Exodus Chapter 39 Bible Study: Crafting the Priestly Garments, The Ephod, Breastplate, and the Tabernacle's Completion

Making the Priestly Garments: An Overview

Exodus chapter 39 details the meticulous craftsmanship of the sacred garments for the priests, particularly for Aaron, the High Priest. These garments were not merely ceremonial attire; they were divinely designed vestments, rich in symbolism, intended to reflect the holiness of God and the sacred nature of the priestly office. The chapter emphasizes that every step of the creation process adhered precisely to “as the Lord had commanded Moses,” highlighting the importance of obedience to divine instruction in all matters of worship and service. The artisans, primarily Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other gifted craftsmen, applied their divinely imparted skills to bring these intricate designs to life. The making of these garments was as crucial as the construction of the tabernacle itself, as they enabled the priests to minister acceptably in God’s holy presence. The materials used – gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen – were the same precious and symbolic materials used in the most sacred parts of the tabernacle, underscoring the holiness and divine glory associated with the priesthood. These garments were designed to set the priests apart, signifying their unique role as mediators between God and His people, and foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

The Ephod: Garment of Glory and Beauty

The ephod was the most distinctive and elaborate garment of the High Priest, worn over the blue robe. Its construction is meticulously detailed in Exodus 39:2-7. “He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen, artistically worked. They cut the gold into thin threads and drew it through the blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, into skillful designs. They made shoulder straps for it to couple it together; it was coupled together at its two edges. And they made the skillfully woven band of the ephod of the same workmanship, interwoven with it, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Materials: The ephod was crafted from the most precious and symbolic materials: gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. The gold was not merely embroidered on but “cut into thin threads and drew it through” the other threads, indicating an incredibly intricate and skillful process of weaving gold directly into the fabric. This made the ephod shimmer with divine glory and beauty.
- Gold: Symbolized divinity, purity, and glory.
- Blue: Represented heaven, the divine, and God’s heavenly abode.
- Purple: Symbolized royalty, kingship, and majesty.
- Scarlet: Represented blood, life, and atonement.
- Fine Woven Linen: Symbolized purity, righteousness, and holiness.
Workmanship: It was “artistically worked” and made with “skillful designs,” highlighting the divine inspiration and human excellence required for its creation. The term “skillfully woven band” refers to the waistband of the ephod, which was integral to the garment and made of the same rich materials.
Structure: The ephod had “shoulder straps” that coupled it together at its two edges. These straps were crucial for holding the ephod in place and for bearing the two onyx stones.

The ephod was not just a beautiful garment; it was deeply symbolic. It represented the glory and beauty of the priestly office, reflecting the majesty of the God whom the priest served. Its intricate design and precious materials underscored the sacredness of the High Priest’s role as mediator.

The Onyx Stones: Bearing the Tribes of Israel

Attached to the shoulder straps of the ephod were two significant onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six tribes of Israel. “They set two onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, and engraved on them the names of the sons of Israel; like the engraving of a signet. And he put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod to be memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Materials and Engraving: Two onyx stones, precious and beautiful, were “enclosed in settings of gold.” On each stone, the names of six of the “sons of Israel” (the tribes) were “engraved… like the engraving of a signet.” Signet engraving was a precise and permanent form of inscription, emphasizing the enduring nature of God’s remembrance of His people.
Placement: These stones were placed on the shoulder straps of the ephod. The shoulders symbolize strength, burden-bearing, and responsibility.
Purpose: Their purpose was to be “memorial stones for the sons of Israel.” This means that whenever the High Priest ministered before the Lord, he bore the names of all twelve tribes on his shoulders. This symbolized the High Priest carrying the burden and representation of the entire nation into God’s presence. It underscored his role as the representative of the people, bringing them before God in worship and intercession.

This aspect of the ephod powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. He bears His people, not just on His shoulders, but in His very heart and on the cross. He perpetually intercedes for us before the Father, carrying our burdens and representing us perfectly (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). The fact that the names were engraved on precious stones signifies the preciousness of God’s people in His sight and His unfailing remembrance of them. Just as the High Priest carried Israel’s names into the Holy Place, Christ carries the names of all believers into the heavenly sanctuary, ensuring our access and acceptance before God.

