Priestly Garments, Completion of the Tabernacle, and God’s Glorious Presence
The final chapters of Exodus bring the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments to completion, marking the fulfillment of God’s instructions. Every detail, from the ephod and breastpiece to the curtains and altar, reflects God’s holiness and desire to dwell among His people.
Exodus 39 details the making of the priestly garments (see image below) according to God’s precise instructions. The chapter emphasizes obedience, craftsmanship, and holiness in worship.
The chapter begins with the making of the ephod, which is woven from gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarn, and fine linen. Skilled artisans hammer gold into thin sheets and cut it into fine threads to be woven into the fabric (v. 1-3). Two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, are mounted on the shoulder pieces (v. 4, 6-7), serving as a reminder that the high priest carries the people of Israel on his shoulders when ministering before the Lord.
The breastpiece, another significant part of the priest’s attire, is made with the same rich materials. It is a square piece folded to form a pouch. It contains twelve precious stones set in four rows, each engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel (v. 8-14), symbolizing that the high priest carried the people over his heart when entering the presence of God. The breastpiece is securely attached to the ephod by gold chains and blue cords (v. 15-21), ensuring it remains securely in place when the high priest enters God’s presence. The breastpiece also holds the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects used for discerning God’s will.
The robe of the ephod is woven entirely in blue, with pomegranates and gold bells around its hem to produce sound as the priest moves. It has an opening reinforced with a woven collar to prevent tearing (v. 22-26). The artisans then make the tunics, turbans, sashes, and undergarments for the priests (v. 27-29). Finally, they create the golden plate with the inscription “Holy to the Lord,” which is fastened to the high priest’s turban (v. 30-31). These garments signified that the high priest was set apart for God’s service, representing the holiness required to stand before Him.
After completing all the elements of the Tabernacle—its tent coverings, framework, furnishings, and priestly garments—the Israelites present them to Moses (v. 32-41). Moses inspects everything carefully and confirms that the Israelites have done exactly as the Lord commanded. This act of obedience was crucial, as any deviation from God’s instructions could lead to His displeasure. Because they have followed God’s commands precisely, Moses blesses them (v. 42-43).
Exodus 39 provides a meticulous account of the construction of the priestly garments, emphasizing obedience to God’s commands and the sanctity required for those who minister before Him. Every detail of the high priest’s attire was crafted according to divine specifications, demonstrating the Israelites’ faithfulness in executing God’s instructions.
The Israelites’ careful obedience in making the priestly garments and the Tabernacle reminds us that worshiping God requires attention to His commands. The way that Moses follows God’s instructions precisely every step of the way demonstrates that true worship is not about personal preference. It is about obedience and aligning ourselves with God’s will. Jesus teaches that we must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and one very important truth is that if we truly love Him, we will follow Him in obedience.
Are you intentional about obeying His Word in your daily life and worship? In your worship, do you seek to please God or yourself? Are you worshiping Him in a way that honors His instructions?
When Moses inspects the work and sees that it is done exactly as God commanded, he blesses the people. Faithful obedience brings God’s blessing, though not always in the ways we expect. When we commit our work to the Lord, whether in ministry, career, or daily life, we can trust that He sees our faithfulness and will bless it in His time and according to His will.
Exodus 40 marks the completion of the Tabernacle and the moment when God’s presence fills the sanctuary, confirming His dwelling among His people.
God commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month, signifying a new beginning for Israel (v. 1-2). The Ark of the Covenant is placed inside the Most Holy Place and shielded with the veil, separating it from the Holy Place (v. 3). The rest of the furnishings—the table, lampstand, incense altar, and bronze basin—are arranged exactly as God instructed (v. 4-7). The entrance to the courtyard is set up, enclosing the sanctuary (v. 8). God then instructs Moses to anoint the Tabernacle and all its furnishings with oil, consecrating them for holy use (v. 9-11). Aaron and his sons are washed, dressed in their priestly garments, and anointed, setting them apart for service (v. 12-15). Moses obeys every command precisely, reflecting his faithfulness (v. 16). On the first day of the first month, the Tabernacle is fully assembled. Moses follows all of God’s instructions as he arranges the furnishings, lights the lamps, burns incense, and prepares the altar for sacrifices (v. 17-33).
Once everything is set up, the cloud of God’s presence descends and fills the Tabernacle (v. 34). This overwhelming presence is so powerful that Moses cannot enter (v. 35). From that point on, the cloud remains over the Tabernacle by day, and fire is in it by night, guiding the Israelites throughout their journey. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out, but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder that God’s presence remains with Israel throughout all their journeys (v. 36-38).
The Tabernacle was meaningless without God’s presence. When His glory fills it, the structure becomes a holy dwelling. In the same way, our lives and churches are empty without the presence of God. The presence of the Lord filling the Tabernacle foreshadows Christ dwelling among us and the Holy Spirit residing in believers. Just as Israel was guided by the cloud, we are guided by the Holy Spirit. Are we daily seeking His presence and guidance through prayer and Scripture?
Additionally, the cloud directed Israel’s movements, teaching them to rely on God’s timing. Sometimes, we want to rush ahead or hesitate when He calls us forward, but trusting His guidance leads to His blessings. Are we willing to wait on God’s direction and move when He calls?
Challenge: Exodus 39-40 reminds us that obedience, consecration, and God’s presence are essential in our walk with Him.
Like Moses, are you faithfully and precisely following God’s commands?
Like the priests, are you set apart to live holy lives as a representative of Christ?
And, like Israel, are you depending on God’s daily presence and guidance, and are you trusting in His timing?
Commit to worshiping and serving God with hearts fully devoted to Him, knowing that His presence is what sustains and leads you.
Although the journey of Exodus may end here, God’s story of redemption continues, always pointing us to Christ, who is our true Mediator and dwelling place.
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