Exodus 39
The Priestly Garments Completed
Overview
The craftsmen complete the elaborate garments for Aaron and his sons. Every detail matches God's instructions, and the chapter repeatedly affirms that it was done "as the Lord commanded Moses."
Introduction
Exodus 39 describes the completion of the priestly garments—the magnificent attire that would mark Aaron and his sons as set apart for holy service. The chapter's refrain, "as the Lord commanded Moses," appears seven times, emphasizing the people's careful obedience after their earlier failure with the golden calf.
The Ephod
[1-7] The skilled workers create the colorful ephod with its shoulder pieces bearing the names of Israel's tribes.
- Fine materials [2-3]: Gold, blue, purple, and scarlet on fine linen—the same materials as the tabernacle curtains
- Gold threads [3]: Pure gold beaten thin and cut into threads, woven with the fabric—extraordinary craftsmanship
- Shoulder pieces [4]: Connected straps that joined the front and back
- Onyx stones [6-7]: Engraved with the twelve tribal names, set in gold—Israel borne on the priest's shoulders
- As commanded [7]: The first occurrence of the refrain—obedience emphasized
The Breastpiece
[8-21] The breastpiece was the most elaborate element—a square pouch with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes.
- Skilled work [8]: Same craftsmanship as the ephod—consistency in quality
- Square, folded [9]: A span by a span (about 9 inches square)—symmetrical and balanced
- Four rows of stones [10-14]: Each stone different, each engraved with a tribal name—every tribe precious and distinct
- Chains and rings [15-21]: Gold chains and rings attached the breastpiece securely to the ephod—nothing could fall or be lost
- Over the heart [21]: The breastpiece rested over Aaron's heart—carrying Israel into God's presence intimately
The Robe and Other Garments
[22-31] The blue robe with its bells and pomegranates, the tunics, turbans, and undergarments complete the priestly wardrobe.
- All blue [22]: Woven work, not pieced together—seamless beauty
- Bells and pomegranates [24-26]: Alternating around the hem—the sound would announce the priest's movements
- Tunics for all [27]: Aaron and his sons each received fine linen tunics
- The turban [28-29]: With its linen cap and sash—complete attire for service
- The gold plate [30-31]: Engraved "Holy to the Lord" and fastened to the turban—declaring the priest's consecration
All the Work Completed
[32-43] All the tabernacle components are brought to Moses. He inspects everything and finds it matches God's instructions exactly.
- Everything brought [33-41]: A complete inventory—the tent, furnishings, utensils, garments, all of it
- As commanded [42]: They had done "according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses"
- Moses' inspection [43]: Moses saw all the work—careful review before blessing
- Moses' blessing [43]: "And Moses blessed them"—approval and favor on faithful workers
Key Takeaways
- Obedience emphasized [1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 42, 43]: The repeated phrase "as the Lord commanded" shows transformed hearts after the golden calf
- Every tribe matters [14]: Each stone different, each name engraved—God sees and values each one
- Completion brings blessing [43]: When the work was done faithfully, Moses blessed the workers
Reflection Questions
- The refrain "as the Lord commanded" appears seven times. How carefully do you follow God's instructions in your life?
- Each tribe was represented by a unique stone. What does it mean that God sees you as unique and precious?
- Moses blessed the workers when the job was done well. How do you encourage those who serve faithfully?
Pause and Reflect
"According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work. And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them." [42-43]
Take 5 minutes to consider the joy of completing work exactly as God directed. After the failure of the golden calf, Israel demonstrated changed hearts through faithful obedience. Is there work God has given you that needs to be completed "as the Lord commanded"? Ask for grace to finish well.
This Bible study was written by Claude AI to help you engage with God's Word while our team prepares in-depth studies. We believe Scripture speaks for itself, and we hope this serves as a helpful starting point for your study.