The Breastplate of Judgment: Bearing the Names on the Heart

The breastplate of judgment was an even more elaborate and symbolically rich component, worn over the ephod and covering the High Priest’s heart. Its construction is detailed in Exodus 39:8-21. “He made the breastplate, artistically worked, like the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It was square when doubled; a span was its length and a span was its width when doubled. And they set in it four rows of stones: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings. There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel: according to their names, one for each of the twelve tribes, each like the engraving of a signet. Then they made chains of braided gold, like cords, for the breastplate, at the ends. And they made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. Then they put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings which were on the ends of the breastplate; and the two ends of the two braided chains they fastened to the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front. And they made two gold rings and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which was on the inward side next to the ephod. Then they made two gold rings and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, toward its front, right at the seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. They bound the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would be above the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate would not come loose from the ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Materials and Workmanship: Like the ephod, it was “artistically worked” from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, emphasizing its sacredness and beauty.
Structure: It was “square when doubled,” forming a pouch. Its dimensions were a “span” (about nine inches) in length and width.
Twelve Precious Stones: The most striking feature was the twelve precious stones, arranged in four rows of three. Each stone was unique and represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, engraved with its name “like the engraving of a signet.” These stones were “enclosed in settings of gold,” signifying their preciousness and their secure placement.
Placement: The breastplate was worn over the High Priest’s heart. This symbolized the High Priest bearing the names of the tribes on his heart when he entered God’s presence. This emphasizes not just responsibility (shoulders) but also love, affection, and deep concern for the people.
Chains and Rings: Intricate gold chains, rings, and settings were used to securely fasten the breastplate to the ephod, ensuring it would “not come loose.” This meticulous attachment highlights the inseparable connection between the High Priest and the people he represented.
“Breastplate of Judgment”: Exodus 28:15 names it the “breastplate of judgment” because it contained the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30), objects used by the High Priest to discern God’s will and judgment for the people.

The breastplate, with the names of Israel engraved on precious stones over the High Priest’s heart, powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ. He not only bears His people on His shoulders (strength and responsibility) but also on His heart (love and compassion). He is our advocate, perpetually interceding for us, and through Him, we are eternally precious to God. The breastplate signifies God’s deep love and remembrance of His covenant people, and His willingness to guide them through His chosen mediator.

The Robe of the Ephod: Sound and Symbolism

Beneath the ephod and breastplate, the High Priest wore the robe of the ephod, a distinctive garment described in Exodus 39:22-26. “He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. There was an opening for his head in the middle of the robe; it had a woven binding all around the opening, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that it would not tear. They made on the hem of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, and of fine woven linen. And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around the hem of the robe, a gold bell and a pomegranate, a gold bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe to minister in, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Color and Workmanship: The robe was made “all of blue,” symbolizing its heavenly origin and the divine nature of the High Priest’s ministry. It was of “woven work,” indicating careful craftsmanship.
Head Opening: The opening for the head was reinforced with a “woven binding… like the opening in a coat of mail,” ensuring its durability and preventing tearing, given its constant use.
Bells and Pomegranates: The most unique feature was the alternating pattern of gold bells and pomegranates (made of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen) around the hem.
- Pomegranates: Symbolized fruitfulness, abundance, and the blessings of God (Deuteronomy 8:8). They represented the fruit of the High Priest’s ministry and the spiritual fruitfulness of the nation.
- Gold Bells: These bells would chime as the High Priest moved within the Holy Place. Exodus 28:35 states, “His sound will be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, lest he die.” The sound of the bells served a crucial purpose: it assured the people outside that the High Priest was alive and ministering acceptably before God. If the bells stopped, it could indicate that he had died due to some transgression, and no one could enter the Holy Place to retrieve him.

The robe of the ephod, with its bells and pomegranates, symbolized the life and fruitfulness of the High Priest’s ministry. The sound of the bells was a constant reassurance to the people that their mediator was alive and performing his duties, ensuring their continued access to God through his intercession. This powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, whose continuous, living intercession ensures our access to God. His ministry is not temporary or prone to failure, but eternally fruitful and effective. The bells symbolize the living voice of our High Priest, constantly interceding for us before the Father.

The Tunic, Turban, Sashes, and Breeches

In addition to the more elaborate garments, the High Priest and the common priests wore simpler, yet equally significant, vestments. Exodus 39:27-29 describes the tunics, turbans, and sashes for Aaron and his sons, and the breeches for all priests. “They made tunics of fine woven linen for Aaron and his sons, a turban of fine woven linen, sashes of fine woven linen with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, made by a weaver, and breeches of fine woven linen.”

