Exodus 39

Exodus 39:1

G. Preparation of the Priests’ Garments (Chap. 39)39:1-7 Now we come to the preparation of the priests’ garments. We are struck at the outset by the repetition of the four colors. Some see them as representing the manifold glories of Christ as seen in the four Gospels: purpleMatthewthe King; scarletMarkthe suffering servant; whiteLukethe sinless Man; blueJohn the Son of God come down from heaven. The gold threads in the ephod speak of Christ’s deity (v. 3). On each shoulder-strap of the ephod was an onyx stone engraved with the names of six of the tribes of Israel. 39:8-21 The breastplate held twelve precious stones, one for each of the twelve tribes (vv. 10-14). So it is with our Great High Priest. The gospel preacher Peter Pell expressed it beautifully. “The strength of His shoulders and the love of His heart are thus bearing the names of God’s people before the presence of God.” 39:22-26 The robe of the ephod was a blue garment worn under the ephod. On its hem were bells of pure gold and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. These speak of spiritual fruit and testimony as they are found in our Great High Priest and as they should be reproduced in us. 39:27-29 The linen tunics were the first garments that the priests put on (Lev_8:7). Then came the garments of glory. God first clothes the repentant sinner with His own righteousness (2Co_5:21). When the Lord Jesus returns, He will clothe His own people in garments of glory (Phi_3:20-21). Righteousness must precede glorification. 39:30, 31 The gold plate on the high priest’s turban was engraved like a signet with the words “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” so that he might bear the iniquity of the holy things (Exo_28:38). All that we do is stained with sin, but our worship and service are purged from all imperfection by our Great High Priest before they reach the Father. 39:32-43 When the people finished the work and brought the parts of the tabernacle to Moses, he inspected them and found that all the work had been made exactly according to God’s specifications. And Moses blessed the people.