Exodus 39

Chapter 39: Making the Priestly Garments

Background History and Timeline: Exodus continues the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, following their deliverance from Egypt. The events likely occurred around the late 15th or early 14th century BCE.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily focuses on the construction of the priestly garments within the Israelite camp.

Themes and Conflicts: Exodus 39 emphasizes themes of priesthood, holiness, and consecration in the construction of the garments for the priests who will serve in the tabernacle. It highlights the Israelites' commitment to establishing a priesthood and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle.

Main Characters: The main characters in this chapter include Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled craftsmen of Israel, as well as Aaron and his sons who will serve as priests.

Specific Passages:

• Exodus 39:1-7: Bezalel and the craftsmen make the ephod, a vest-like garment worn by the high priest, using fine linen, gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. They also make the breastpiece, or the "breastplate of judgment," adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

• Exodus 39:8-21: The craftsmen make the shoulder pieces, the pouch for the Urim and Thummim (objects used for seeking God's guidance), and the robe of the ephod, all according to the specifications given by God.

• Exodus 39:22-31: The craftsmen make the turban, the crown of pure gold worn by the high priest, as well as the sashes, linen undergarments, and caps worn by the priests.

• Exodus 39:32-43: The chapter concludes with a summary of the work completed by Bezalel and the craftsmen, who have faithfully followed the instructions given by God. Moses inspects the completed work and sees that it has been done according to the Lord's command.

Explanation: In Exodus 39, Bezalel and the skilled craftsmen of Israel continue their work on the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, specifically focusing on the garments for the priests who will serve in the tabernacle.

The craftsmen begin by making the ephod, a vest-like garment worn by the high priest, using fine linen, gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. They also make the breastpiece, or the "breastplate of judgment," adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Next, the craftsmen make the shoulder pieces, the pouch for the Urim and Thummim, and the robe of the ephod, all according to the specifications given by God. They also make the turban, the crown of pure gold worn by the high priest, as well as the sashes, linen undergarments, and caps worn by the priests.

The chapter concludes with a summary of the work completed by Bezalel and the craftsmen. Moses inspects the completed work and sees that it has been done according to the Lord's command. The garments are then presented to Aaron and his sons, who will wear them as they minister before the Lord in the tabernacle.

Exodus 39 emphasizes the importance of priesthood, holiness, and consecration in the construction of the garments for the priests who will serve in the tabernacle. It highlights the Israelites' commitment to establishing a priesthood and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle as a place of worship and communion with God.

The authorship of Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, who recorded the events and interactions with God during the Israelites' journey to liberation. While non-biblical sources may not directly verify the specific accounts, archaeological evidence corroborates aspects of ancient Israelite history and culture, providing context for the biblical narrative.

Exodus 39 reflects the Israelites' dedication to creating sacred spaces and objects for worship and communion with God, as they fulfill His commandments and honor His presence among them.