Tunics (kuttonet): These were long, white, inner garments made of “fine woven linen,” symbolizing purity and righteousness. Both the High Priest and the common priests wore these.
Turban (mitznefet): For the High Priest, a turban of “fine woven linen” was made. This was a distinctive head covering. For the common priests, caps (migba’ot) were made (Exodus 28:40).
Sashes (avnet): These were woven belts made of “fine woven linen with blue, purple, and scarlet thread,” indicating their sacredness and connection to the divine, royalty, and atonement. They were “made by a weaver,” suggesting intricate craftsmanship. The sash helped secure the tunic and represented service and readiness.
Breeches (mikhnesei bad): These were linen undergarments, worn by all priests, extending from the waist to the thighs. Their purpose was explicitly stated in Exodus 28:42: “to cover their nakedness,” ensuring modesty and holiness in God’s presence. This detail underscores God’s demand for purity and reverence in all aspects of worship, even the unseen.

These simpler garments, though less ornate than the ephod or breastplate, were foundational. They represented the purity, righteousness, and modesty required for all who ministered before a holy God. They ensured that the priests were properly attired for their sacred duties, symbolizing their separation from the common and their dedication to God. The consistent use of “fine woven linen” across all these garments emphasizes the theme of purity and righteousness, which is essential for anyone serving in God’s presence. These garments collectively highlighted the distinct identity and sacred calling of the priesthood, setting them apart for their unique role in mediating between God and His people.

The Golden Plate: Holy to the Lord

The most significant inscription on the High Priest’s garments was found on the golden plate, worn on his turban. Exodus 39:30-31 describes its creation: “They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And they tied a blue cord to it, to fasten it above on the turban, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Material and Inscription: This plate, also called the “holy crown,” was made of pure gold. Engraved upon it, “like the engraving of a signet” (signifying permanence and authority), were the words: “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” (Kodesh La Yahweh). This inscription was the essence of the High Priest’s office and the purpose of his ministry. It declared that he, and by extension the people he represented, were set apart and consecrated entirely to God. It also served as a constant reminder of God’s absolute holiness.
Placement: The golden plate was fastened with a “blue cord” (symbolizing heaven and the divine) “above on the turban,” placing it prominently on the High Priest’s forehead. This ensured that the declaration of “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” was visible to all and constantly before the High Priest’s own eyes as he ministered.
Purpose and Symbolism: Exodus 28:38 explains its purpose: “So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.” The golden plate symbolized the High Priest’s role in bearing the iniquity of the holy gifts and ensuring the acceptance of the people’s offerings before God. Even in their holy acts, the people were imperfect and needed a mediator to make their gifts acceptable. The inscription declared the standard of holiness required for approaching God.

This golden plate powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest. He is inherently “HOLY TO THE LORD,” without sin, and perfectly acceptable to God. He doesn’t just bear the iniquity of our holy gifts; He bears the iniquity of our very lives, making us acceptable before God through His perfect sacrifice and righteousness (Hebrews 7:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5). The golden plate served as a constant reminder of the absolute holiness of God and the need for a perfect mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.

Completion of All the Work

After the detailed construction of the priestly garments, Exodus 39:32 provides a crucial summary statement, emphasizing the completion of the entire tabernacle project according to God’s precise instructions. “Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did.”

This verse highlights several important points:

Completion: The phrase “all the work… was finished” signifies the successful culmination of a massive and complex undertaking. From the initial collection of materials to the intricate craftsmanship of every component, the entire project was brought to completion. This demonstrates the diligence and dedication of the artisans and the people.
Obedience to Divine Command: The repeated phrase, “And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did,” is a recurring motif throughout the construction chapters (Exodus 35-39). It underscores the paramount importance of strict obedience to God’s revealed will. The tabernacle was not built according to human preferences or innovations but precisely according to the divine blueprint. This emphasizes that true worship and service must be done God’s way, not our own.
Collective Effort: While Bezalel and Oholiab were the chief artisans, the completion of “all the work” implies the collective effort of numerous skilled men and women, whose willing hearts and hands contributed to every aspect of the project (Exodus 35:25-29). It was a unified effort of the entire community.

This summary statement serves as a triumphant declaration. Despite their recent rebellion with the golden calf (Exodus 32), the people had now demonstrated a profound change of heart and a renewed commitment to God through their obedience, generosity, and diligent labor. The completion of the tabernacle symbolized the restoration of their covenant relationship with God and the preparation for His dwelling among them. It was a testament to God’s grace in giving them a second chance and their willingness to respond in faithful obedience. The tabernacle, now complete, stood ready to be assembled and consecrated, marking a new chapter in Israel’s journey with God. This completion also prepared the way for the glory of the Lord to fill the tabernacle, as described in the next chapter.

