely spun linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Linen tunics, turban, headbands, undergarments, and an embroidered sash are made for Aaron and his sons.
- Exodus 28:40-43 (BSB)“Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor. After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests. Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”The sons' garments were for glory and splendor, and the linen undergarments were required when ministering.
- Exodus 29:8-9 (BSB)“Present his sons as well and clothe them with tunics. Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons.”Aaron's sons were to be clothed in tunics, sashes, and headbands, and the priesthood was theirs by permanent statute.
General
What did Moses do after he looked over all the finished work (39:43)?
Answer: He saw that it had been done as the LORD commanded, and he blessed the people
Moses examined everything that had been made, saw that the people had done it exactly as God had commanded, and then blessed them (39:42-43). Many readers have noticed that this scene recalls the creation account. At creation God looked over His finished handiwork and pronounced it very good (Genesis 1:31), His work was completed, and He then pronounced a blessing on the seventh day (Genesis 2:1-3). Here a finished work is examined, found to be as it should be, and followed by a blessing. Exodus does not spell out the comparison, but it fits the picture of the tabernacle as a place where God comes to live among His people.
- Exodus 39:42-43 (BSB)“The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”Moses inspects the finished work, sees it was done as commanded, and blesses the people.
- Genesis 1:31 (BSB)“And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”At creation God looked at all He had made and saw that it was very good.
- Genesis 2:1-3 (BSB)“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished.”God completed His work of creation and then blessed the seventh day.
Theological
How does 39:42-43 conclude the account of the construction?
Answer: Moses examines the work, finds it done as commanded, and blesses the people
Moses inspects the completed work, sees that it was accomplished according to the LORD's command, and blesses the Israelites (39:42-43). Commentators widely observe verbal and thematic echoes of creation here: God's beholding of His finished work (Genesis 1:31), the completion of the work, and a blessing (Genesis 2:1-3). The parallel is suggestive rather than explicit, yet it fits the tabernacle's role as the place where the Creator comes to dwell among His redeemed people.
- Exodus 39:42-43 (BSB)“The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”Moses inspects the finished work, sees it was done as commanded, and blesses the people.
- Genesis 1:31 (BSB)“And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”At creation God looked at all He had made and saw that it was very good.
- Genesis 2:1-3 (BSB)“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished.”God completed His work of creation and then blessed the seventh day.
General
What was engraved on the two onyx stones fastened to the shoulders of the ephod (39:6-7)?
Answer: The names of Israel's sons, as a reminder before God
The two onyx stones were set in gold and engraved, the way a seal is cut, bearing the names of Israel's sons, and then attached to the ephod's shoulder straps as reminder stones (39:6-7). God had said Aaron would carry these names on his shoulders to keep them in remembrance before God (28:12). Whenever the high priest came before God, he carried the whole people's names with him. This points ahead to Christ, who has entered heaven itself to appear before God for His people (Hebrews 9:24) and always lives to pray for them (Hebrews 7:25).
- Exodus 39:6-7 (BSB)“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's sons are fastened on the ephod's shoulder pieces as memorial stones.
- Exodus 28:12 (BSB)“Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Aaron was to carry the names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
- Hebrews 9:24 (BSB)“For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Christ entered heaven itself to appear in God's presence on behalf of His people.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Christ always lives to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him.
Theological
What does 39:6-7 record about the onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces?
Answer: They were engraved to carry the names of Israel's sons and set there as stones of remembrance
The onyx stones, set in gold filigree and engraved to carry the names of Israel's sons, were fixed to the ephod's shoulder pieces as stones of remembrance (39:6-7), so that Aaron bore the tribes' names before the LORD as a memorial (28:12). The high priest's representative bearing of the people is fulfilled in Christ, who appears before God for us in the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24) and ever lives to plead for those who approach God by Him (Hebrews 7:25).
- Exodus 39:6-7 (BSB)“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's sons are fastened on the ephod's shoulder pieces as memorial stones.
- Exodus 28:12 (BSB)“Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Aaron was to carry the names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
- Hebrews 9:24 (BSB)“For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Christ entered heaven itself to appear in God's presence on behalf of His people.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Christ always lives to intercede for those who draw near to God through Him.
General
What statement is repeated again and again throughout Exodus 39?
