Exodus 39 brings us to a sacred and awe-inspiring place in Scripture—a moment where everything we’ve read about the Tabernacle’s construction, the offerings of the people, and the commands of the Lord begins to come together in glorious fulfillment. It’s a chapter that focuses on the making of the holy garments for Aaron and his sons, garments meant for ministry, and a final inspection of all the Tabernacle work. As we reflect on this, we can see ourselves in the details—called to holiness, to craftsmanship in our service, and to obedience to the Word of the Lord.
The chapter begins with the making of the priestly garments. These were not ordinary clothes; they were designed for glory and for beauty, to set apart those who would serve before God in the Tabernacle. The garments included the ephod, the breastplate, the robe, and the turban, all made of fine linen and richly embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet thread. These colors and materials were not chosen randomly; they carry deep symbolism. Blue points to the heavens, purple to royalty, and scarlet to sacrifice. In the fine work of these garments, we are reminded that what we wear before God matters—not just physically, but spiritually. Paul speaks of this when he writes, “Put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth” (Ephesians 4:24). These garments teach us about spiritual preparation. When we come before the Lord, we’re not to come casually or flippantly. We are to be clothed in reverence, in righteousness, and in the beauty of holiness.
The ephod was made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, skillfully woven together. Gold threads were hammered into thin sheets and cut into wires, then worked into the fabric. This detail grabs our attention. Imagine the dedication and patience it would take to hammer gold into threads. This speaks to us about how worship and service to God aren’t rushed acts—they’re thoughtful, deliberate, and often require refining. The ephod also had shoulder straps with two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, set in gold settings. This reminds us that the high priest carried the people before God, just as Christ carries us now. Hebrews 7:25 tells us, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing he lives forever to make intercession for them.” When we picture the high priest wearing the ephod, we see a beautiful foreshadowing of Jesus, our great High Priest, who bears us continually before the Father.
The breastplate was the next piece, and it was crafted with equal beauty and care. It was square and doubled, set with twelve precious stones—each one representing a tribe of Israel. These stones were engraved with the names of the tribes, just like the ones on the shoulders. But instead of being on the shoulders where the priest bore the burden of the people, these were over his heart, where he carried their names in love. This is deeply personal for us. We are not forgotten in the sea of humanity; our names are precious to God. Isaiah reminds us, “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16). Just like those names over the high priest’s heart, we are treasured and known.
The robe of the ephod was woven entirely in blue. It had an opening for the head, with a reinforced hem to prevent tearing. Around the hem were pomegranates made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, alternating with bells of pure gold. The bells would sound as the priest moved, so he could be heard when he entered and left the sanctuary. These little details tell us how nothing in God’s design is random or unimportant. Even the sound of the priest’s steps was part of the sacred rhythm of worship. For us, it’s a reminder that everything we do before the Lord—every step, every act of service, every prayer—is seen and heard.
They also made the plate of the holy crown, a pure gold band engraved with “HOLY TO YAHWEH.” It was fastened to the turban with a blue cord. What a powerful declaration—“Holy to Yahweh.” That phrase sums up everything the garments and the Tabernacle represent. God had called His people to be holy, and the priests were to reflect that holiness in every detail. This isn’t just about ancient garments; it speaks to our own calling. As Peter says, “You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). We are to live lives that declare “Holy to Yahweh” in everything we do.
The chapter concludes with a beautiful summary. “Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished.” The people had done everything exactly as the Lord had commanded Moses. Then they brought everything to Moses: the Tabernacle, its furnishings, the garments, the utensils—every last item. Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had done it just as Yahweh had commanded. Then Moses blessed them.
This moment of inspection and blessing is deeply meaningful. There is a kind of satisfaction that comes from faithful obedience—when we can say, “We have done what the Lord asked of us.” It’s not about perfection or performance, but about faithfulness. When we offer God our best and follow His instructions, His blessing follows. That’s not a reward we earn—it’s a gift that flows from a heart aligned with His.
Exodus 39 isn’t just an ancient inventory of priestly garments. It is a spiritual mirror, reminding us that we are called to prepare ourselves for worship, to serve with excellence, to carry one another in love, and to offer every detail of our lives as holy to the Lord. When we do so, we too will hear the blessing of our great High Priest, who sees our work and welcomes us into His presence.