EXODUS 39 COMME�TARYEDITED BY GLE�� PEASE

The Priestly Garments

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.

CLARKE, "Blue and purple, and scarlet - See this subject largely explained in the notes on Exo_25:4 (note).

GILL, "And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service,.... Jarchi observes that there is no mention made of linen, because these were not the priestly garments in which there was linen; but these were they with which they covered the vessels of the sanctuary when they journeyed; and so says Aben Ezra; and those were covered with cloths of blue, purple, and scarlet, Num_4:5 though some think these were clothes wore by the priests:

to do service in the holy place: and which they only wore when in it, and employed in the service of it; and therefore what follows must be by way of explanation:

and made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord commanded Moses; the particulars of which are given in the following verses.

HE�RY 1-31, "In this account of the making of the priests' garments, according to the instructions given (ch. 28), we may observe, 1. That the priests' garments are called here clothes of service, Exo_39:1. Note, Those that wear robes of honour must look upon them as clothes of service; for from those upon whom honour is put service is expected. It is said of those that are arrayed in white robes that they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, Rev_7:13, Rev_7:15. Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, or to strut in, but to do service in; and then they are indeed for

glory and beauty. The Son of man himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 2. That all the six paragraphs here, which give a distinct account of the making of these holy garments, conclude with those words, as the Lord commanded Moses,Exo_39:5, Exo_39:7, Exo_39:21, Exo_39:26, Exo_39:29, Exo_39:31. The like is not in any of the foregoing accounts, as if in these, more than any other of the appurtenances of the tabernacle, they had a particular regard to the divine appointment, both for warrant and for direction. It is an intimation to all the Lord's ministers to make the word of God their rule in all their ministrations, and to act in observance of and obedience to the command of God. 3. That these garments, in conformity to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle, were very rich and splendid; the church in its infancy was thus taught, thus pleased, with the rudiments of this world; but now under the gospel, which is the ministration of the Spirit, to affect and impose such pompous habits as the church of Rome does, under pretence of decency and instruction, is to betray the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and to entangle the church again in the bondage of those carnal ordinances which were imposed only till the time of reformation. 4. That they were all shadows of good things to come, but the substance is Christ, and the grace of the gospel; when therefore the substance has come, it is a jest to be fond of the shadow. (1.) Christ is our great high-priest; when he undertook the work of our redemption, he put on the clothes of service - he arrayed himself with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure - girded himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with the curious girdle of resolution, to go through with his undertaking - charged himself with all God's spiritual Israel, bore them on his shoulders, carried them in his bosom, laid them near his heart, engraved them on the palms of his hands, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And (lastly) he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrating his whole undertaking to the honour of his Father's holiness: now consider how great this man is. (2.) True believers are spiritual priests. The clean linen with which all their clothes of service must be made is the righteousness of saints (Rev_19:8), and Holiness to the Lord must be so written upon their foreheads that all who converse with them may see, and say, that they bear the image of God's holiness, and are devoted to the praise of it.

JAMISO�, "Exo_39:1-43. Garments of the priests.

cloths of service — official robes. The ephod of the high priest, the robe of the ephod, the girdle of needlework, and the embroidered coat were all of fine linen; for on no material less delicate could such elaborate symbolical figures have been portrayed in embroidery, and all beautified with the same brilliant colors. (See on Exo_28:1-43).

K&D 1-31, "Preparation of the priests' clothes. - Previous to the description of the dress itself, we have a statement in Exo_39:1 of the materials employed, and the purpose to which they were devoted (“cloths of service,” see at Exo_31:10). The robes consisted

of the ephod (Exo_39:2-7, as in Exo_28:6-12), the choshen or breastplate (Exo_39:8-21, as in Exo_28:15-29), the meïl or over-coat (Exo_39:22-26, as in Exo_28:31-34); the body-coats, turbans, drawers, and girdles, for Aaron and his sons (Exo_39:27-29, as in Exo_28:39-40, and Exo_28:42). The Urim and Thummim are not mentioned (cf. Exo_28:30). The head-dresses of the ordinary priests, which are simply called “bonnets” in Exo_28:40, are called “goodly bonnets” or “ornamental caps” in Exo_39:28 of this

chapter (עת�מג ��ר .an ornament, cf �אר from ,�ארי ornatus fuit). The singular, “girdle,”

in Exo_39:29, with the definite article, “the girdle,” might appear to refer simply to Aaron's girdle, i.e., the girdle of the high priest; but as there is no special description of the girdles of Aaron's sons (the ordinary priests) in Exo_29:40, where they are distinctly

mentioned and called by the same name (abnet) as the girdle of Aaron himself, we can

only conclude that they were of the same materials and the same form and make as the

latter, and that the singular, ה�בנט, is used here either in the most general manner, or as

a generic noun in a collective sense (see Ges. §109, 1). The last thing mentioned is the diadem upon Aaron's turban (Exo_39:30, Exo_39:31, as in Exo_28:36-38), so that the order in which the priests' robes are given here is analogous to the position in which the ark of the covenant and the golden altar stand to one another in the directions concerning the sacred things in ch. 25-30. “For just as all the other things are there placed between the holy ark and the golden altar as the two poles, so here all the rest of the priests' robes are included between the shoulder-dress, the principal part of the official robes of the high priest, and the golden frontlet, the inscription upon which rendered it the most striking sign of the dignity of his office” (Baumgarten).

CALVI�, "1.And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet. The description of the

sacerdotal garments, which is repeated in this chapter, is more accurate than it

would have been had he been speaking of some unimportant matter. And assuredly,

since Christ was vividly represented in the person of the high priest, this was a most

important part of the legal service. We have elsewhere set forth how far it was from

being an empty pomp, as when the Popish sacrificers now-a-days, in order to

acquire dignity, dazzle the eyes of the simple by the splendor of their vestments, and

their magnificent paraphernalia; but that rather it was for the purpose of placing

before men’s eyes all that faith ought to consider in Jesus Christ. We have especially

seen how great mysteries were contained in the mitre, which was Holiness to the

Lord: and in the ephod, in which shone forth the light of truth and integrity of life,

and in which were the symbols of the ten tribes, so that the priest bore the people

itself upon his shoulders and before his breast, in such a manner that in the person

of one all might be presented familiarly before God. For this reason he repeats seven

times the clause, “as the Lord commanded Moses;” which certainly has the effect of

awakening attention.

BE�SO�, "Verse 1

Exodus 39:1. The tabernacle and its court being now fitted for divine service, the

next things to be wrought were the robes of the high-priest and priests, to be put on

when they did service in the holy place. Hence these garments are termed clothes of

service. And “those that wear robes of honour,” says Henry, “must look upon them

as clothes of service; for, from them upon whom honour is put, service is expected.

Holy garments were not made for men to sleep in, but to do service in, and then they

are indeed for glory and beauty.” These also were shadows of good things to come,

but the substance is Christ. He is our great High-Priest; he put upon him the clothes

of service when he undertook the work of our redemption; arrayed himself with the

gifts and graces of the Spirit, which he received not by measure; charged himself

with all God’s spiritual Israel, bare them on his shoulder, carried them in his

bosom, and presented them in the breast-plate of judgment unto his Father. And,

lastly, he crowned himself with holiness to the Lord, consecrated his whole

undertaking to the honour of his Father’s holiness. And all true believers are

spiritual priests. The clean linen, with which all their clothes of service must be

made, is the righteousness of saints: and holiness to the Lord must be so written

upon their foreheads, that all who converse with them may see they bear the image

of God’s holiness.

COFFMA�, "Verses 1-43

This chapter details the making of:

(1) the Ephod (Exodus 39:1-5);

(2) the Breastplate (Exodus 39:8-21);

(3) the Robe of the Ephod (Exodus 39:22-26);

(4) the fine Garments of the priests (Exodus 39:27-29);

(5) and the Crown of the Mitre (Exodus 39:31-32).

