Exodus 39: Reflecting God’s Glory in Priestly Garments

Executive Summary

Exodus 39 meticulously details the completion of the priestly garments, reflecting God’s precise instructions given to Moses. This chapter unveils the artistry and divine inspiration behind the creation of the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash – each element imbued with symbolic significance. The meticulousness demonstrates the high calling of the priesthood and the importance of approaching God with reverence and according to His ordained manner. The garments served not only as adornment but as a tangible representation of the priest’s role as mediator between God and humanity. Modern believers can draw from this chapter the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the beauty of holiness, and the necessity of approaching God through the appointed mediator, Jesus Christ. The chapter highlights the meticulous adherence to divine instruction, echoing the importance of precise devotion in our lives.

Exodus 39 narrates the culmination of the artistry and skill dedicated to creating the priestly garments, a visual testament to God’s glory and the sacred role of the priesthood. This chapter, deeply rooted in divine command and human craftsmanship, offers timeless spiritual lessons.

Commentary on Exodus 39

Exodus 39:1-7 – The Ephod

Exodus 39:1 (KJV): “And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the Lord commanded Moses.”
Exodus 39:1 (NKJV): “From the blue, purple, and scarlet thread, they made garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place; and they made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

The initial verse sets the stage, emphasizing that the creation of the cloths of service and the holy garments was strictly according to the Lord’s commandment. The blue, purple, and scarlet threads were not merely chosen for their aesthetic appeal; they symbolized heavenly grace, royalty, and sacrifice, respectively. The phrase “as the Lord commanded Moses” appears repeatedly throughout this chapter, highlighting obedience as a cornerstone of worship. It’s a poignant reminder that our service to God should be rooted in adherence to His word, not our own preferences. This meticulous obedience reminds us that true worship requires dedicated work done according to God’s own standards.

Spiritual Application: How often do we prioritize convenience over obedience in our spiritual lives? Are we truly striving to follow God’s commands, or are we subtly modifying them to suit our own desires? We need to ensure our spiritual service is aligned with God’s divine instructions. For assistance with optimizing your own presence and ensuring obedience to modern best practices, consider exploring options to buy dofollow backlinks.

Exodus 39:8-21 – The Breastplate of Judgment

Exodus 39:8 (KJV): “And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.”
Exodus 39:8 (NKJV): “He made the breastplate of skillful workmanship, like the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.”

The breastplate, described as “of cunning work,” held immense significance. Embedded within it were twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This signified that the high priest bore the weight and responsibility of representing the entire nation before God. The Urim and Thummim, instruments of divine guidance, were placed within the breastplate, enabling the high priest to discern God’s will.
The description of the breastplate as “of cunning work” is significant. This isn’t merely about skill; it suggests divinely inspired craftsmanship.

St. Cyril of Alexandria says, “Η γὰρ σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ δίδωσιν ἔργον πᾶσι τοῖς ποιοῦσι τὸ ἀγαθόν” (He gar sophia tou Theou didosin ergon pasi tois poiousi to agathon) – “For the wisdom of God gives work to all who do good” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Exodus*, PG 69, 573).
The Urim and Thummim are shrouded in mystery, but they undeniably provided a means for discerning God’s direct will. This speaks to the critical importance of seeking God’s guidance in all matters, both personal and communal.

Spiritual Application: The breastplate teaches us about the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. We are all precious stones, each unique and valuable, yet bound together by the love of God. We must bear one another’s burdens and seek God’s guidance in our communal lives. It emphasizes the need for wisdom in decision-making, seeking discernment from the Holy Spirit, and supporting each member of our community in prayer.

Exodus 39:22-26 – The Robe of the Ephod

Exodus 39:22 (KJV): “And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.”
Exodus 39:22 (NKJV): “Then he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.”

The robe, crafted entirely of blue, symbolized heavenly grace and the priest’s connection to the divine realm. The bells and pomegranates adorning its hem served both a practical and symbolic purpose. The sound of the bells announced the high priest’s presence before God, while the pomegranates, bursting with seeds, represented fruitfulness and prosperity. This combination served to signify that approaching God was a life-giving act, filled with abundance and blessing. This is particularly true given pomegranates’ association with the afterlife in some Near Eastern cultures.

The meticulousness in creating the robe reminds us of the sanctity of approaching God. The bells and pomegranates served as a reminder of God’s presence and provision.

Origen writes, “Οὐ γὰρ τῷ ἁπλῶς ἀκούειν ἀρκεῖται ὁ Θεός, ἀλλὰ τῷ ἀκούειν καὶ ποιεῖν” (Ou gar tō haplōs akouein arkeitai ho Theos, alla tō akouein kai poiein) – “For God is not satisfied with merely hearing, but with hearing and doing” (Origen, *Homilies on Exodus*, 9.4).

Spiritual Application: The robe invites us to consider how we approach God. Do we come with reverence and a sense of expectation, or do we approach Him casually and without anticipation? Let us cultivate a spirit of joyful reverence in our encounters with the divine.

Exodus 39:27-31 – Tunics, Turbans, and Sashes

Exodus 39:27 (KJV): “And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons.”
Exodus 39:27 (NKJV): “They made tunics of finely woven linen for Aaron and his sons.”

