Bible Commentaries

CHAPTER 39 The Priestly Garments and the Work Finished

1. The material used (Exodus 39:1)

2. The ephod (Exodus 39:2-7)

3. The breastplate (Exodus 39:8-21)

4. The robe, the bells and pomegranates (Exodus 39:22-26)

5. The coats (Exodus 39:27-29)

6. The holy crown (Exodus 39:30-31)

7. The work finished (Exodus 39:32-43)

All is done “as the Lord commanded.” This expression is used seven times in chapter 39 (verses 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31). It is again repeated exactly seven times in chapter 40, the last chapter of Exodus (verses 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). Seven is the number of perfection and completion. All had been well done and Jehovah was pleased and could own the work, of which He was the originator. Blue, purple, and scarlet, the colors of heaven, royalty and blood, are given in the preparation of the holy garments. It tells once more of Him who is the priest. The order is significant. The heavenly color comes first, for He came from heaven’s glory. The kingly color next; He manifested Himself in His kingly power, and the blood color last, He died and shed His blood. Urim and Thummim are not mentioned in the list, for they could not be made.

The work was finished and all presented to Moses for inspection. The principal parts are mentioned once more. With what joy Moses must have looked upon the ark, the curtains, the boards, the altars, the laver and the garments of beauty and glory. There was no flaw in anything. With what liberality and zeal the great work had been accomplished. Then Moses blessed the children of Israel .