The instructions which God gave (Exodus 28) were carefully followed; and the

account here closely conforms to the account of the instructions. "There are no

major differences between the two accounts."[1] Of course, there is the omission of

any reference to the Urim and the Thummin, quickly hailed by critics as "reflecting

a situation sometime after the exile",[2] but it is far better to consider this omission,

as did Huey, as merely being an "abridged"[3] account of the instructions. Also,

there is the completion of all the work; the bringing of it to Moses; his inspection of

it; and Moses' blessing (Exodus 39:32-43).

Exodus 39:1-43 -

"And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made finely wrought garments, for

ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as Jehovah

commanded Moses.

"And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined

linen. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in

the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the

skillful workman.[4] They made shoulder-pieces for it, joined together. And the

skillfully woven band, that was upon it, wherewith to gird it on, was of the same

piece and like the work thereof; of gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine

twined linen; as Jehovah commanded Moses.Exodus 39:7,21,26,29,31,42,43, etc. The

theme of all six chapters (Exodus 35--40) is simply this, that, 'Moses made all things

according to the pattern God had shown him.'">[5]

"And they wrought the onyx stones, inclosed in settings of gold, graven with the

engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel. And he put

them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children

of Israel, as Jehovah commanded Moses.[6]

"And he made the breastplate, the work of the skillful workman, like the work of

the ephod; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. It was

foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, being

double. And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and

carbuncle was the first row; and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a

diamond; and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amythest; and the fourth

row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in inclosings of gold in their

settings. And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel twelve,

according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his

name, for the twelve tribes. And they made upon the breastplate chains like cords,

of wreathen work of pure gold. And they made two settings of gold, and two gold

rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. And they put the two

wreathen chains of gold in the two rings at the two ends of the breastplate. And the

other two ends of the two wreathen chains they put on the two settings, and put

them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, in the forepart thereof. And they made

two rings of gold, and put them upon the two ends of the breastplate, upon the edge

thereof, which was toward the side of the ephod inward. And they made two rings of

god, and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, in the

forepart thereof, close by the coupling thereof, above the skillfully woven band of

the ephod. And they did bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of

the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be upon the skillfully woven band of the

ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as Jehovah

commanded Moses.

"And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue; and the hole of the

robe in the midst thereof, as the hole of a coat of mail, with a binding round about

the hole of it, that it should not be rent. And he made upon the skirts of the robe

pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, and they made

bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the skirts of the

robe round about, between the pomegranates; a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and

a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about, to minister in; as Jehovah

commanded Moses.

"And they made the coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

and the Mitre of fine linen, and the goodly head-tires of fine linen, and the linen

breeches of fine twined linen, and the girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and

purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

"And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a

writing, like the engravings of a signet, HOLI�ESS TO JEHOVAH. And they tied

unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it upon the mitre above; as Jehovah commanded

Moses.[7]

"Thus was finished all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting; and the

children of Israel did according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses; so did they.

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the Tent, and all its furniture, its

clasps, its boards, its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets; and the covering of rams'

skins dyed red,[8] and the covering of the sealskins, and the veil of the screen; the

ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy-seat; the table, all the

vessels thereof, and the showbread; the pure candlestick, the lamps thereof, even the

lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for the light; and the

golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the

door of the Tent; the brazen altar, and the grating of brass, its staves, and all its

vessels, the laver and its base; the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its sockets,

and the screen for the gate of the court, the cords thereof, and the pins thereof and

all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; the finely

wrought garments for ministering in the holy place, and the holy garments for

Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons to minister in the priest's' office.

According to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all

the work. And Moses saw all the work, and, behold, they had done it: and Moses

blessed them."

CO�STABLE, "Verses 1-31

The priests" clothing39:1-31

Moses described the preparation of the priests" clothes at length, as is appropriate

in view of their importance. [�ote: See John E. Johnson, "The Old Testament

Offices as Paradigm for Pastoral Identity," Bibliotheca Sacra152:606 (April-

June1995):182-200.]

The ephod Exodus 39:2-7 (cf. Exodus 28:6-12)

The breastplate Exodus 39:8-21 (cf. Exodus 28:15-29)

The robe Exodus 39:22-26 (cf. Exodus 28:31-34)

The other accessories Exodus 39:27-31 (cf. Exodus 28:39-40; Exodus 28:42)

�ote the repetition of the fact that the craftsmen followed the Lord"s instructions to

Moses precisely ( Exodus 39:1; Exodus 39:5; Exodus 39:7; Exodus 39:21; Exodus

39:26; Exodus 39:29; Exodus 39:31).

ELLICOTT, "THE MAKI�G OF THE HOLY GARME�TS.

(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the

same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus

39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a

dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28,

and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made.

The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.

PETT, "Exodus 39:1

‘And of the bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, they made finely wrought

garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron,

as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

We now move on to the making of the priestly garments to be used by the priests for

ministering in the Holy Place, and those made especially for the use of ‘the Priest’.

All was done ‘as Yahweh commanded Moses’ (a constant refrain).

PULPIT, "THE GE�ERAL APPROVAL OF THE WORK BY MOSES. The entire

work for the structure of the tabernacle being completed, it only remained for

Bezaleel and Aholiab to take in band the priestly vestments, which had been

prescribed with the greatest elaboration in Exodus 28:4-40. The present chapter is

mainly occupied in relating how the vestments were made, and follows, very nearly,

the order of the directions. Exodus 39:1-7 correspond to Exodus 28:5-14; Exodus

39:8-21 to Exodus 28:15-38; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 28:31-34; Exodus 39:27-29

to Exodus 28:39, Exodus 28:40; and Exodus 39:30, Exodus 39:31 to Exodus 28:36,

Exodus 28:37. The remainder of the chapter (Exodus 28:32-43) contains a

recapitulation of the work done, and a statement that it was all submitted to Moses

and approved by him,

Exodus 39:1

Of the blue, and purple, and scarlet—i.e; of the blue, purple, and scarlet thread

which had been spun by the women, and brought to Moses. See Exodus 35:25. The

omission of "fine linen" seems to be accidental. Cloths of service. See the comment

on Exodus 31:10.

The Ephod

2 They[a] made the ephod of gold, and of blue,

purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted

linen.

GILL 2-31, "And he made the ephod of gold,.... From hence to the end of verse

thirty one we have a very particular account of the making of the priest's garments exactly according to the directions given to Moses; see Gill on Exo_28:1 &c. to end of chapter twenty eight; only it may be observed, that here in Exo_39:3 an account is given of the manner in which they made the gold fit to be worked along with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; they beat the gold into thin plates, and then cut them into wires, and then twisted them together with the yarn: the gold that was used in the weaving of the ephod and the breastplate, spoken of in the law, was wrought after this manner; the workman took one thread of pure gold, and put it with six threads of blue, and twisted the seven threads as one, and so he wrought a thread of gold with six of purple, and another thread with six of scarlet, and another with six of linen or flax, so that there were four threads of gold, and all the threads were twenty eight, as it is said; "they did beat" or spread out "the gold", &c. "to work in the midst of blue", &c. from whence is learnt that the thread of gold was twisted in the midst of them (y): and it may be further observed, that after the enumeration of the stones in the breastplate, Exo_39:10 no mention is made of the Urim and Thummim, which seems to confirm the opinion of many, and which is my own, that they are the same with the stones: moreover, in Exo_39:28, it may be observed, that what the coats for the common priests were made of is expressed, which is not before, which was linen; expressive of their purity and holiness, and in which they ought always to appear before God and man, and in which apparel they have been imitated among the Heathens: the priests of Hercules are said to be clothed with linen (z), and the Egyptian priests wore only a linen garment (a); hence the priests of Isis, with whom she is represented as surrounded by Juvenal (b), are called by him "grex liniger", and by Martial, "linigeri" (c).

