‏ Exodus 39

Exodus 39:1-31: The Tabernacle and Its Furniture

This section describes how the priests’ garments were made, following the instructions given earlier ( ^a). These garments are called “clothes of service” ( ^b). They were made for serving God, not for showing off. Every part was made exactly as the Lord commanded Moses, showing how important it is for God’s servants to follow His word in everything they do. The garments were very beautiful and rich, just like the rest of the tabernacle, but these were only symbols for a time. Now, under Jesus, we do not need special clothes to serve God. The real meaning is found in Christ and the good things He brings through the gospel.

v. 1: The priests’ garments are called “clothes of service.” This shows that those who are honored by God are expected to serve Him. Even in heaven, those in white robes serve God day and night ( ^c).

v. 2-31 : The garments were very rich and beautiful, matching the rest of the tabernacle. In the Old Testament, these outward things taught the people. But now, with the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we do not need such outward display. Instead, we have true freedom in Christ ( ^d). The garments were only shadows of good things to come. Jesus is our great high priest who truly serves God for us. He was full of the Spirit, carried God’s people on His shoulders and heart, and was crowned with holiness. Believers are now spiritual priests. Their “white linen” is the righteousness that comes from God ( ^e), and their lives should show “Holiness to the Lord” for all to see.

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v. 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31: Each part of the garments ends with the words, “as the Lord commanded Moses” ( ^f). This reminds us that ministers and all of God’s servants must follow His commands carefully and use His word as their guide.

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Exodus 39:32-43: The Tabernacle Completed

This passage tells how the work on the tabernacle was finished quickly and carefully. Even though it was a big job with many fine details, the people completed it in a little over five months. Everyone worked together with unity and energy, and God gave them the skill they needed. The workers followed God’s instructions exactly, and when everything was done, they brought all the parts to Moses for his inspection and approval. Moses saw that everything was made just as God commanded, and he blessed the people for their faithful service.

v. 32: The workers finished the tabernacle and all its parts, doing everything as the Lord had commanded Moses ( ^g).

v. 33-41: They brought all the completed work to Moses—every curtain, piece of furniture, and priestly garment ( ^h). Moses checked each item to make sure nothing was missing and that everything matched God’s instructions.

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v. 42: Everything was made exactly as the Lord had told Moses ( ⁱ). This teaches us that we should do God’s work in His way, not adding or changing anything.

v. 43: Moses looked carefully at all the work and saw it was done right. He praised the workers and blessed them. His blessing was a reward for their effort, because serving God and having His approval is the greatest reward ( ^j).