Bringing All Components to Moses

Following the completion of all the individual components of the tabernacle and its furnishings, the next step was to bring them to Moses for inspection and final assembly. Exodus 39:33-41 lists every item, emphasizing that nothing was overlooked. “And they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent and all its furnishings: its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of badger skins, and the veil of the covering; the ark of the Testimony and its poles, with the mercy seat; the table, all its utensils, and the showbread; the pure gold lampstand with its lamps (the lamps set in order), all its utensils, and the oil for light; the gold altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the tabernacle; the bronze altar, its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the laver and its base; the hangings of the court, its pillars and their sockets, the screen for the court gate, its ropes, and its pegs; all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; and the garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place: the holy garments for Aaron the priest and his sons’ garments, to minister as priests.”

This comprehensive list serves as a final inventory, confirming that every single item, from the largest structural components to the smallest utensils and the most intricate garments, had been completed according to God’s instructions.

Tabernacle Structure: Curtains, boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and the various layers of coverings (ram skins, badger skins, veil).
Holy Place Furnishings: The Ark of the Testimony with its poles and Mercy Seat, the Table of Showbread with its utensils, the Golden Lampstand with its lamps and utensils, the Altar of Incense.
Sacred Compounds: Anointing oil and sweet incense.
Outer Court Furnishings: The Bronze Altar with its grating and utensils, the Laver with its base.
Court Structure: Hangings, pillars, sockets, gate screen, ropes, and pegs.
Priestly Garments: All the garments for Aaron (ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, sash, breeches, golden plate) and the tunics, sashes, and breeches for his sons.

The act of bringing all these components to Moses signifies the accountability of the artisans and the people. Moses, as God’s representative, was responsible for overseeing the entire project and ensuring that every detail matched the divine blueprint. This meticulous presentation underscores the gravity and sacredness of the work. It also prepares the way for the final stage: the assembly and consecration of the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 40. The sheer volume and complexity of these items, all handcrafted with divine skill and human dedication, are truly awe-inspiring, demonstrating the magnitude of the task and the faithfulness of the people in fulfilling God’s command.

Moses’ Inspection and Blessing

The culmination of the entire construction process is Moses’ meticulous inspection of all the completed components, followed by his blessing upon the people. Exodus 39:42-43 concludes the chapter: “According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it. And Moses blessed them.”

This final affirmation is crucial:

Perfect Obedience: The text reiterates, for the third time in this chapter, the absolute adherence to God’s instructions: “According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work.” And again, “as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it.” This repeated emphasis underscores the paramount importance of perfect obedience in building God’s dwelling place and performing His work. There was no deviation, no improvisation, no cutting corners. Every detail, no matter how small, was executed precisely as God commanded. This sets a standard for all who seek to serve God: His way is the only acceptable way.
Moses’ Inspection: “Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it.” Moses, as God’s appointed leader and the one who received the divine blueprint, conducted a thorough inspection. His approval was essential, confirming that the work met the divine standard. This highlights the importance of accountability and oversight in spiritual endeavors.
Moses’ Blessing: “And Moses blessed them.” This blessing was a formal declaration of God’s favor and approval upon the people for their obedience, generosity, and diligence. It was a recognition of their faithful response to God’s call, especially after their recent rebellion. This blessing served as a powerful affirmation of their restored covenant relationship with God. It was a sign that their efforts were accepted by the Lord.

This concluding scene is one of triumph and reconciliation. The people, who had sinned so grievously with the golden calf, had now demonstrated genuine repentance and obedience through their willing hearts and skilled hands. The completed tabernacle, built precisely to God’s specifications, stood as a tangible symbol of God’s renewed presence among them. Moses’ blessing sealed this moment, signifying God’s acceptance of their work and His pleasure in their obedience. It set the stage for the ultimate act of consecration and the manifestation of God’s glory in the tabernacle, as described in the final chapter of Exodus. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to God’s grace in giving second chances and the transformative power of obedience and faithful service.

Theological Themes in Exodus 39

Exodus 39, while focused on the tangible creation of sacred objects, is rich with profound theological themes that reveal God’s character and His redemptive plan.