PETT, "Exodus 39:2-5

'And he made the ephod of gold, bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and fine

twined linen. And they beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it

into the bluey-violet, and into the purpley-red, and into the scarlet, and into the fine

linen, the work of the skilful workman. They made shoulder-pieces for it, joined

together; it was joined together at the two ends. And the skilfully woven band, that

was on it, with which to gird it on, was of the same piece and like its work. It was of

gold, of bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, as Yahweh

commanded Moses.’

For further details of these see on Exodus 28:6-8. �ote the explanation of how the

gold was interwoven with the cloth which is only mentioned here. Possibly Moses

had watched them at work.

“As Yahweh commanded Moses.” This refrain will appear throughout the chapter.

It was important that Yahweh’s instructions were seen to be carried out.

3 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.

CLARKE, "They did beat the gold into thin plates - For the purpose, as it is

supposed, of cutting it into wires (פתילם) or threads; for to twist or twine is the common

acceptation of the root פתל pathal. I cannot suppose that the Israelites had not then the art of making gold thread, as they possessed several ornamental arts much more difficult: but in the present instance, figures made in a more solid form than that which could have been effected by gold thread, might have been required.

JAMISO�, "cut the gold into wires to work it — that is, the metal was beaten with a hammer into thin plates, cut with scissors or some other instrument into long slips, then rounded into filaments or threads. “Cloth of golden tissue is not uncommon on the monuments, and specimens of it have been found rolled about mummies; but it is not easy to determine whether the gold thread was originally interwoven or subsequently inserted by the embroiderer” [Taylor].

BE�SO�, "Exodus 39:3. Cut it into wires — They had not then the art which we

have now, of drawing a piece of gold into threads of what length we please; but they

beat it first into thin plates, and then cut off small wires, which they wove with the

other materials here mentioned.

COKE, "Exodus 39:3. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into

wires— Bishop Patrick observes, that, as they had not then the art which we now

have, of drawing a piece of gold into threads of what length we please, they used to

beat it first into thin plates, and then to cut off small wires, which they used in the

business of embroidery.

ELLICOTT, "(3) They did beat the gold into thin plates and cut it into wires.—This

very primitive method of forming gold thread is nowhere else mentioned. It implies

a ruder state of the art of metallurgy than we should have expected.

To work it in the blue.—The blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the white linen thread

were woven into a patterned fabric. The gold was inserted afterwards in the way of

embroidery. A similar practice prevailed in Egypt (Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians,

vol. iii., p. 128).

PULPIT, "They did beat the gold into thin plates and out it into wires. This mode of

producing gold thread is remarkable, and had not been previously mentioned.

4 They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which

were attached to two of its corners, so it could be

fastened.

5 Its skillfully woven waistband was like it—of

one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and

with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely

twisted linen, as the Lord commanded Moses.

6 They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree

settings and engraved them like a seal with the

names of the sons of Israel.

PETT, "Exodus 39:6-7

‘And they wrought the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, graven with the

engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel. And he put

them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children

of Israel; as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

The actual making of the stones engraved with the names of the children of Israel, to

be borne on the shoulder of the ephod, to keep them ever before Yahweh, is

described here. See on Exodus 28:9-12.

7 Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces

of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of

Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses.

The Breastpiece

8 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.

BE�SO�, "Exodus 39:8. He made the breast-plate — This was the next piece in

order, and it was formed with its four rows of jewels, and its chains, rings, and

laces, to tie it inseparably to the ephod: all which was done according to the model

given chap. 28. It is observable that nothing is here said of the Urim and Thummim,

which is thought an argument that they were not distinct things from the precious

stones in the breast-plate.

PETT, "Exodus 39:8-14

‘And he made the breastpouch, the work of the skilful workman, like the work of

the ephod; of gold, of bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and fine twined

linen. It was foursquare. They made the breastpouch double: a span was its length,

and a span its breadth, being double. And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of

sardius, chrysolite, and beryl was the first row; and the second row, a garnet, a lapis

lazuli, and an onyx; and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the

fourth row, a turquoise, a sardonyx, and a jaspar: they were enclosed in enclosures

of gold in their settings. And the stones were in accordance with the names of the

children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet,

every one according to his name, for the twelve tribes.’

Here we have the description of the making of the breastpouch to contain the Urim

and Thummim, together with its twelve stones engraved to represent the tribes of

Israel. See for further details on Exodus 28:13-21.

9 It was square—a span[b] long and a span

wide—and folded double.

10 Then they mounted four rows of precious

stones on it. The first row was carnelian,

chrysolite and beryl;

11 the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and

emerald;

12 the third row was jacinth, agate and amethyst;

13 the fourth row was topaz, onyx and jasper.[c]

They were mounted in gold filigree settings.

14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the

names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a

seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

15 For the breastpiece they made braided chains

of pure gold, like a rope.

PETT, "Exodus 39:15-21

‘And they made on the breastpouch chains like cords, of interwoven work of pure

gold. And they made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings

on the two ends of the breastpouch. And they put the two intertwined chains of gold

in the two rings at the ends of the breastpouch. And the other two ends of the two

interwoven chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces

of the ephod, in its forepart. And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the

two ends of the breastpouch, on its the edge, which was towards the side of the

ephod inward. And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder-

pieces of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the

skilfully woven band of the ephod. And they bound the breastpouch by its rings to

the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skilfully woven

band of the ephod, and that the breastpouch might not be loosed from the ephod; as

Yahweh commanded Moses.’

The making of the means by which the breastpouch was connected with the ephod is

described in detail. See on Exodus 28:22-28. Both the breastpouch and its

connections were ‘as Yahweh commanded Moses’.

16 They made two gold filigree settings and two

gold rings, and fastened the rings to two of the

corners of the breastpiece.

17 They fastened the two gold chains to the rings

at the corners of the breastpiece,

18 and the other ends of the chains to the two

settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of

the ephod at the front.

19 They made two gold rings and attached them

to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the

inside edge next to the ephod.

20 Then they made two more gold rings and

attached them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces

on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just

above the waistband of the ephod.

21 They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the

rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to

the waistband so that the breastpiece would not

swing out from the ephod—as the Lord

commanded Moses.

Other Priestly Garments

22 They made the robe of the ephod entirely of

blue cloth—the work of a weaver—

PETT, "Exodus 39:22-26

‘And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. And the hole of the

robe in its middle, as the hole of a coat of mail, with a binding round about the hole

of it, that it should not be torn. And they made on the skirts of the robe

pomegranates of bluey/violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and twined linen. And

they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the

skirts of the robe round about, between the pomegranates; a bell and a

pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, on the skirts of the robe round about, to

minister in; as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

The making of the bluey-violet robe to be worn directly under the ephod is

described, a kind of long, flowing tunic made to be slipped over the head, with the

hole for the head having strong binding round it so that it would not tear, and thus

introduce defect into the Holy Place, and decorated at the bottom of the skirt with

pomegranates and bells in sequence, acting as an announcement to God that he was

coming (as every servant had to be announced), and letting those outside know that

he was still alive. They may also be seen as making a joyful noise to Yahweh. See for

all this on Exodus 28:31-35.

23 with an opening in the center of the robe like

the opening of a collar,[d] and a band around this

opening, so that it would not tear.

24 They made pomegranates of blue, purple and

scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around the

hem of the robe.

25 And they made bells of pure gold and attached

them around the hem between the pomegranates.

26 The bells and pomegranates alternated around

the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as

the Lord commanded Moses.

