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Exodus 39 Commentary

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Exodus 39:1

Material for the priestly garments is manufactured.

The ephod is made. It is a special item of clothing for the high priest. It was fashioned of the material described in verse 1, along with twisted linen, as well as gold threads and onyx stones that would decorate it.

Exodus 39:8-21

Along with the ephod, the high priest wore a breastpiece. It was made of the same material as the ephod and had twelve stones arranged in four rows on it.

Exodus 39:22-26

The High Priest’s robe is constructed. It was made of blue material and decorated with pomegranates and gold bells.

Exodus 39:27-29

The priests' turbans, caps, breeches, and sashes are made.

Exodus 39:30-31

Attached to the turban was its most prominent feature—the plate. It was engraved and fastened to the turban with a blue sash.

Exodus 39:32-43

Verses 32 – 43 contain an inventory of the materials used to make the tabernacle and its furnishings. It signaled the completion of the tabernacle and listed the materials involved in its construction.

Additional Resources

Book Theme

The book of Exodus is the second book of the Torah (“law”). It continues the story of Genesis concerning the migration of the family of Jacob (the Israelites) to Egypt (Genesis 50). It describes the commissioning of Moses and Aaron as God’s representatives on earth to accomplish God’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land (the land of Canaan). It also relates the miraculous deliverance from Egypt beginning with the plagues on Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. It then describes the journey to Mount Sinai and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant with the Israelites. The last part of the book involves the specifications and building of the tabernacle – the place where the Lord Himself dwelt amongst His people.

In the book of Exodus, the focus shifts to the deliverance of God’s people.

Chapter Context

Exodus 39 concentrates on the production of the priestly garments, and it tells of the completion of the tabernacle.
Chapter 39 can be outlined as follows:

The Priestly Garments are Made (Exo. 39:1 – 31)
The Material for the Priestly Garments (Exo. 39:1)
The Ephod (Exo. 39:2 – 7)
The Breastpiece (Exo. 39:8 – 21)
The Robe for the Ephod (Exo. 39 22 – 26)
Other Garments (Exo. 39:27 – 29)
The Headband (Exo. 39:30 – 31)
The Tabernacle is Completed (Exo. 39:32 – 43)