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1Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron [Light-bringer]; as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out]. (RY:5, LY:2)
2He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.
3They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, in the purple, in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman.
4They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. At the two ends it was joined together.
5The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen; as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out].
6They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel [God prevails].
7He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel [God prevails], as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out].
8He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.
9It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span [9 in; 22.86 cm], and its width a span [9 in; 22.86 cm], being double.
10They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row;
11and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
12and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
13and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings.
14The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel [God prevails], twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes.
15They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
16They made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.
17They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
18The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front.
19They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward.
20They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
21They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out]. (RY:6, LY:3)
22He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.
23The opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn.
24They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen.
25They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates;
26a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out].
27They made the coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron [Light-bringer], and for his sons,
28and the turban of fine linen, and the linen headbands of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen,
29and the sash of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out].
30They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a writing, like the engravings of a signet: “Holy To Yahweh”.
31They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out].
32Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel [God prevails] did according to all that Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out]; so they did. (LY:4)
33They brought the tabernacle to Moses [Drawn out], the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,
34the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen,
35the ark of the testimony with its poles, the mercy seat,
36the table, all its utensils, the show bread,
37the pure menorah ·lamp·, its lamp candles and their arrangement for display, all its accessories, the oil for the light,
38the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,
39the bronze altar, its grating of bronze, its poles, all of its utensils, the basin and its base,
40the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the Tent of Meeting,
41the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron [Light-bringer] the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office.
42According to all that Adonai enjoined Moses [Drawn out], so the children of Israel [God prevails] did all the work.
43Moses [Drawn out] saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Adonai had enjoined, even so had they done it: and Moses [Drawn out] blessed them.
(Exodus) Exodus 39 Introduction
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K02:34EXO 39:1EXO 40:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to study and teach the word of God. He explains that studying the Bible has been a rewarding experience for him personally, and he believes that the Book of Exodus has deepened his understanding and appreciation of Jesus Christ. The focus of this particular study is on the garments of the high priest, which symbolize the person of Christ. The speaker mentions that the details of these garments have already been discussed in previous sessions, so he does not go into them again. Instead, he emphasizes the significance of these garments in relation to Jesus.
(Exodus) Exodus 39:1-2
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K14:08EXO 39:1EXO 39:21PSA 46:10MAT 6:331TH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being able to hear the bells of worship on Sunday morning. He criticizes the use of gimmicks and protests in churches and Christian work, stating that they distract from the true purpose of worship. The preacher shares a personal anecdote about an elder who encouraged him to focus on preparing a message rather than visiting him, highlighting the importance of spending time in meditation and study. The sermon concludes with the preacher recounting how this elder's perspective on Jesus changed after experiencing the presence of Christ through the preacher's message.
God's Dwelling Place - the Foundation, God's Perfect Love
By Zac Poonen2.1K57:01Love Of GodGEN 1:31EXO 39:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the message of Genesis chapter 1, which is that if we allow the Holy Spirit to move upon us and submit to the word of God, our chaotic and messy lives can be transformed into something beautiful. The speaker compares the process of God creating a beautiful heaven and earth in Genesis to the transformation that can happen in our lives when we submit to God's word. The sermon also highlights the importance of God speaking every day and how the earth and heavens respond to His word. The speaker then shifts to discussing God's desire for a dwelling place among His people, as seen in Exodus chapter 25, and how the nation of Israel was prepared to understand God's ways before Christ came.
A Bridal Relationship - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.5K10:04EXO 39:42EXO 40:34PSA 27:4PSA 42:1MAT 11:28JHN 4:14PHP 4:7JAS 4:8REV 21:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of following God's commands diligently, as seen in the Old Testament tabernacle where Moses obeyed the Lord's instructions meticulously, resulting in the glory of God filling the tabernacle. It highlights the distinction between religious patterns and the genuine presence of God, urging believers to seek a personal encounter with Jesus rather than mere religious practices. The analogy of being a bride to Jesus is used to illustrate the excitement and longing for intimacy with Him, inviting weary and burdened individuals to find rest and true life in Him.