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIO�ARY, "Exodus 39:26

The golden bells on this ephod, by their precious matter and pleasant sound, do well

represent the good profession that the saints make; and the pomegranates the fruit

they bring forth. And as, in the hem of the ephod, bells and pomegranates were

constantly connected, as is once and again observed, there was a golden bell and a

pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, so it is in the true saints. Their good

profession and their good fruit do constantly accompany one another. The fruit they

bring forth in life evermore answers the pleasant sound of their profession.

—Jonathan Edwards, The Religious Affections (part iii.).

27 For Aaron and his sons, they made tunics of

fine linen—the work of a weaver—

PETT, "Exodus 39:27-29

‘And they made the robes of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

and the turban of fine linen, and the goodly head-caps of fine linen, and the linen

breeches of fine twined linen, and the girdle of fine twined linen, and bluey-violet,

and purpley-red, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer; as Yahweh commanded

Moses.’

Then is described the making of the fine linen, woven robes. For Aaron this was the

under-robe worn beneath the robe of the ephod. For his sons it was their basic robe,

all of woven work. Also made was Aaron’s turban, the caps for the sons, the

breeches, and the girdle of multi-coloured materials. It will be noted that here the

breeches are mentioned along with the other garments, and not deliberately

separated off as they were previously, but this is describing what was done, not

initially introducing them. For all these see on Exodus 28:39-43. They were all made

exactly as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

28 and the turban of fine linen, the linen caps and

the undergarments of finely twisted linen.

ELLICOTT, "(28) A mitre . . . and goodly bonnets.—The “mitre,” or rather

“turban,” was for Aaron, the “goodly bonnets,” or rather “caps,” for his sons. (See

the �otes on Exodus 28:36-40.)

Linen breeches.—Rather, linen drawers. These were to be made both for Aaron and

for his sons. (See Exodus 28:42-43.)

29 The sash was made of finely twisted linen and

blue, purple and scarlet yarn—the work of an

embroiderer—as the Lord commanded Moses.

ELLICOTT, "(29) A girdle.—The girdle was for Aaron. It is described much more

fully here than in the “instructions,” where it is called simply a “girdle of

needlework” (Exodus 28:39).

30 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.

PETT, "Exodus 39:30

‘ And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a text, like

the engravings of a signet, HOLY TO YAHWEH. And they tied to it a lace of blue,

to fasten it on over the turban; as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

And finally they made the golden head-plate to be worn over the turban, with its

declaration that ‘the Priest’ was holy to Yahweh. See for details on Exodus 28:36-38.

This too was made as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

31 Then they fastened a blue cord to it to attach it

to the turban, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Moses Inspects the Tabernacle

32 So all the work on the tabernacle, the tent of

meeting, was completed. The Israelites did

everything just as the Lord commanded Moses.

CLARKE, "Did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses - This refers to the command given Exo_25:40; and Moses has taken care to repeat every thing in the most circumstantial detail, to show that he had conscientiously observed all the directions he had received.

GILL, "Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished,.... Both the tabernacle, consisting of the court, the holy place, and the most holy place, and the tent or covering that was over it, with all things appertaining to the service of it, as before described:

and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they: both the people in general, and the artificers in particular; the people brought gold, silver, and brass, &c. as was proposed to them; and the artificers wrought these and all other things, according to the directions and instructions they received.

HE�RY, "Observe here, I. The builders of the tabernacle made very good despatch. It was not much more than five months from the beginning to the finishing of it. Though there was a great deal of fine work about it, such as is usually the work of time, embroidering and engraving, not only in gold, but in precious stones, yet they went through with it in a little time. Church-work is usually slow work, but they made quick work of this, and yet did it with the greatest exactness imaginable. For, 1. Many hands were employed, all unanimous, and not striving with each other. This expedited the business, and made it easy. 2. The workmen were taught of God, and so were kept from making blunders, which would have retarded them. 3. The people were hearty and zealous in the work, and impatient till it was finished. God had prepared their hearts, and then the thing was done suddenly, 2Ch_29:36. Resolution and industry, and a cheerful application of mind, will, by the grace of God, bring a great deal of good work to pass in a little time, in less than one would expect.

II. They punctually observed their orders, and did not in the least vary from them. They did it according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, Exo_39:32, Exo_39:42. Note, God's work must be done, in every thing, according to his own will. His institutions neither need nor admit men's inventions to make them either more beautiful

or more likely to answer the intention of them. Add thou not unto his words. God is pleased with willing worship, but not with will-worship.

K&D 32-36, "Delivery of the work to Moses. - The different things are again mentioned one by one. By “the tent,” in Exo_39:33, we are to understand the two tent-

cloths, the one of purple and the other of goats' hair, by which the dwelling (מש%ן,

generally rendered tabernacle) was made into a tent (אלה). From this it is perfectly

obvious, that the variegated cloth formed the inner walls of the dwelling, or covered the boards on the inner side, and that the goats' hair-cloth formed the other covering.

Moreover it is also obvious, that this is the way in which האהל is to be understood, from

the fact, that in the list of the things belonging to the ohel the first to be mentioned are the gold and copper hooks (Exo_26:6, Exo_26:11) with which the two halves of the drapery that formed the tent were joined together, and then after that the boards, bolts, pillars, and sockets, as though subordinate to the tent-cloths, and only intended to answer the purpose of spreading them out into a tent of dwelling.

CALVI�, "32.Thus was all the work of the tabernacle. A brief summary is now

subjoined, whereby he indicates that in no part was there the least defect, and also

declares that the children of Israel had so obeyed God’s commands, that the work

itself varied in no respect from its pattern. “The children of Israel,” he says, “did

according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they;” whence we gather

that no part of the building was impaired by any admixture. Afterwards it is added,

that the tabernacle with its utensils and furniture was brought before Moses, and

that all things were approved of by his judgment; for he is said to have “blessed

them,” because they had duly and faithfully obeyed God’s command. This, however,

was not a simple prayer, as of a private individual; but it was a promise of reward,

such as might awaken confidence in the minds of the people, when they heard from

the mouth (“D’un tel Prophete;” of such a Prophet. — Fr.) of this excellent and

unimpeachable witness that their labor was pleasing to God.

BE�SO�, "Exodus 39:32. Thus was all the work finished — In not much more than

five months. Though there was a great deal of fine work, such as used to be the

work of time, embroidering, and engraving, not only in gold, but in precious stones,

yet they went through with it in a little time, and with the greatest exactness

imaginable. The workmen were taught of God, and so were kept from making

blunders, which would have retarded them. And the people were hearty and zealous

in the work, and impatient till it was finished. God had prepared their hearts, and

then the thing was done suddenly, 2 Chronicles 29:36.

CO�STABLE, "Verses 32-43

Presentation to Moses39:32-43

The builders and craftsmen then presented the finished tabernacle items to Moses.

The fact that he listed them again in the text reflects their importance. The

statement that they did their work just as God had commanded Moses brackets the

section ( Exodus 39:32; Exodus 39:42). As in the Creation narrative ( Genesis 1:28),

a blessing concludes the tabernacle construction narrative ( Exodus 39:43).

"The readiness and liberality with which the people had presented the gifts required

for this work, and the zeal which they had shown in executing the whole of the work

in rather less than half a year (see at Exodus 40:17), were most cheering signs of the

willingness of the Israelites to serve the Lord, for which they could not fail to receive

the blessing of God." [�ote: Keil and Delitzsch, 2:255.]

The sections of Exodus dealing with the tabernacle are a fruitful field for study.

[�ote: See Paul F. Kiene, The Tabernacle of God in the Wilderness. This book

contains many color pictures of a model as well as explanations of the furniture,

priestly garments, etc.]

�ISBET, "‘All the work of the Tabernacle … was finished.’

