Exodus 39 commentary

EXODUS 39 COMME TARY
EDITED 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 (‫ּת‬‫ע‬ ָ ְ‫ג‬ ִ‫מ‬ ‫י‬ ֵ‫ר‬ ֲ‫א‬ ַ , from ‫ר‬ ֵ‫א‬ ְ an ornament, cf. ‫ר‬ፍ ָ 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, ‫ט‬ֵ‫נ‬ ְ‫ב‬ፍ ָ‫,ה‬ 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.
‘And they wrought the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, graven with the
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.
‘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.
‘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—
‘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—
‘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 (‫ן‬ ָⅴ ְ‫שׁ‬ ִ‫,מ‬
generally rendered tabernacle) was made into a tent (‫ה‬ ֶ‫ּל‬‫א‬). 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 ‫ל‬ ֶ‫ּה‬‫א‬ ָ‫ה‬ 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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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
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 ᅧµιν, 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.

Exodus 39 commentary

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