1. The Holiness of God and His Demands for Purity: The meticulous detail in the construction of the priestly garments, the use of precious and symbolic materials (gold, fine linen, specific colors), and the emphasis on their purpose for “holy service” all underscore God’s absolute holiness. He demands purity and perfection from those who approach Him and minister in His presence. This highlights the vast chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the necessity of divine provision for mediation and cleansing.

2. The Importance of Obedience to Divine Command: The recurring phrase “as the Lord had commanded Moses” (or variations thereof) appears numerous times throughout the chapter. This repetition is not accidental; it is a deliberate emphasis on the paramount importance of strict and precise obedience to God’s revealed will. The tabernacle and its garments were not built according to human preferences or innovations, but exactly according to the divine blueprint. This teaches us that true worship and service must be done God’s way, not our own, and that obedience is fundamental to our relationship with Him.

3. Divine Empowerment for Service: The chapter implicitly and explicitly highlights the role of Bezalel, Oholiab, and other “gifted artisans” who were filled with the Spirit of God for their craftsmanship. This reiterates the theme of divine enablement for service. God not only calls individuals to tasks but also supernaturally equips them with the necessary skills, wisdom, and understanding to accomplish His purposes. Every talent, when consecrated to God, is elevated and empowered by Him.

4. The Representative Role of the Priesthood: The ephod with the onyx stones on the shoulders and the breastplate with the twelve stones over the heart powerfully symbolize the High Priest’s role as the representative of the entire nation of Israel before God. He bore their names, their burdens, and their needs into God’s holy presence. This foreshadows the ultimate representative role of Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents His people before the Father.

5. Foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, Our Great High Priest: The priestly garments are rich in Christological symbolism: * Gold, Blue, Purple, Scarlet, Fine Linen: These materials, symbolizing divinity, heaven, royalty, atonement, and purity, all point to Christ’s divine nature, His kingship, His atoning blood, and His perfect righteousness. * The Ephod and Breastplate: Christ bears His people on His shoulders (strength, responsibility) and on His heart (love, compassion). * The Bells on the Robe: Symbolize Christ’s living, continuous intercession, assuring us of His active ministry on our behalf. * The Golden Plate (“HOLINESS TO THE LORD”): Christ is inherently holy, without sin, and perfectly acceptable to God. He bears our iniquity, making us acceptable before the Father. * The Entire Priesthood: The Old Testament priesthood, with its limitations and need for repeated sacrifices, pointed to Christ as the perfect, eternal High Priest who offered one sacrifice for all time (Hebrews 7-10).

6. The Acceptance of God’s People and Their Offerings: The purpose of the priestly garments was to ensure that the priests could minister acceptably and that the people’s offerings would be received by God. This highlights God’s desire for fellowship and His provision for His people to approach Him, even with their imperfections. Through Christ, we are now accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6) and our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:5).

Exodus 39, therefore, is not just a historical record of ancient craftsmanship; it is a profound theological statement about God’s holiness, His demand for obedience, His provision for a mediator, and the glorious foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, who fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant priesthood.

Practical Lessons from Exodus 39

Exodus 39, while detailing the construction of ancient priestly garments, offers profound practical lessons for believers today concerning worship, service, and our identity in Christ.

1. The Importance of Obedience in Service: The repeated phrase “as the Lord had commanded Moses” underscores that our service to God must be done according to His revealed will, not our own preferences or innovations. This teaches us to diligently study God’s Word to understand His commands and to strive for faithful obedience in all aspects of our lives and ministries. Our efforts are accepted when they align with His instructions.

2. Excellence in All We Do for God: The meticulous craftsmanship, the use of precious materials, and the intricate designs of the priestly garments demonstrate God’s demand for excellence in His service. This challenges us to offer our best—our time, talents, and resources—to God. Whether it’s a grand ministry or a simple act of service, we should perform it with diligence and a commitment to quality, recognizing that we are serving a holy God.

3. God Equips Those He Calls: The artisans were divinely gifted with wisdom and skill. This reminds us that God provides the necessary abilities for the tasks He calls us to. We don’t have to rely solely on our natural talents; we can trust that the Holy Spirit will empower us for His purposes. This should encourage us to step out in faith and use our gifts in His service, knowing He will enable us.

4. We Are Represented Before God: The High Priest bearing the names of the tribes on his shoulders and heart powerfully illustrates that we are represented before God. This points to Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, who perpetually intercedes for us, carrying our burdens and concerns before the Father. This truth should bring immense comfort and confidence, knowing that we have a perfect advocate in heaven.