Exodus 39:32

The mysteriousness, and unapproachable glory of Jehovah, could only be impressed

on the Hebrews in figures and ways which they would appreciate. The portable

temple of the Israelites had in its whole arrangement a resemblance with the temples

of antiquity. In many of the Grecian temples the back part was not to be entered by

anybody; and here the statue of the deity was placed. In the Egyptian temples the

inner or sacred part was shrouded in darkness, and divided from the front or outer

portion by a curtain embroidered with gold. From this impress two things—

I. God educates His creatures in Divine things with the help of picture-teachings,

and in each age the pictures have to be painted in the style, and in accordance with

the ideas, of the age. This will enable teachers to explain that the mere form of the

picture is never of first importance, the great thing is the truth illustrated. Infidelity

attacks the mere picture-subject, which the taste of our day may think unlovely. We

must force men to consider the truths which are of value for every age, which were

taught in one way then.

II. Awe and reverence toward God are always at the very foundation of religion.—

They were impressed by the separateness and sanctity of a building for the

Hebrews. They are sadly imperilled in our days, and we hear even mere boys talking

about what is consistent and proper for God to do. Piety never can base itself on

familiarity with God. Jesus reverently called Him, ‘Holy Father, Righteous Father.’

Preachers should earnestly plead for worthier and more solemn apprehensions of

God. Then,

III. The right view to take of the claims of God’s sanctuary should be discussed.—

The tabernacle was not a place for worshippers, it was the shrine of deity. The outer

courts alone represented our churches. There is danger lest we should come to look

on churches and chapels as places to which we go that we may enjoy ourselves, or, at

most, get good. We need to feel much more than we do, that it is our bounden duty,

as God’s creatures, and as God’s redeemed creatures, to offer together solemn,

reverent, adoring worship to Him. ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.’

The following are the main doctrinal ideas that were kept before the minds of the

people, as they looked on the Tabernacle, thought on its ritual, and shared in its

services:—(1) The fact that God was graciously pleased to dwell among them, and

take them into covenant with Himself. (2) The fact that they through sin were unfit

to appear in God’s presence and enjoy His favour. (God was behind two veils.) (3)

The fact that before any approach to God could be made, the guilt of sin must be

expiated, and the pollution of sin removed. (�ote the presence of the altar of burnt-

offering in the outer court.) (4) The fact that when sin is expiated, and cleansed, a

sinful being passes into a state of acceptance with God. (5) The fact that God’s

continued presence in the midst of them depended on the great atoning sacrifice of

the ever-living High Priest. (This was pointed at by the entrance once a year into the

Holy of Holies of the high-priest, with his official robes, and the blood of sprinkling

wherewith to sprinkle the Mercy Seat.)

�otice, also, the double manifestation of Jehovah’s abiding presence. 1. Within the

dwelling as an unapproachable glory. 2. Without the dwelling as a visible cloud.

Help towards realising how Christ is God ‘manifest in the flesh.’ The ‘unseen’ seen

by mortal eyes.

Illustration

(1) ‘Let me be holy to the Lord in my thoughts. The real battle often is there, with

the imaginations which wish to lodge in the heart, and which will do me much harm

if I let them stay.

Let me be holy to the Lord in my words. When Hugh Latimer was on his trial, he

heard a pen scratching behind the tapestry, and he knew that every word he uttered

was being taken down. Let me remember that God takes my words down, and I

shall seek to have them such as He can approve.

And let me be holy to the Lord in my deeds. It should be my ambition to go about

my little world doing things which everyone feels are the very things that Christ

would have done. He gives His highest dignity, He assigns His noblest work, to those

who have performed the small services graciously and well. I would rise to the

Christ-like life.’

(2) ‘The completed Tabernacle was the type and emblem of Jesus Christ. “The

Word was made flesh, and tabernacled among us.” As the Shekinah dwelt in the

sanctuary, filling it with a light and glory which sometimes flowed over into the

outer courts, so did God dwell in the person of Jesus, sometimes irradiating His

whole being, as at the transfiguration, “We beheld His glory.” The Tabernacle is

also a symbol of every true child of God: for God still dwells in human spirits, and

shines out through them, so that there is no part of them left dark. “Know ye not

that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?” The Tabernacle is

also a type of the collective Church, in whom God dwells. It must have been a very

affecting and triumphant moment when Moses looked on the completed Tabernacle,

not yet set up, but awaiting the next step of erection.’

(3) ‘The Tabernacle was both a symbol and a type; that is, it expressed in material

form certain great spiritual needs and truths; and, just because it did so, it pointed

onwards to the full expression and satisfaction of these in Christ Jesus and His gifts.

In other words, it was a parable of the requisites for, and the blessings of,

communion with God.’

PETT, "

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Exodus 39

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Verses 1-31

The Making of the Priestly Garments (Exodus 39:1-31).

Exodus 39:1

‘And of the bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, they made finely wrought

garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron,

as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

We now move on to the making of the priestly garments to be used by the priests for

ministering in the Holy Place, and those made especially for the use of ‘the Priest’.

All was done ‘as Yahweh commanded Moses’ (a constant refrain).

The Ephod.

Exodus 39:2-5

'And he made the ephod of gold, bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and fine

twined linen. And they beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it

into the bluey-violet, and into the purpley-red, and into the scarlet, and into the fine

linen, the work of the skilful workman. They made shoulder-pieces for it, joined

together; it was joined together at the two ends. And the skilfully woven band, that

was on it, with which to gird it on, was of the same piece and like its work. It was of

gold, of bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, as Yahweh

commanded Moses.’

For further details of these see on Exodus 28:6-8. �ote the explanation of how the

gold was interwoven with the cloth which is only mentioned here. Possibly Moses

had watched them at work.

“As Yahweh commanded Moses.” This refrain will appear throughout the chapter.

It was important that Yahweh’s instructions were seen to be carried out.

The Shoulder Stones For The Ephod

Exodus 39:6-7

‘And they wrought the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, graven with the

engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel. And he put

them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children

of Israel; as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

The actual making of the stones engraved with the names of the children of Israel, to

be borne on the shoulder of the ephod, to keep them ever before Yahweh, is

described here. See on Exodus 28:9-12.

The Breastpouch.

Exodus 39:8-14

‘And he made the breastpouch, the work of the skilful workman, like the work of

the ephod; of gold, of bluey-violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and fine twined

linen. It was foursquare. They made the breastpouch double: a span was its length,

and a span its breadth, being double. And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of

sardius, chrysolite, and beryl was the first row; and the second row, a garnet, a lapis

lazuli, and an onyx; and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the

fourth row, a turquoise, a sardonyx, and a jaspar: they were enclosed in enclosures

of gold in their settings. And the stones were in accordance with the names of the

children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet,

every one according to his name, for the twelve tribes.’

Here we have the description of the making of the breastpouch to contain the Urim

and Thummim, together with its twelve stones engraved to represent the tribes of

Israel. See for further details on Exodus 28:13-21.

Exodus 39:15-21

‘And they made on the breastpouch chains like cords, of interwoven work of pure

gold. And they made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings

on the two ends of the breastpouch. And they put the two intertwined chains of gold

in the two rings at the ends of the breastpouch. And the other two ends of the two

interwoven chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces

of the ephod, in its forepart. And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the

two ends of the breastpouch, on its the edge, which was towards the side of the

ephod inward. And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder-

pieces of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the

skilfully woven band of the ephod. And they bound the breastpouch by its rings to

the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skilfully woven

band of the ephod, and that the breastpouch might not be loosed from the ephod; as

Yahweh commanded Moses.’

The making of the means by which the breastpouch was connected with the ephod is

described in detail. See on Exodus 28:22-28. Both the breastpouch and its

connections were ‘as Yahweh commanded Moses’.

The Priestly Robe Under the Ephod.

