Exodus 39

Exodus 39:1

Vestments. Hebrew distinguishes, “the clothes of service” destined to fold up the tabernacle and vessels, from “the holy garments of Aaron.”

Exodus 39:3

Threads. Hebrew, “wires to work it in the blue….with cunning work.” The ancients had the art of beating gold into thin plates, with which they adorned the horns of their victims, &c. ('c6neid iv.) See Numbers xvi. 58. (Calmet)

Exodus 39:19

Fastened to the girdle. This is not specified in the Hebrew. The Vulgate has abridged some verses, in these chapters, to avoid repetitions.

Exodus 39:24

Pomegranate, alternately, chap. xxviii. Clement of Alexandria observes, that the 366 bells denote the leap year, in which Christ began to preach. (Tirinus)

Exodus 39:27

Of fine linen, or cotton, and of common linen, as Pollux describes it. The Samaritan copy adds, “Breeches of linen, of byssus, of violet, of scarlet, of purple, of embroidery work, according to the command of the Lord.”

Exodus 39:29

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Veneration, of which it was deserving. Hebrew, “the crown of holiness.” It reminded the high priest of his consecration to the Lord, and of the sanctity with which he ought to appear before him.

Exodus 39:43

Finished, exactly according to God’s prescriptions. — Blessed them, the people, who had contributed so liberally; and the workmen, who had performed their task so much to his satisfaction. (Calmet) — He also blessed the sacred vessels, as they were destined for the worship of God. (Haydock)