Overview:

Exodus 39 describes the creation of the priestly garments, including the ephod, the breastpiece, and the robe, as well as the final assembly of the Tabernacle. These garments were made with care and precision to reflect the holiness of God and the sacred role of the priests in mediating between God and the people. After the garments and other items were completed, Moses inspected the work, ensuring that everything had been done according to the Lord’s command. The chapter concludes with the completion of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, signifying that Israel was ready for worship and service to God.

Key themes in this chapter include the holiness of the priesthood, the importance of obedience to God’s commands in worship, and the symbolism of the priestly garments in pointing to the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 39 is the final chapter of the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The creation of the priestly garments signifies the completion of the Tabernacle, with all its elements now ready for use. The chapter echoes the earlier instructions given in Exodus 28, where God outlined the specific design and purpose of each piece of the priestly attire. The careful obedience of Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workers in crafting the garments and completing the Tabernacle highlights the importance of following God’s instructions in every detail.

Literarily, this chapter functions as the culmination of the Tabernacle narrative, with the priestly garments symbolizing the sacred role of the priests in leading Israel in worship. These garments are rich in symbolism, pointing to the holiness required for service to God and ultimately foreshadowing the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Holiness of the Priestly Garments:

The priestly garments, particularly the ephod, the breastpiece, and the robe, are described in detail, emphasizing the care and precision with which they were made. These garments were designed to reflect the holiness of God and the sanctity of the priesthood.

“They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen—the work of skilled hands” (Exodus 39:2-3).

The use of gold, fine linen, and vibrant colors reflects the beauty and majesty of God’s presence. The garments set the priests apart for their holy service, signifying that they were consecrated to God’s work. In the New Testament, this theme of holiness is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26).

The Breastpiece and the Representation of the Tribes:

The breastpiece, with its twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolized the high priest’s role in bearing the people before God.

“They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses” (Exodus 39:6-7).

The high priest carried the names of the tribes of Israel on his chest as a reminder that he represented the people before God. This points forward to Jesus, who as the ultimate High Priest, bears the names of believers on His heart and continually intercedes for them before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). The breastpiece symbolizes the priest’s role as a mediator, a role perfectly fulfilled in Christ.

The Robe and the Importance of Holiness in Worship:

The robe of the high priest was made of blue cloth, with bells of gold and pomegranates attached to the hem. The bells signified the priest’s entrance into the Most Holy Place and his role in representing the people before God.

“They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth—the work of a weaver… They made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around the hem of the robe. And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates” (Exodus 39:22-24).

The robe, with its bells and pomegranates, signified the priest’s active role in leading the people in worship. The holiness required of the priests reflects the broader biblical principle that worship must be approached with reverence and purity. This theme is fulfilled in Christ, who leads believers into the presence of God through His perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Obedience in Completing the Tabernacle:

The chapter emphasizes the obedience of the craftsmen and the people in completing the Tabernacle according to God’s exact instructions.

“The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:42-43).

This meticulous obedience highlights the importance of following God’s commands in worship and service. Just as the Israelites completed the Tabernacle exactly as God had instructed, believers today are called to obey God’s Word fully, trusting that His commands lead to life and blessing.

The Symbolism of the Priestly Garments in Christ:

The priestly garments worn by Aaron and his sons symbolize the holiness and mediation required to serve God. Each element, from the ephod to the breastpiece, points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. Christ fulfills the role of mediator between God and humanity, and through His perfect life and sacrificial death, He provides believers with access to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 39:1:

“From the blue, purple and scarlet yarn they made woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary. They also made sacred garments for Aaron, as the Lord commanded Moses.”

The chapter begins with a summary of the sacred garments made for Aaron and the priests. The colors used—blue, purple, and scarlet—are significant, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice, respectively. These garments set the priests apart for their sacred duties, reflecting the holiness required in worship.

Exodus 39:2-7:

“They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen… They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel.”

The ephod, with its gold and fine materials, was a key part of the high priest’s attire. The engraving of the names of the twelve tribes on the onyx stones symbolizes the priest’s role in representing the people before God. This points forward to Christ, who bears the names of believers before the Father and intercedes for them.

Exodus 39:8-21:

“They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.”

The breastpiece was intricately designed and contained twelve stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. This breastpiece symbolizes the priest’s role in carrying the people before God. In Christ, believers have a perfect mediator who intercedes for them and carries them on His heart.

Exodus 39:22-26:

“They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth—the work of a weaver… They made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates.”

The robe, with its bells and pomegranates, was a critical part of the high priest’s attire. The bells signaled the priest’s movements in the sanctuary, emphasizing the sacredness of his role. The robe represents the holiness required in worship, a theme that is fulfilled in Christ, who leads believers into God’s presence.

Exodus 39:27-29:

“For Aaron and his sons, they made tunics of fine linen—the work of a weaver—and the turban of fine linen, the linen caps and the undergarments of finely twisted linen. The sash was of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn—the work of an embroiderer—as the Lord commanded Moses.”

The tunics, turbans, and sashes worn by the priests were made with care and precision, reflecting the sacredness of their service. These garments, like the other elements of the priestly attire, symbolized the holiness required to approach God in worship.

Exodus 39:30-31:

“They made the plate, the sacred emblem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Then they fastened a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban, as the Lord commanded Moses.”