Exodus 39:22-26

‘And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. And the hole of the

robe in its middle, as the hole of a coat of mail, with a binding round about the hole

of it, that it should not be torn. And they made on the skirts of the robe

pomegranates of bluey/violet, and purpley-red, and scarlet, and twined linen. And

they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the

skirts of the robe round about, between the pomegranates; a bell and a

pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, on the skirts of the robe round about, to

minister in; as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

The making of the bluey-violet robe to be worn directly under the ephod is

described, a kind of long, flowing tunic made to be slipped over the head, with the

hole for the head having strong binding round it so that it would not tear, and thus

introduce defect into the Holy Place, and decorated at the bottom of the skirt with

pomegranates and bells in sequence, acting as an announcement to God that he was

coming (as every servant had to be announced), and letting those outside know that

he was still alive. They may also be seen as making a joyful noise to Yahweh. See for

all this on Exodus 28:31-35.

The Basic Robes, Head Gear and Breeches.

Exodus 39:27-29

‘And they made the robes of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

and the turban of fine linen, and the goodly head-caps of fine linen, and the linen

breeches of fine twined linen, and the girdle of fine twined linen, and bluey-violet,

and purpley-red, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer; as Yahweh commanded

Moses.’

Then is described the making of the fine linen, woven robes. For Aaron this was the

under-robe worn beneath the robe of the ephod. For his sons it was their basic robe,

all of woven work. Also made was Aaron’s turban, the caps for the sons, the

breeches, and the girdle of multi-coloured materials. It will be noted that here the

breeches are mentioned along with the other garments, and not deliberately

separated off as they were previously, but this is describing what was done, not

initially introducing them. For all these see on Exodus 28:39-43. They were all made

exactly as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

The Golden Head-plate.

Exodus 39:30

‘ And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a text, like

the engravings of a signet, HOLY TO YAHWEH. And they tied to it a lace of blue,

to fasten it on over the turban; as Yahweh commanded Moses.’

And finally they made the golden head-plate to be worn over the turban, with its

declaration that ‘the Priest’ was holy to Yahweh. See for details on Exodus 28:36-38.

This too was made as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

Verses 32-43

The Final Summation.

Exodus 39:32

‘Thus was finished all the work of the Dwellingplace of the Tent of Meeting: and the

children of Israel did in accordance with all that Yahweh commanded Moses; so did

they.’

In final summation the fact that all the work was done exactly as Yahweh

commanded is again stressed. All was done according to His will. Would that we

could all say the same, that we could say, ‘I have done all as Yahweh has

commanded me’.

�ote the equation of the Dwellingplace with the Tent of Meeting. The old Tent of

Meeting has been replaced by it.

All That Has Been Made Is Brought To Moses (Exodus 39:33-43).

PULPIT, "Exodus 39:32-43

Everything was brought to Moses for his approval—not perhaps all things at once,

but each as it was finished—and was judged by him "according to the pattern which

he had seen upon the mount' (Exodus 25:40; Exodus 26:30, etc.). The order

observed in the enumeration is nearly, but not quite, the order in which it has been

stated that the various things were made. We must suppose that if Moses

disapproved of anything, it was rejected; but no disapproval is mentioned. Moses

did look upon all the work, and behold, they had done it as the Lord commanded.

Accordingly Moses concluded all by "blessing" them; thereby signifying, not his

own approval only, but the Divine approval, of their diligence and obedience.

BI 32-43, "They brought the Tabernacle unto Moses.

The delivery of the work to Moses

I. The presentation of the work: “They brought the Tabernacle unto Moses.” So, whatever work or service is done in connection with the Christian Church should be solemnly presented to Christ, who is the Chief Builder of the Christian Temple.

II. The inspection of the work; “Moses did look upon all the work“; and so does Christ inspect every offering that is brought to Him. Paul tells us in 1Co_3:13, that a day is coming in which every man’s work will be tried of what sort it is—tried by fire—tried with the most terrible exactness.

III. The approbation of the work: “Behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded.” So in Christian service nothing can be accepted that is not minutely in accordance with the Divine specification.

IV. The remuneration of the work: “And Moses blessed them.” So is all faithful service done to Christ rewarded even here with spiritual blessing. So will it be in the end (1Co_3:14). Lessons:

1. The dignity of Christian work as presented to Christ.

2. The duty of fidelity in Christian work, considering it must be inspected by Christ.

3. The grand aim in Christian work, to be accepted by Christ. Cf. 2Co_5:9.

4. The high stimulus in Christian work, the certainty of being rewarded by Christ. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)

The Tabernacle itself

The Tabernacle held an important position in the divinely-appointed worship of the Jewish Church. No less than thirteen chapters in the Book of Exodus (Exodus 25-31; Exodus 35-40) are devoted to the account of it; an account twice repeated, extending to the minutest details of shape, size, material, colour, and workmanship. Special stress is laid upon the fact that it was made after a heavenly design exhibited to Moses during the forty days of his mysterious communing with Jehovah on Mount Sinai (Exo_29:9; Exo_29:40; Exo_26:30). The smallest details are included in this heavenly pattern (Exo_27:8; Num_8:4). This heavenly pattern of the Tabernacle is twice referred to in the New Testament (Act_7:44; Heb_8:5). Not only was the Tabernacle made after a heavenly pattern, but divinely-inspired artificers carried the design into execution (Exo_31:1-6; Exo_35:30-35; Exo_36:1). We see from these passages that, in matters which concern the worship of God, the minutest details as to the colour, shape, material, and make of the ornaments of Divine service, and of the ministers of it, are not thought unworthy of a special Divine revelation as to their design, and of a special Divine inspiration for the carrying of that design into effect. At the close of the work we are told, in words that carry our thoughts back to the blessing bestowed upon the first creation (Gen_1:30), that Moses recognized its exact accordance with the heavenly pattern which he had seen (Exo_39:43). (E. F. Willis, M. A.)

Names of the Tabernacle

It is called the House of Jehovah (Exo_23:19; Jos_6:24; 1Sa_3:15); The Temple of Jehovah (1Sa_3:3), the Sanctuary (Exo_25:8; Lev_12:4; Lev_16:33; Lev_19:30; Lev_20:3; Lev_21:12; Num_3:38, etc.); or simply, the Tabernacle (Exo_25:9; Exo_26:16; Exo_27:9; Exo_27:19, etc.); or Dwelling, i.e., of God. The two most characteristic names, however, are, the Tent or Tabernacle of the Testimony (Num_9:15; Num_17:7-8, etc.), and the Tent or Tabernacle of Meeting (Exo_27:21; Exo_39:32; Exo_39:40; Exo_40:7; Exo_40:34-35, etc.). The name Tent or Tabernacle of the Testimony had reference to that which was one of the two chief objects of the Tabernacle, viz., to serve as a shrine for “the Testimony”—the two tables of stone on which were engraved the ten words of the Divine Law. The other characteristic name, that of Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting, speaks of the other chief end for which the Tabernacle existed, viz., to be a place of meeting between God and His people (Exo_25:8; Exo_25:22; Exo_29:42-45; Exo_30:6; Exo_30:36). (E. F. Willis, M. A.)

Completed labour

I. The work was completed according to plan.

II. It was completed in a short time.

III. It was completed with great joy. The joy of—

1. Knowing that each had done something, and that something his best.

2. Anticipation.

IV. The completed work may remind us of the words of Him who said, “I have finished the work Thou gavest Me to do.”

V. As the house in the wilderness was finished down to the last pin, so the Church in the world, of which it was a type, shall be perfected down to the last and meanest member. The Jewish Tabernacle:—

1. It was a school of object-lessons, designed to teach the ignorant and sensual Israelites the truths of the invisible and eternal kingdom of God. It was a small model of heavenly realities—a pattern of sight in the heavens (Heb_9:23). It was, in the realm of religious truth, something like the planetarium used in a recitation room in teaching astronomy.

2. The principal lessons it taught were—

(1) The holiness of God.

(2) The sinfulness of man.

(3) The distance between God and man.

(4) The fact that God will abide with man.

