The Holiness of God’s Dwelling and Service

What You'll Learn

• The significance of the priestly garments in representing God's holiness and the identity of Israel.
• How obedience to God’s detailed instructions reflects faith and reverence.
• The symbolism behind the materials and craftsmanship used in the tabernacle and garments.
• The importance of memorial stones representing the tribes of Israel.
• The role of the high priest as mediator between God and His people.
• God’s faithfulness in providing clear instructions and the people’s faithfulness in following them.

God’s holiness demands precise obedience and reverent worship, reflected in the priestly garments and tabernacle.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Exodus 39:1 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 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Exodus 39:3 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, with cunning work.

Exodus 39:4 They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

Exodus 39:5 And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

Exodus 39:7 And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:8 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 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

Exodus 39:10 And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

Exodus 39:11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Exodus 39:12 And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

Exodus 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

Exodus 39:14 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 with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

Exodus 39:15 And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

Exodus 39:16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

Exodus 39:17 And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

Exodus 39:18 And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

Exodus 39:19 And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

Exodus 39:20 And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

Exodus 39:21 And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:22 And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

Exodus 39:23 And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

Exodus 39:24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Exodus 39:25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

Exodus 39:26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Exodus 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

Exodus 39:31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 39:32 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 39:33 And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

Exodus 39:34 And the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers’ skins, and the vail of the covering,

Exodus 39:35 The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

Exodus 39:36 The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,

Exodus 39:37 The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,

Exodus 39:38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

Exodus 39:39 The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Exodus 39:40 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

Exodus 39:41 The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’ garments, to minister in the priest’s office.

Exodus 39:42 According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Exodus 39:43 And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they have done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Exodus 39:1

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.

Study: The use of blue, purple, and scarlet cloths for the holy garments highlights their sacred purpose in the tabernacle service. These colors symbolize royalty, divinity, and sacrifice, setting apart Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties exactly as God commanded, emphasizing the importance of obedience in worship.

Exodus 39:2

And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Study: The ephod, a special garment worn by the high priest, was made from gold and richly colored fabrics, symbolizing the glory and majesty of God. Its craftsmanship reflects the honor and responsibility given to Aaron as the mediator before God.

Exodus 39:3

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, with cunning work.

Study: Beating gold into thin plates and weaving it intricately into the fabric shows the skill and care devoted to the priestly garments. This meticulous work honors God’s holiness and the sacredness of the priestly role.

Exodus 39:4

They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

Study: The shoulderpieces served to join the ephod securely, symbolizing the unity and strength required in the priestly office. This practical detail also reflects God’s design for order and stability in worship.

Exodus 39:5

And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: The girdle, matching the ephod’s materials and craftsmanship, completed the garment’s beauty and function. It symbolizes the priest’s readiness and dedication to serve God, as instructed by the Lord.

Exodus 39:6

And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

Study: Onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel’s tribes were set in gold settings, signifying that the high priest carried the people before God. This memorial reminds us that God’s people are precious and remembered in His presence.

Exodus 39:7

And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: Placing the onyx stones on the ephod’s shoulders symbolizes bearing the weight of the people’s identity and responsibility before God. It teaches the priestly role of intercession and representation.

Exodus 39:8

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.

Study: The breastplate, made with the same skill and materials as the ephod, was a key part of the high priest’s attire. It symbolizes the heart of the priest’s service, carrying the tribes of Israel close to God.

Exodus 39:9

It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

Study: The breastplate’s double-layered, square shape and measured size reflect God’s order and perfection in worship. Its design ensured it was both functional and symbolic, representing completeness and stability.

Exodus 39:10

And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

Study: The first row of precious stones on the breastplate represents the first three tribes of Israel, each stone carefully chosen and arranged. These stones symbolize the beauty and value of each tribe before God.

Exodus 39:11

And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Study: The second row continues the pattern of precious stones, showing the diversity and unity of the tribes. Each stone’s unique qualities remind us that every tribe has a special place in God’s covenant.