A Bridal Relationship
By Zac Poonen1.2K56:45EXO 39:32In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the invitation of Jesus to come to Him and find rest from religious burdens. He encourages listeners to walk and work with Jesus, learning the unforced rhythms of grace. The preacher highlights the importance of having a strong connection with God and responding to His call. He also discusses the need to seek God's kingdom and righteousness rather than pursuing worldly desires, trusting that God knows and provides for our needs. The sermon references John 20, Psalm 42:7, and 1 Corinthians 14 to support these teachings.
The Call to Faithfulness
By David Guzik55132:58EXO 39:421TI 1:12In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of God's call in our lives. He emphasizes that God wants us to walk worthy of this calling, which is demonstrated in four different aspects. The first aspect is the call to faith, which is the call to salvation. The speaker references the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 to illustrate the principle that faithfulness is rewarded. He also highlights the importance of being faithful in the specific roles and positions that God has placed us in, such as being a husband or a mother. The speaker concludes by discussing the three things that are involved in being faithful.
From the Exodus Out of Egypt to the Rejection of the Generation
By Flavius Josephus0EXO 25:8EXO 26:1EXO 28:2EXO 39:1HEB 8:5Flavius Josephus describes the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests, highlighting the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind each element. The tabernacle's design reflects the universe, with its divisions representing land, sea, and heaven. The priestly garments symbolize various aspects of creation, from the elements to the celestial bodies, showcasing a deep connection between the sacred and the natural world. Josephus emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and divine inspiration behind these sacred objects, challenging the unjust reproaches against the Jewish faith.
The Pins of the Tabernacle.
By Andrew Bonar0Contentment in ServiceSignificance of Small TasksEXO 27:19EXO 38:31EXO 39:40NUM 3:36Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of seemingly insignificant tasks in God's work, using the example of the 'pins' of the tabernacle to illustrate that God notices and values even the smallest contributions. He highlights that those who carried the pins, the sons of Merari, received the same divine attention as those who handled more prominent items, reminding us that God cares for every detail of our lives. Bonar encourages believers to trust God with their small concerns and to find contentment in their assigned roles, asserting that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from faithful service, regardless of the task's visibility. He reassures that every act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes and can lead to divine favor.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Introduction
Bezaleel makes the clothes of service for the holy place, and the holy garments, Exo 39:1. The ephod, Exo 39:2. Gold is beaten into plates, and cut into wires for embroidery, Exo 39:3. He makes the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, Exo 39:4. The curious girdle, Exo 39:5. Cuts the onyx stones for the shoulder-pieces, Exo 39:6. Makes the breastplate, its chains, ouches, rings, etc., Exo 39:7-21. The robe of the ephod, Exo 39:22-26. Coats of fine linen, Exo 39:27. The mitre, Exo 39:28. The girdle, Exo 39:29. The plate of the holy crown, Exo 39:30, Exo 39:31. The completion of the work of the tabernacle, Exo 39:32. All the work is brought unto Moses, Exo 39:33-41. Moses, having examined the whole, finds every thing done as the Lord had commanded in consequence of which he blesses the people, Exo 39:42, Exo 39:43.
Verse 1
Blue and purple, and scarlet - See this subject largely explained in the notes on Exo 25:4 (note).
Verse 2
Ephod - See this described, Exo 25:7 (note).
Verse 3
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.
Verse 8
Breastplate - See Exo 28:15 (note).
Verse 10
And they set in it four rows of stones - See all these precious stones particularly explained in the notes on Exo 28:17 (note), etc.