The gold plate engraved with the words “HOLY TO THE LORD” was worn on the high priest’s forehead, symbolizing the consecration of the priest to God’s service. This inscription reflects the broader biblical principle that all worship and service to God must be marked by holiness. In Christ, believers are called to live lives of holiness, set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Exodus 39:32-43:

“So all the work on the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses… Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”

The chapter concludes with the completion of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Moses inspects the work and confirms that everything has been done according to the Lord’s commands. This obedience results in Moses blessing the people, symbolizing the favor that comes from following God’s Word faithfully.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 39 emphasizes the importance of holiness, obedience, and consecration in worship. The priestly garments, made with such care and precision, symbolize the holiness required to serve God. These themes are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who is perfectly holy and provides believers with access to the Father through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

The ephod and breastpiece, with the names of the twelve tribes engraved on them, symbolize the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and the people. This points forward to Jesus, who as the perfect mediator, continually intercedes for believers and brings them into God’s presence (Hebrews 7:25). Through Christ, believers are called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), living lives of holiness and service to God.

The inscription “HOLY TO THE LORD” on the high priest’s forehead reflects the call to holiness that applies to all believers. In Christ, believers are set apart as holy, called to live lives that reflect God’s character and bring Him glory (Ephesians 1:4).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Completion of the Priestly Garments and the Tabernacle
   • Set the context for Exodus 39, focusing on the creation of the priestly garments and the completion of the Tabernacle.
   • Introduce the themes of holiness, obedience, and consecration in worship.
2. Point 1: The Holiness of the Priestly Garments
   • Discuss the significance of the priestly garments, particularly the ephod, breastpiece, and robe, emphasizing the holiness required to serve God.
   • Application: How can believers reflect the holiness of Christ in their own lives, living as “holy to the Lord”?
3. Point 2: The Breastpiece—Bearing the People Before God
   • Explore the symbolism of the breastpiece, with its twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and how this points to the high priest’s role as a mediator.
   • Application: How can believers rest in the truth that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, continually intercedes for them before the Father?
4. Point 3: The Robe—Holiness in Worship
   • Highlight the significance of the robe of the high priest, with its bells and pomegranates, and the emphasis on holiness in worship.
   • Application: How can believers approach worship with reverence and holiness, knowing that Christ leads them into the presence of God?
5. Point 4: Obedience in Completing the Tabernacle
   • Discuss the obedience of the Israelites in completing the Tabernacle exactly as the Lord commanded, and the blessing that followed their obedience.
   • Application: How can believers live in full obedience to God’s Word, trusting that His commands lead to life and blessing?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of someone living a life of holiness and obedience to God, drawing parallels to the consecration of the priests in Exodus 39.
• Use a metaphor of a craftsman carefully creating a beautiful piece of art to illustrate the precision and care with which the priestly garments were made, and how believers are called to live lives of holiness and beauty for God’s glory.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 39 challenges believers to reflect on the themes of holiness, obedience, and consecration in worship and service to God. The creation of the priestly garments symbolizes the holiness required to approach God, a theme that is fulfilled in Christ. Believers are called to live lives of holiness, reflecting the character of Christ and being “holy to the Lord” in all they do.

The breastpiece, with its twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, reminds believers that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, continually bears them before the Father. This provides comfort and assurance, knowing that Christ intercedes for them and that they are always on His heart.

The completion of the Tabernacle and the blessing that followed the Israelites’ obedience highlight the importance of following God’s commands fully. Believers today are called to live in obedience to God’s Word, trusting that His commands lead to life and blessing.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 39:

God the Father’s holiness, justice, and mercy are central to Exodus 39. The priestly garments, with their intricate design and symbolism, reflect the holiness required to serve in His presence. The Father’s desire to dwell among His people is evident in the completion of the Tabernacle, and His blessing upon the people signifies the favor that comes from faithful obedience. Through Christ, believers are invited into the presence of the Father, set apart as His holy people.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 39:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the priestly garments described in Exodus 39. As the perfect High Priest, Christ embodies the holiness, mediation, and sacrifice required to reconcile humanity to God (Hebrews 7:26-27). The ephod and breastpiece, which represent the high priest bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before God, point to Christ’s role in continually interceding for believers. Through Christ, believers are made holy and are invited to live lives consecrated to God’s service.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 39:

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in empowering believers to live lives of holiness and obedience, just as the priests were consecrated to serve in the Tabernacle. The Spirit sanctifies believers, making them holy and enabling them to fulfill their calling as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Just as the Israelites followed God’s instructions carefully in constructing the Tabernacle, believers are called to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of their lives, trusting that the Spirit leads them in holiness and obedience.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 39:

God’s love is evident in His desire to dwell among His people and to provide a means for them to approach Him in worship. The priestly garments, with their detailed design, reflect God’s love in setting apart the priests for holy service, allowing them to mediate between God and the people. Ultimately, God’s love is fully expressed in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect High Priest and the embodiment of God’s love for humanity. Through Christ, believers experience the fullness of God’s love and are invited to participate in His worship and service.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the creation of the priestly garments in Exodus 39 challenge you to reflect on the holiness required to serve God, and how can you live as “holy to the Lord” in your daily life?
2. In what ways can you rest in the truth that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, continually intercedes for you before the Father, bearing you on His heart?
3. How can you approach worship with a sense of reverence and holiness, knowing that Christ leads you into the presence of God through His perfect sacrifice?
4. How does the obedience of the Israelites in completing the Tabernacle inspire you to live in full obedience to God’s Word, trusting that His commands lead to life and blessing?
5. How does the fulfillment of the priestly garments in Christ inspire you to live a life of consecration and service, reflecting His holiness and love to the world?