Exodus 39:12

And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

Study: The third row of stones adds to the breastplate’s splendor, representing more tribes and emphasizing the completeness of God’s people. The variety of stones reflects the richness of God’s covenant community.

Exodus 39:13

And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

Study: The fourth row completes the twelve stones, each enclosed in gold settings, symbolizing God’s precious and protected people. The gold settings show God’s care and holiness surrounding His covenant.

Exodus 39:14

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 with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

Study: Each stone was engraved with a tribe’s name like a signet, signifying ownership and identity. This teaches that God knows and claims each tribe personally, highlighting His intimate relationship with His people.

Exodus 39:15

And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

Study: Golden chains attached to the breastplate ensured it was securely fastened, symbolizing the strength and unity of the tribes bound together in God’s covenant. This practical detail reflects spiritual truths of connection and faithfulness.

Exodus 39:16

And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

Study: The two gold rings on the breastplate’s ends served as attachment points, showing God’s provision for order and function in worship. These rings symbolize the connection between God’s commands and the priest’s service.

Exodus 39:17

And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

Study: The wreathen gold chains linked the breastplate to the ephod, emphasizing the inseparable relationship between the priest’s identity and his service before God. This connection reflects the unity of God’s design.

Exodus 39:18

And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

Study: Fastening the chains to the ephod’s shoulderpieces ensured the breastplate stayed in place, symbolizing stability in the priest’s role. This teaches the importance of steadfastness in serving God faithfully.

Exodus 39:19

And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

Study: Additional gold rings on the breastplate’s border allowed for secure attachment, showing God’s detailed provision for the priestly garments. This reflects God’s care for holiness and order in worship.

Exodus 39:20

And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

Study: Two more golden rings on the ephod’s sides provided further points of connection, illustrating the complexity and precision of God’s instructions. This teaches that worship requires careful attention to God’s commands.

Exodus 39:21

And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: Binding the breastplate to the ephod with a blue lace ensured it would not loosen, symbolizing the permanence of God’s covenant with Israel. This detail reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the priest’s responsibility.

Exodus 39:22

And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

Study: The robe of the ephod, woven entirely of blue, represents heaven and divine authority. This garment signifies the high priest’s role as God’s representative and the heavenly nature of his service.

Exodus 39:23

And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

Study: The hole in the robe, reinforced with a band, prevented tearing, symbolizing God’s protection over the priest’s service. This practical feature teaches the importance of preserving holiness and integrity.

Exodus 39:24

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Study: Pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and linen on the robe’s hem symbolize fruitfulness and the beauty of God’s covenant people. These decorations remind us of God’s provision and blessing in worship.

Exodus 39:25

And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

Study: Golden bells placed between the pomegranates served both a practical and symbolic purpose, announcing the priest’s movements in the holy place. This teaches reverence and the awareness of God’s presence in worship.

Exodus 39:26

A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: The alternating pattern of bells and pomegranates around the robe’s hem fulfilled God’s command, showing obedience and the sacred rhythm of worship. This detail highlights God’s desire for order and beauty in His service.

Exodus 39:27

And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Study: Coats of fine linen were made for Aaron and his sons, symbolizing purity and righteousness required for priestly service. These garments set the priests apart for holy duties before God.

Exodus 39:28

And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

Study: The mitre, bonnets, and linen breeches completed the priests’ attire, emphasizing modesty and holiness. These garments protected the priests and signified their consecration to God.

Exodus 39:29

And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: The finely woven girdle with blue, purple, and scarlet needlework symbolized the priest’s readiness and dedication. This garment piece reinforced the theme of obedience to God’s detailed instructions.

Exodus 39:30

And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

Study: The holy crown plate inscribed with 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' declared the priest’s consecration and God’s absolute holiness. This signet-like inscription served as a visible reminder of the sacredness of the priest’s office.

Exodus 39:31

And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Study: Tying the holy crown to the mitre with a blue lace ensured it stayed securely in place, symbolizing steadfast devotion to God. This detail reflects the importance of maintaining holiness in worship.

Exodus 39:32

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.

Study: The completion of all tabernacle work according to God’s commands shows Israel’s obedience and faithfulness. This fulfillment demonstrates the blessing that comes from following God’s precise instructions.