The tunics, turbans, and sashes were integral parts of the priestly attire. The fine linen signified purity and righteousness, while the turbans and sashes added to the overall dignity and solemnity of the priests’ appearance. This uniformity and attention to detail emphasized the importance of unity and shared purpose within the priesthood. The sash, embroidered with various colors, further accentuated the priest’s distinct role as a servant of God. The linen also served a practical function in the hot climate of the ancient Near East, preventing excessive sweating.

Spiritual Application: The priestly garments remind us of the importance of inner purity and outward adornment. While external appearances are not the primary focus, they should reflect our inner devotion to God. We must strive for both inner righteousness and outward conduct that honors God.

Exodus 39:32-43 – Completing the Work

Exodus 39:32 (KJV): “Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they.”
Exodus 39:32 (NKJV): “Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did.”

This section underscores the completion of the entire project, highlighting the unwavering obedience of the Israelites to God’s commands. Every detail, from the fabrics to the craftsmanship, was executed according to God’s specific instructions. This meticulous adherence demonstrates their commitment to honoring God in every aspect of their worship. The repetition of “according to all that the Lord commanded Moses” emphasizes the centrality of divine instruction in all matters of faith and practice. Consider also the incredible effort involved, which is a testament to the dedication of the craftspeople.

The work’s completion, down to the smallest detail, is a testament to the importance of finishing well.

St. Athanasius comments, “Τὸ γὰρ τέλος τῶν ἀγαθῶν, ἀγάπη” (To gar telos tōn agathōn, agape) – “For the end of good things is love” (Athanasius, *Letter 1*, 3).

Spiritual Application: This section serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and diligence in our spiritual lives. We must strive to complete the tasks God has given us, remaining faithful to His commands until the very end. It’s a call to finish strong and with unwavering dedication.

Exodus 39:43 – Moses’ Blessing

Exodus 39:43 (KJV): “And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.”
Exodus 39:43 (NKJV): “Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it as the Lord had commanded, just as they had done it. And Moses blessed them.”

The final verse records Moses’ blessing upon the Israelites for their faithful completion of the work. His approval signifies God’s acceptance of their offering. The act of blessing underscores the importance of recognizing and affirming the good work of others. It serves as a reminder that God delights in our obedience and rewards those who diligently seek to honor Him. The phrase “Moses blessed them” symbolizes God’s favor and approval upon their work.

Spiritual Application: We should seek to emulate Moses’ example by affirming and encouraging those who are faithfully serving God. Let us offer words of blessing and support to our brothers and sisters in Christ, recognizing and celebrating their contributions to the Kingdom of God.

Key Reflections on Priestly Garments 💡

The narrative of the priestly garments offers profound lessons for contemporary believers:

• Divine Mandate: Emphasizes that all aspects of worship should be rooted in God’s specific instructions and commands.
• Symbolic Significance: Highlights the rich symbolism embedded in the priestly garments, each element representing a facet of God’s character and the priest’s role.
• Interconnectedness: Underscores the unity and interdependence of the community, as symbolized by the twelve stones on the breastplate.
• Reverence and Awe: Calls for approaching God with a spirit of reverence, recognizing His holiness and majesty.
• Diligence and Perseverance: Encourages steadfastness in completing the tasks God has given us, remaining faithful until the end.
• Affirmation and Encouragement: Promotes the practice of recognizing and affirming the good work of others, offering words of blessing and support.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some common questions surrounding Exodus 39 and the priestly garments:

• Q: Why was so much detail given to the priestly garments?

  A: The meticulous detail emphasized the sacredness of the priesthood and the importance of approaching God according to His ordained manner. The garments symbolized the priest’s role as a mediator between God and humanity, and their creation reflected God’s glory and majesty. This level of attention reinforces the need for thoroughness and precision in serving God.

• Q: What is the significance of the colors used in the priestly garments?

  A: The blue, purple, and scarlet threads each carried symbolic weight. Blue represented heavenly grace, purple signified royalty and authority, and scarlet symbolized sacrifice and atonement. These colors collectively pointed to the multifaceted nature of God’s character and the priest’s role in mediating God’s presence.

• Q: How does Exodus 39 relate to the New Testament?

  A: The priestly garments foreshadow the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of mediator between God and humanity. Just as the high priest in the Old Testament wore garments that symbolized holiness and righteousness, Jesus Christ embodies perfect holiness and righteousness, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.

• Q: What practical lessons can we learn from Exodus 39 today?

  A: The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the beauty of holiness, and the necessity of approaching God through the appointed mediator, Jesus Christ. It reminds us to strive for both inner purity and outward conduct that honors God, and to affirm and encourage those who are faithfully serving Him.

Conclusion

Exodus 39, with its meticulous details of the priestly garments, is more than just a historical account; it’s a profound spiritual lesson. It teaches us about the importance of obedience, the beauty of holiness, and the necessity of approaching God through His appointed mediator, Jesus Christ. The garments themselves, created with such care and precision, serve as a tangible reminder of God’s glory and the sacredness of worship. By reflecting on these principles, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character and a greater commitment to honoring Him in every aspect of our lives. Let us strive to emulate the dedication and precision displayed in the creation of the priestly garments, reflecting God’s glory in our own lives through acts of obedience, worship, and service. As believers, we are called to be living temples, adorned with the righteousness of Christ, reflecting His light to the world. Reflecting God’s Glory is a profound responsibility.

Tags

Exodus 39, Priestly Garments, Tabernacle, Moses, Aaron, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Biblical Commentary, Divine Command

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Explore Exodus 39: The Priestly Garments Completed. A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary revealing spiritual insights, obedience, and reflecting God’s glory in worship.