(5) The Divine plan for bringing God and man into union..

33 Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the

tent and all its furnishings, its clasps, frames,

crossbars, posts and bases;

GILL 33-42, "And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses,.... That is, the several parts of it before it was put together, with all its furniture, and everything appertaining to it; which are examined in the order in which they were directed to be made, from hence to the end of Exo_39:42 and this was done, that Moses might inspect the whole, and see whether it was done according to the pattern shown him, and the instructions he had given to the workmen.

HE�RY, "They brought all their work to Moses, and submitted it to his inspection and censure, Exo_39:33. He knew what he had ordered them to make; and now the particulars were called over, and all produced, that Moses might see both that they had made all, omitting nothing, and that they had made all according to the instructions given them, and that, if they had made a mistake in any thing, it might be forthwith rectified. Thus they showed respect to Moses, who was set over them in the Lord; not objecting that Moses did not understand such work, and therefore that there was no reason for submitting it to his judgment. No, that God who gave them so much knowledge as to do the work gave them also so much humility as to be willing to have it examined and compared with the model. Moses was in authority, and they would pay a deference to his place. The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets. And besides, though they knew how to do the work better than Moses, Moses had a better and more exact idea of the model than they had, and therefore they could not be well pleased with their own work, unless they had his approbation. Thus in all the services of religion we should labour to be accepted of the Lord.

ELLICOTT, "Verses 33-43

THE PRESE�TATIO� OF THE WORK TO MOSES, A�D HIS APPROVAL OF

IT.

(33-43) It is probable that the various parts of the work were presented to Moses for

inspection as they were completed; that if they did not satisfy him, they might be

altered and amended at once. Moses alone had seen “the pattern in the mount,” and

Moses alone could say if the work came up to the required standard. We are not

told that anything was rejected; and it is quite possible that all the portions of the

work were satisfactorily rendered at their first essay by the several workmen; for

the workmen, it must be remembered, besides receiving instructions from Moses,

were divinely assisted in the production of their several works (Exo. ).

PETT, "Exodus 39:33

‘And they brought the Dwellingplace to Moses: the Tent, and all its furniture, its

clasps, its boards, its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets; and the covering of rams'

skins dyed red, and the covering of dolphin skins, and the veil of the screen; the ark

of the testimony, and its staves, and the mercy-seat; the table, all its vessels, and the

showbread; the pure lampstand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, and all

its vessels, and the oil for the lamp; and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and

the sweet incense, and the screen for the door of the Tent; the brazen altar, and its

grating of bronze, its staves, and all its vessels, the laver and its base; the hangings

of the court, its pillars, and its sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court, its

cords, and its pegs, and all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the

Tent of Meeting; the finely wrought garments for ministering in the Holy Place, and

the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in

the priest's office. In accordance with all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so the

children of Israel did all the work. And Moses saw all the work, and, behold, they

had done it; as Yahweh had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses

blessed them.’

Finally all has been brought to Moses. It will be noted that the goatskin covering is

clearly seen as part of ‘the Tent’, although they were not part of ‘the inner

Sanctuary’, whereas the final protective skins were neither. The first showbread has

also been made and that too has been brought. And it is observed that after his

inspection all the work was declared as being in accordance with the pattern that

had been shown to him in the Mount. That was of crucial importance. And so Moses

not only approved all but gave them the divine blessing.

34 the covering of ram skins dyed red and the

covering of another durable leather[e] and the

shielding curtain;

JAMISO�, "the covering of rams’ skin dyed red— (See on Exo_25:5). It was

probably red morocco leather and “badgers’ skins,” rather “the skins of the tahash, supposed to be the dugong, or dolphin of the Red Sea, the skin of which is still used by the Arabs under the same appellation” [Goss].

ELLICOTT, "(34) The vail of the covering—i.e., the vail which separated between

the Holy place and the Holy of Holies, covering the latter from the sight of man.

(Comp. Exodus 40:21.)

35 the ark of the covenant law with its poles and

the atonement cover;

36 the table with all its articles and the bread of

the Presence;

37 the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps

and all its accessories, and the olive oil for the

light;

CLARKE, "The pure candlestick - See Clarke’s note on Exo_25:31.

The lamps to be set in order - To be trimmed and fresh oiled every day, for the purpose of being lighted in the evening. See Clarke’s note on Exo_27:21.

K&D, "“The lamps of the order,” i.e., the lamps set in order upon the candlestick. In addition to all the vessels of the sanctuary, shew-bread (Exo_39:36), holy oil for the candlestick and for anointing, and fragrant incense (Exo_39:38), were also prepared and delivered to Moses, - everything, therefore, that was required for the institution of the daily worship, as soon as the tabernacle was set up.

ELLICOTT, "(37) The lamps to be set in order.—Heb., the lamps of arrangement.

The reference is probably to the arrangement of the lamps in a single line or row.

(Comp. Leviticus 24:6.)

38 the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant

incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the

tent;

39 the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its

poles and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;

COKE, "Exodus 39:43. And Moses blessed them— The work being completely

finished, Exodus 39:32 was brought for the inspection of Moses; who, finding that

the artists had done all agreeably to the commandment of God, gave them his

solemn benediction; for, that it was the artists whom he blessed, and not the work

itself, is plain from the words immediately preceding, as the Lord commanded them,

so had THEY done: and Moses blessed them. If it be asked, How much time was

employed in this important work? We answer, that the Israelites took about two

months to come from the Red-sea to the foot of mount Sinai. We afterwards find

that Moses spent twice forty days upon the mountain: this then brings it to near five

months; and less than a month can hardly be allowed to the other events related in

this book of Exodus. The people, therefore, could not have taken in hand the work

of the tabernacle, till about six months after their departure from Egypt. �ow, it is

expressly said in the following chapter, that the tabernacle was reared on the first

day of the second year after that departure; so that they were about six months in

constructing it.

REFLECTIO�S.—1. The whole is completely finished. The time was short, but the

workmen were hearty and unanimous; and much may be done in little time, when

we set about it with a good will. It is want of unanimity among the builders, and

want of zeal in the labourers, that makes church-work so slow.

2. They bring the several pieces to Moses, and he approves of them, as exactly

corresponding to the pattern shewed them. God, who gave the model, has added the

wisdom to copy it. �ote; If we be enabled to walk so as to please God, we must

ascribe it to the praise of the glory of his grace, who worketh in us both to will and

to do.

3. Moses in the name of God blesses them: and this was sufficient wages. They had

been working for God: the enjoyment of his presence in the tabernacle would amply

recompense their toil. �ote; �o work of faith, or labour of love, shall lose its reward.

When we appear in the presence of Jesus our Judge, he will pronounce the blessing

upon his servants, and admit them into the everlasting joy of their Lord.

40 the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and

bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the

courtyard; the ropes and tent pegs for the

courtyard; all the furnishings for the tabernacle,

the tent of meeting;

41 and the woven garments worn for ministering

in the sanctuary, both the sacred garments for

Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons

when serving as priests.

ELLICOTT, "(41) The cloths of service . . . and the holy garments.—There is no

“and” in the original. Translate, the cloths of service to do service in the holy

place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’ garments. The second

and third clauses are exegetical of the first. (See �ote on Exodus 31:10.)

42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the

Lord had commanded Moses.

43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they

had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So

Moses blessed them.

CLARKE, "And Moses did look upon all the work - As being the general superintendent of the whole, under whom Bezaleel and Aholiab were employed, as the other workmen were under them.

They had done it as the Lord had commanded - Exactly according to the pattern which Moses received from the Lord, and which he laid before the workmen to work by.