Verse 23
As the hole of a habergeon - The habergeon or hauberk was a small coat of mail, something in form of a half shirt, made of small iron rings curiously united together. It covered the neck and breast, was very light, and resisted the stroke of a sword. Sometimes it went over the whole head as well as over the breast. This kind of defensive armor was used among the Asiatics, particularly the ancient Persians, among whom it is still worn. It seems to have been borrowed from the Asiatics by the Norman crusaders.
Verse 30
The holy crown of pure gold - On Asiatic monuments, particularly those that appear in the ruins of Persepolis and on many Egyptian monuments, the priests are represented as wearing crowns or tiaras, and sometimes their heads are crowned with laurel. Cuper observes, that the priests and priestesses, among the ancient Greeks, were styled στεφανοφοροι, or crown-bearers, because they officiated having sometimes crowns of gold, at others, crowns of laurel, upon their heads.
Verse 32
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.
Verse 37
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.
Verse 43
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, Rut 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 ἡμιν, 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, Co2 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?
Introduction
GARMENTS OF THE PRIESTS. (Exo. 39:1-43) 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).
Verse 3
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].
Verse 30
a writing, like to the engravings of a signet--The seal-ring worn both by ancient and modern Egyptians on the little finger of the right hand, contained, inscribed on a cornelian or other precious stone, along with the owner's name, a religious sentiment or sacred symbol, intimating that he was the servant of God, or expressive of trust in Him. And it was to this practice the inscription on the high priest alludes (compare Joh 3:33).
Verse 34
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].
Verse 43
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. Next: Exodus Chapter 40
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 39 In this chapter is continued the account of making the several things belonging to the sanctuary, particularly the clothes for the service of the tabernacle, and the garments of the priests, as the ephod and its curious girdle, Exo 39:1 the breastplate and the putting of the stones in it, and the fastening of it to the ephod, Exo 39:8 the robe of the ephod, with the bells and pomegranates to it, Exo 39:21 and the coats, mitre, bonnets, breeches, and girdle of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, Exo 39:27 and the golden plate, Exo 39:30 and all being finished, the tabernacle and everything belonging to it were brought to Moses, and viewed by him; who seeing that all was done exactly according to the commandment of the Lord, blessed the people, and particularly the artificers, Exo 39:38.
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2
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). (y) Maimon. Cele Hamikdash, c. 9. sect. 5. (z) Silius Ital. de Bell. Punic. l. 3. (a) Herodot. Euterpe sive, l. 2. c. 38. (b) Satyr. 6. (c) L. 12. Epigram. 26.
Verse 32
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.
Verse 33
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. Exodus 39:43
Introduction
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 mel 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 (מגבּעת פּארי, from פּאר an ornament, cf. פּאר 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, האבנט, 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).
Verse 32
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 (משׁכּן, 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.
Verse 37
"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.
Verse 40
"Vessels of service:" see Exo 27:19.
Verse 43
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.
Introduction
This chapter gives us an account of the finishing of the work of the tabernacle. I. The last things prepared were the holy garments. The ephod and its curious girdle (Exo 39:1-5). The onyx-stones for the shoulders (Exo 39:6, Exo 39:7). The breastplate with the precious stones in it (Exo 39:8-21). The robe of the ephod (Exo 39:22-26). The coats, bonnets, and breeches, for the inferior priests (Exo 39:27-29). And the plate of the holy crown (Exo 39:30, Exo 39:31). II. A summary account of the whole work, as it was presented to Moses when it was all finished (Exo 39:32, etc.).
Verse 1
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.
Verse 32
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, Ch2 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. III. 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. IV. 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.
Verse 1
39:1-31 See 28:1-43.
Verse 30
39:30 The designation badge of holiness is perhaps a formal title; it does not appear in the first description of the sacred medallion in 28:36.
Verse 32
39:32-43 Moses inspected the finished work and confirmed thateverything had been done just as the Lord had commanded (39:43). As a result, Moses blessed them instead of pronouncing judgment upon them, as when they had tried to meet their need for God’s presence in their own ways (32:27).