Answer: That the work was done in keeping with the LORD's command to Moses
Chapter 39 keeps repeating that each piece was made according to God's command to Moses. In the section on the priestly garments (39:1-31) the statement appears seven times (39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31), and it returns as the whole work is completed and inspected (39:32, 42-43). The repetition drives home one point: the people did not follow their own ideas but did exactly what God said. God had told Moses to follow in every detail the design revealed to him on the mountain (25:40), because the earthly sanctuary was a copy of a heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5). Moses is remembered as a faithful servant in God's household (Hebrews 3:5).
- Exodus 39:32 (BSB)“So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The work is completed, and the Israelites did everything according to the LORD's command to Moses.
- Exodus 25:40 (BSB)“See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”Moses had been told to make everything according to the pattern shown him on the mountain.
- Hebrews 8:5 (BSB)“The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””The earthly sanctuary was a copy of the heavenly one, so it had to follow the pattern exactly.
- Hebrews 3:5 (BSB)“Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later.”Moses is commended as faithful in all God's house.
Theological
What refrain structures the account of Exodus 39?
Answer: The notice that each item was made in keeping with the LORD's command to Moses
The chapter is punctuated by the notice that everything was made in keeping with the LORD's command to Moses: seven times within the vestment section (39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31), and again at the completion and inspection of the whole work (39:32, 42-43). The refrain underlines exact obedience to the revealed pattern (25:40), which mattered because the earthly sanctuary was a copy and foreshadowing of the heavenly (Hebrews 8:5). Moses is accordingly commended as a faithful servant in God's household (Hebrews 3:5).
- Exodus 39:32 (BSB)“So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”The work is completed, and the Israelites did everything according to the LORD's command to Moses.
- Exodus 25:40 (BSB)“See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”Moses had been told to make everything according to the pattern shown him on the mountain.
- Hebrews 8:5 (BSB)“The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””The earthly sanctuary was a copy of the heavenly one, so it had to follow the pattern exactly.
- Hebrews 3:5 (BSB)“Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later.”Moses is commended as faithful in all God's house.
General
What decorated the bottom edge of the high priest's blue robe (39:24-26)?
Answer: Pomegranates of colored yarn alternating with pure-gold bells
The robe worn under the ephod was all blue, with a strong collar to keep the neck opening from tearing (39:22-23). Around its bottom edge the craftsmen made pomegranates of colored yarn and linen, with a gold bell placed between each pair, circling the whole hem (39:24-26). God had explained that the bells would be heard as Aaron went in and out of the holy place, and that this would keep him from dying (28:33-35). Coming into God's presence was serious; even the high priest could not enter the inner room whenever he wished (Leviticus 16:2). Through Jesus' blood, believers now come near to God with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- Exodus 39:24-26 (BSB)“They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe. They also made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates, alternating the bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe to be worn for ministry, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Blue, purple, and scarlet pomegranates alternate with gold bells around the hem of the robe.
- Exodus 28:33-35 (BSB)“Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them, alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe. Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die.”The sound of the bells was to be heard when Aaron went in and out before the LORD, so that he would not die.
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”Aaron could not enter the Most Holy Place whenever he wished, or he would die.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”Through the blood of Jesus believers now have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place.
Theological
How was the hem of the high priest's blue robe adorned, according to 39:24-26?
Answer: With yarn pomegranates alternating with pure gold bells
The all-blue robe, reinforced at the neck opening (39:22-23), had pomegranates of colored yarn and linen alternating with pure gold bells around its hem (39:24-26). The bells were to sound as Aaron ministered before the LORD, lest he die (28:33-35), a vivid sign that access to the holy God was guarded and perilous; even the high priest might not pass behind the veil at will (Leviticus 16:2). By contrast, believers now approach with confidence through Jesus' blood, by the fresh and life-giving way He opened (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- Exodus 39:24-26 (BSB)“They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe. They also made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates, alternating the bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe to be worn for ministry, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Blue, purple, and scarlet pomegranates alternate with gold bells around the hem of the robe.
- Exodus 28:33-35 (BSB)“Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn all the way around the lower hem, with gold bells between them, alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe. Aaron must wear the robe whenever he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he enters or exits the sanctuary before the LORD, so that he will not die.”The sound of the bells was to be heard when Aaron went in and out before the LORD, so that he would not die.
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”Aaron could not enter the Most Holy Place whenever he wished, or he would die.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”Through the blood of Jesus believers now have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place.