Exodus Chapter 39
Great craftsmanship and care were put into the creation of the priestly garments. The priests would serve in an important role as the intercessors for the people to entreat the mercy of the holy God. And so, God instructed their garments to be both beautiful and full of meaning. Of course, the role of the priest was only meant to be a temporary position until the Great High Priest came on the scene, the Messiah. When the Messiah arrived, there would no longer be need for men to serve as priests for mankind. Jesus Himself would entreat the Father asking for mercy on our behalf.
Let's Reflect
1. The ephod was sewn with beautiful thread colors of blue, purple and scarlet yarns. What other color was incorporated into the design?
2. According to verse 5, how did the craftsman know how to create the garments?
3. Across the breast piece were incorporated 12 stones, all of them different stones. What names were inscribed on these stones?
4. I have seen different illustrations depicting the ephod and the breast piece and I’m not sure they accurately depict the beauty of the garments when reading this chapter. I think the ephod was a piece that was pulled on over top of the head so that it extended down the front and the back. There were shoulder pieces that the breast piece attached to as well as some sort of ring and rope connection at the sides. There were also two rings of gold located where according to verse 20?
5. The bottom hem was decorated with pomegranates made of blue, purple and scarlet yarns. I think these may have been like little pom-pom balls hanging off the bottom. Another item was hung from the bottom of the hem and was intermittent with the pomegranates. What were they and what were they made of?
6. What other items were made for the priest to wear?
7. The tabernacle was now finished as well as all the items that would go inside it. All the items were presented to Moses. Was Moses happy with the work of the craftsmen? And what was his response?
