Exodus · chapter 39 of 40
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Exodus 39 tells of the making of Aaron's sacred garments: the ephod, the breastpiece with the twelve stones, the robe, the tunics, the turban and the gold plate Holy to the Lord. Everything is made as the Lord commanded. The Israelites bring Moses the tabernacle and all its utensils, he inspects the work, and when he sees it was done as the Lord commanded, he blesses them.
Exodus 39 carries out the instructions of chapter 28 about the priests' garments, and closes the building of the tabernacle with its delivery to Moses. One phrase is repeated again and again: as the Lord had commanded Moses. The chapter shows work done faithfully from beginning to end.
The craftsmen make the woven garments for service in the sanctuary of blue, purple and scarlet, and the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord commanded Moses. They make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet and fine twisted linen, with the two onyx stones set in gold and engraved with the names of the sons of Israel, to serve as a reminder.
They make the breastpiece with four rows of three precious stones, each bearing the name of a tribe, attached to the ephod with chains and rings of gold. They make the robe of the ephod, all blue, with pomegranates and bells of gold around the hem. They make the tunics of fine linen for Aaron and his sons, the turban, the caps, the undergarments and the sash. They make the plate of the holy crown, of pure gold, inscribed Holy to the Lord, and fasten it to the turban with a blue cord.
Thus all the work of the tabernacle is finished. The Israelites do everything just as the Lord commanded Moses and bring to Moses the tabernacle, the tent and all its utensils, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, bases, coverings, veil, table, lampstand, altar, basin and courtyard. Moses sees all the work and finds that they did it as the Lord had commanded. Then Moses blesses them.
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
They make the holy garments for Aaron as the Lord commanded Moses. The formula as the Lord had commanded is repeated through the chapter and sets the tone of careful obedience.
The twelve stones of the breastpiece correspond to the twelve sons of Israel, and each is engraved with the name of its tribe. The priest carries all the people on his chest, forgetting no tribe.
The plate of pure gold bears the inscription Holy to the Lord, like an engraved seal. The whole priesthood and the worship are defined by belonging to God and being consecrated to him.
Moses sees that they have done all the work just as the Lord commanded, and he blesses them. The blessing comes in response to careful and complete obedience.
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
Answer: As the Lord had commanded Moses. — Exodus 39:1
Answer: The names of the sons of Israel. — Exodus 39:6
Answer: Twelve stones, each with the name of a tribe of Israel. — Exodus 39:10-14
Answer: Pomegranates and bells of pure gold. — Exodus 39:24-26
Answer: Holy to the Lord. — Exodus 39:30
Answer: He found it was done as the Lord commanded and blessed them. — Exodus 39:43
Exodus 39 teaches us to value complete obedience from beginning to end. The Israelites did not do what seemed best to them but what God commanded. A small group can ask in which areas of Christian life we are tempted to do things halfway or in our own way, and how to cultivate faithfulness in what we are entrusted with.
It also recalls the blessing that accompanies a finished task. Moses blessed the workers. In the church, recognizing and thanking those who serve strengthens the community. And the plate Holy to the Lord invites us to live our whole life, not only Sundays, as something consecrated to God.
Exodus 39 ends with all the parts of the tabernacle presented to Moses and blessed. Chapter 40 narrates the final moment of the book: the tabernacle is set up and the glory of the Lord fills it.
It is a literary refrain that underlines obedience. The work of the tabernacle was an act of faithfulness to the covenant, and the narrator reminds the reader that each part was made according to God's will, not human invention.
Aaron, as high priest, wore the ephod, the breastpiece, the robe and the gold plate, besides the tunic and turban. His sons wore linen tunics, sashes and caps. The garments marked the dignity of each service.
It is a gesture of recognition and of asking God's favor on the workers for their labor. The text does not give the words. It expresses that work done faithfully deserves to be acknowledged and entrusted to God.