5. Our Identity in Christ as “Holy to the Lord”: The inscription “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” on the High Priest’s turban is a profound declaration. In Christ, believers are now considered “holy to the Lord” (1 Peter 2:9). This calls us to live lives that reflect this holy identity, striving for purity and consecration in all our thoughts, words, and deeds, knowing that we are set apart for God’s purposes.

6. The Significance of Christ’s Priesthood: Understanding the Old Testament priesthood and its garments deepens our appreciation for Jesus Christ as our perfect and eternal High Priest. Every aspect of the earthly priesthood pointed to Him. This should lead us to greater worship and reliance on Christ alone for our access to God, our atonement, and our ongoing intercession.

7. The Joy of Collective Service and Completion: The chapter concludes with the completion of all the work and Moses’ blessing. This highlights the joy and satisfaction that come from working together as a community to fulfill God’s purposes. When we unite our gifts and efforts in obedience, we experience the blessing of seeing God’s work accomplished.

8. The Importance of Transparency and Accountability: The detailed accounting of materials in the previous chapter and the final inspection by Moses underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in handling resources and executing tasks for God’s kingdom. Leaders and individuals should strive for integrity and clear records in their service.

These practical lessons from Exodus 39 guide us in our understanding of worship, our role in God’s kingdom, and the glorious truth of our identity and access to God through Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest.

Cross-References and Broader Biblical Themes

Exodus 39, detailing the crafting of the priestly garments, connects to numerous major biblical themes and finds echoes in other passages throughout Scripture, particularly concerning the priesthood and Christology.

1. The Priestly Garments and Their Symbolism:

Exodus 28: God’s initial detailed instructions for the priestly garments, which Exodus 39 describes being made.
Leviticus 8: Moses dresses Aaron and his sons in these garments during their consecration.
Zechariah 3:1-5: Joshua the High Priest is stripped of his filthy garments and given rich robes, symbolizing cleansing and acceptance.
Isaiah 61:10: “He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.” This speaks to spiritual garments.
Revelation 1:13: Jesus is seen “clothed with a garment down to the feet,” reminiscent of priestly attire.
Revelation 19:8: The bride of Christ is granted “fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

2. The Ephod and Breastplate (Bearing the Names):

Exodus 28:6-30: Initial instructions for the ephod and breastplate, including the Urim and Thummim.
Song of Solomon 8:6: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm.” This speaks to love and remembrance.
Isaiah 49:16: “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” God’s unfailing remembrance of His people.
Hebrews 7:25: Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for us, bearing us before God.
Romans 8:34: Christ is at the right hand of God, interceding for us.

3. The Robe with Bells and Pomegranates:

Exodus 28:33-35: Initial instructions for the bells and pomegranates and their purpose (“His sound will be heard… lest he die”).
Hebrews 7:23-24: Contrasts the many mortal priests with Christ, who has an unchangeable priesthood because He lives forever. The bells symbolize His living intercession.
John 15:5: Jesus as the vine, and believers as branches, bearing much fruit (pomegranates).

4. The Golden Plate (“HOLINESS TO THE LORD”):

Exodus 28:36-38: Initial instructions for the plate and its purpose (bearing the iniquity of holy gifts).
Hebrews 7:26-28: Christ is a “High Priest who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens,” needing no sacrifice for Himself.
1 Peter 2:5, 9: Believers are a “holy priesthood” and a “royal priesthood,” called to declare God’s praises.
Revelation 22:4: In the New Jerusalem, God’s servants “shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads,” the ultimate fulfillment of divine consecration.

5. Obedience to Divine Command:

Genesis 6:22; 7:5: Noah’s obedience in building the ark “according to all that God commanded him.”
Deuteronomy 4:1-2: Moses warns Israel not to add to or take away from God’s commands.
1 Samuel 15:22: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.”
John 14:15: Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

6. Divine Empowerment for Service:

Exodus 31:1-6; 35:30-35: The initial calling and filling of Bezalel and Oholiab with the Spirit of God for wisdom and skill.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Paul describes the diversity of spiritual gifts, all empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-12: Christ gives gifts to equip the saints for ministry.

Exodus 39, therefore, is not merely a technical description but a profound theological statement, illustrating God’s meticulous planning, His demand for holiness and obedience, and the glorious foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest, who fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant priesthood and makes us “holy to the Lord.”

Exodus Chapter 39 Bible Study: Crafting the Priestly Garments, The Ephod, Breastplate, and the Tabernacle’s Completion