Exodus 39:33

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

Study: Bringing the tabernacle and all its furnishings to Moses signifies the readiness for God’s presence to dwell among His people. Each item’s inclusion reflects God’s provision and the people’s commitment.

Exodus 39:34

And the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers’ skins, and the vail of the covering,

Study: The coverings of rams’ skins dyed red and badgers’ skins provided protection and symbolism, representing sacrifice and purity. These coverings guarded the sacred space, teaching reverence for God’s holiness.

Exodus 39:35

The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

Study: The ark of the testimony and mercy seat were central to God’s covenant presence, symbolizing His forgiveness and relationship with Israel. Their careful preparation shows the seriousness of approaching God.

Exodus 39:36

The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,

Study: The table and shewbread represent God’s provision and fellowship with His people. These items remind us that worship includes both reverence and communion with God.

Exodus 39:37

The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,

Study: The pure candlestick and oil symbolize God’s light and guidance in the midst of His people. Maintaining the lamps teaches the need for continual spiritual illumination.

Exodus 39:38

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

Study: The golden altar, anointing oil, and incense represent prayer, consecration, and the sweet aroma of worship pleasing to God. These elements highlight the importance of spiritual devotion.

Exodus 39:39

The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Study: The brazen altar and laver were essential for sacrifice and purification, teaching the necessity of cleansing before approaching God. These items underscore God’s holiness and justice.

Exodus 39:40

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

Study: The court hangings, pillars, and all service vessels complete the tabernacle’s structure, symbolizing God’s order and the boundary between the holy and common. This separation teaches respect for God’s dwelling place.

Exodus 39:41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’ garments, to minister in the priest’s office.

Study: The holy garments for Aaron and his sons prepared them to minister in the priest’s office, emphasizing the importance of consecration and service. These garments set them apart for God’s work.

Exodus 39:42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Study: The children of Israel’s obedience in making all the work as the Lord commanded shows their faithfulness and submission to God’s will. This collective effort reflects the unity and dedication of God’s people.

Exodus 39:43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they have done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Study: Moses’ inspection and blessing affirm that the work was done according to God’s command, highlighting the blessing that follows obedience. This moment marks the readiness for God’s presence to dwell among Israel.

Exodus 39 records the faithful and precise construction of the priestly garments and the tabernacle furnishings according to God’s detailed instructions. Each element, from the colors and materials to the engraved stones, reflects God’s holiness and the covenant relationship with Israel. The chapter emphasizes obedience, reverence, and the sacredness of worship, preparing the people for God’s presence to dwell among them.

Lord, help us to approach You with reverence and obedience, just as the Israelites prepared the tabernacle and priestly garments according to Your commands. Teach us to honor Your holiness in every aspect of our worship and service. May we remember that You know us personally and call us to faithful service. Strengthen our hearts to serve You with joy and dedication, reflecting Your glory in all we do.

• Pray daily for a heart that honors God’s holiness and desires to obey His commands.
• Read Exodus 39 slowly, focusing on the details of the priestly garments and tabernacle.
• Memorize Exodus 39:30, 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD,' to remind yourself of God’s call to holiness.
• Reflect in your journal on areas where you can show greater reverence in your worship and service.
• Discuss with your family or small group the significance of obedience and holiness in your daily lives.
• Identify practical ways to prepare your heart and home as a dwelling place for God’s presence.
• Worship God through song or art, expressing gratitude for His holiness and faithfulness.

Exodus 39 reveals the importance of meticulous obedience and reverence in preparing for God’s presence. The detailed construction of the priestly garments and tabernacle furnishings teaches us about God’s holiness, His covenant love, and the sacredness of worship. As the Israelites faithfully followed God’s commands, they set a powerful example for us to honor God with our whole hearts and lives.

Exodus 39 completed

Check this box when you finish this chapter study.

You have completed 0 of 40 chapters in Exodus.

View your full progress on the Exodus Hub.

Still Studying?

Have a Question About This Chapter?

Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God's Word.

Ask a Bible Question →