And Moses blessed them - Gave them that praise which was due to their skill, diligence, and fidelity. See this meaning of the original word in the note on Gen_2:3(note). See also a fine instance of ancient courtesy between masters and their servants, in the case of Boaz and his reapers, Rth_2:4. Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, The Lord be with You! And they answered him, The Lord bless Thee! It is, however, very probable that Moses prayed to God in their behalf, that they might be prospered in all their undertakings, saved from every evil, and be brought at last to the inheritance that fadeth not away. This blessing seems to have been given, not only to the workmen, but to all the people. The people contributed liberally, and the workmen wrought faithfully, and the blessing of God was pronounced upon All.

The promptitude, cordiality, and dispatch used in this business cannot be too highly commended, and are worthy of the imitation of all who are employed in any way in the service of God. The prospect of having God to dwell among them inflamed every heart, because they well knew that on this depended their prosperity and salvation. They therefore hastened to build him a house, and they spared no expense or skill to make it, as far as a house made with hands could be, worthy of that Divine Majesty who had promised to take up his residence in it. This tabernacle, like the temple, was a type of the human nature of the Lord Jesus; that was a shrine not made with hands, formed by God himself, and worthy of that fullness of the Deity that dwelt in it.

It is scarcely possible to form an adequate opinion of the riches, costly workmanship, and splendor of the tabernacle; and who can adequately conceive the glory and excellence of that human nature in which the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwelt? That this tabernacle typified the human nature of Christ, and the Divine shechinah that dwelt in it the Deity that dwelt in the man Christ Jesus, these words of St. John sufficiently prove: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was

God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (εσκηνωσεν.εν./µιν, made his

Tabernacle among us), full of grace and truth - possessing the true Urim and Thummim; all the lights and perfections, the truth and the grace, typified by the Mosaic economy, Joh_1:1, Joh_1:14. And hence the evangelist adds, And we beheld his glory; as the Israelites beheld the glory of God resting on the tabernacle, so did the disciples of Christ see the Divine glory resting on him, and showing itself forth in all his words, spirit, and works. And for what purpose was the tabernacle erected? That God might dwell in it among the children of Israel. And for what purpose was the human nature of Christ so miraculously produced? That the Godhead might dwell in it; and that God and man might be reconciled through this wonderful economy of Divine grace, God being in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, 2Co_5:19. And what was implied by this reconciliation? The union of the soul with God, and the indwelling of God in the soul. Reader, has God yet filled thy tabernacle with his glory? Does Christ dwell in thy heart by faith; and dost thou abide in him, bringing forth fruit unto holiness? Then thy end shall be eternal life. Why shouldst thou not go on thy way rejoicing with Christ in thy heart, heaven in thine eye, and the world, the devil, and the flesh, under thy feet?

GILL, "And Moses did look upon all the work,.... Made a survey of it, and with great care and accuracy examined every particular thing, and the manner in which it was finished:

and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it; both as to matter and manner in every point, on all accounts, just as they were ordered and directed; they being throughout the whole filled by the Spirit of God with wisdom and understanding, to do everything just as it was the will and pleasure of God it should be done:

and Moses blessed them; commended them for what they had done, and implored the divine blessing upon them; and which may be understood both of the people who had so liberally and plentifully contributed to this good work, and of the artificers who had so carefully and punctually performed it. The form of blessing, as the Targum of Jonathan gives it, is,"may the Shechinah (or the divine Majesty) of the Lord dwell in the works of your hands;''or as Jarchi expresses it,"may it be the pleasure (of God) that the Shechinah may dwell in the works of your hands, and the beauty of the Lord our God may be upon us, &c.''which last words were part of the prayer of Moses, Psa_90:17.

HE�RY, "Moses, upon search, found all done according to the rule, Exo_39:43. Moses, both for their satisfaction and for his own, did look upon all the work, piece by piece, and behold they had done it according to the pattern shown him, for the same Being that showed him the pattern guided their hand in the work. All the copies of God's grace exactly agree with the original of his counsels: what God works in us, and by us, is the fulfilling of the good pleasure of his own goodness; and when the mystery of God shall be finished, and all his performances come to be compared with his purposes, it will appear that behold all is done according to the counsel of his own will, not one iota or tittle of which shall fall to the ground, or be varied from.

V. Moses blessed them. 1. He commended them, and signified his approbation of all they had done. He did not find fault where there was none, as some do, who think they disparage their own judgment if they do not find something amiss in the best and most accomplished performance. In all this work it is probable there might have been found here and there a stitch amiss, and a stroke awry, which would have served for an over-curious and censorious critic to animadvert upon; but Moses was too candid to notice small faults where there were no great ones. Note, All governors must be a praise to those that do well, as well as a terror to evil-doers. Why should any take a pride in being hard to be pleased? 2. He not only praised them, but prayed for them. He blessed them as one having authority, for the less is blessed of the better. We read not of any wages that Moses paid them for their work, but this blessing he gave them. For, though ordinarily the labourer be worthy of his hire, yet in this case, 1. They wrought for themselves. The honour and comfort of God's tabernacle among them would be recompence enough. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself. 2. They had their meat from heaven on free-cost, for themselves and their families, and their raiment waxed not old upon them; so that they neither needed wages nor had reason to expect any. Freely you have received, freely give. The obligations we lie under, both in duty and interest, to serve God, should be sufficient to quicken us to our work, though we had not a reward in prospect. But, 3. This blessing, in the name of the Lord, was wages enough for all their work. Those whom God employs he will bless, and those whom he blesses are blessed indeed. The blessing he commands is life for evermore.

JAMISO�, "Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded— A formal inspection was made on the completion of the tabernacle, not only with a view to have the work transferred from the charge of the workmen, but to ascertain whether it corresponded with “the pattern.” The result of a careful and minute survey showed that every plank, curtain, altar, and vase had been most accurately made of the form, and in the place designed by the Divine Architect -and Moses, in accepting it of their hands, thanked God for them, and begged Him to bless them.

K&D, "When Moses had received and examined all the different articles, and found that everything was made according to the directions of Jehovah, he blessed the children of Israel. The readiness and liberality with which the people had presented the gifts required for this work, and the zeal which they had shown in executing the whole of the work in rather less than half a year (see at Exo_40:17), were most cheering signs of the willingness of the Israelites to serve the Lord, for which they could not fail to receive the blessing of God.

BE�SO�, "Exodus 39:43. And Moses did look upon all the work — Piece by piece;

and behold they had done it according to the pattern showed him — For the same

that showed him the pattern, guided their hand in the work. And Moses blessed

them — He not only praised them, but prayed for them: he blessed them as one

having authority. We read not of any wages Moses paid them for their work, but his

blessing he gave them. For though ordinarily the labourer be worthy of his hire, yet

in this case, they wrought for themselves. The honour and comfort of God’s

tabernacle among them would be recompense enough. And they had their meat

from heaven on free cost, for themselves and their families, and their raiment waxed

not old upon them; so that they neither needed wages, nor had any reason to expect

any. But indeed this blessing, in the name of the Lord, was wages enough for all

their work. Those whom God employs he will bless, and those whom he blesseth

they are blessed indeed. The blessing he commands is life for evermore.

ELLICOTT, "(43) Moses did look upon all the work—i.e., inspected it, examined it,

to see if it was “according to the pattern” shown him. Being satisfied, he expressed

his own and God’s approval by blessing those who had worked so faithfully.

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIO�ARY, "Exodus 39:43

Though the gift of inspiring enthusiasm for duty and virtue is like other gifts, very

unequally distributed among well-meaning persons, I do not believe that anyone

who had himself an ardent love of goodness ever failed to communicate it to others.

He may fail in his particular aims, he may use ill-devised methods, meet with

inexplicable disappointments, make mistakes which cause him bitter regret; but we

shall find that after all, though the methods may have failed, the man has succeeded;

somewhere, somehow, in some valuable degree, he has—if I may use an old classical

image—handed on the torch of his own ardour to others who will run the race for

the prize of virtue.

—Sir Leslie Stephen.