Obedience to Divine Instructions
The Israelites followed God's commands to the letter, as seen in the repeated phrase, as the LORD had commanded Moses (Exodus 39:1). This underscores the importance of adhering to God's Word in our lives.

Symbolism of the Priestly Garments
The garments, including the ephod, breastpiece, and robe, were rich in symbolism, representing purity, holiness, and the mediating role of the priest (Exodus 39:2-31).

Craftsmanship and Skill
The chapter highlights the use of skilled artisans, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to accomplish the work (Exodus 39:42-43). This demonstrates the value God places on using our talents for His glory.

Completion and Inspection
Moses inspected the work and saw that it was done just as the LORD had commanded, and he blessed them (Exodus 39:43). This reflects the satisfaction and blessing that come from completing God's work faithfully.Strive for Excellence
Just as the Israelites were diligent in their work, we should strive for excellence in all we do, recognizing that our efforts are ultimately for the Lord.

Use Your Gifts
Identify and use your God-given talents and skills to serve the church and community, just as the artisans did in constructing the Tabernacle.

Obedience in Detail
Pay attention to the details of God's instructions in your life, understanding that obedience in small things is crucial to spiritual growth.

Seek God's Approval
Aim to live in a way that, like Moses, you can look back on your work and see that it aligns with God's commands, seeking His blessing and approval.1. Moses
Moses is the central figure in the Book of Exodus, serving as the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. In Exodus 39, Moses is responsible for inspecting the completed work of the tabernacle and the priestly garments to ensure they are made according to God's commands.

2. Bezalel
Bezalel is the chief artisan appointed by God to oversee the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. He is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2-5). In Exodus 39, Bezalel is credited with making the priestly garments, including the ephod and the breastpiece.

3. Oholiab
Oholiab is Bezalel's assistant, also chosen by God to help with the craftsmanship of the tabernacle. He is skilled in engraving, designing, and embroidering with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen (Exodus 31:6). In Exodus 39, Oholiab works alongside Bezalel in creating the sacred garments.1. Tabernacle
While not explicitly mentioned in Exodus 39, the context of the chapter is the construction and preparation of items for the Tabernacle, which is the central place of worship for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The Hebrew term for Tabernacle is "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan), meaning "dwelling place."

Since Exodus 39 does not list specific geographical locations, the focus remains on the items and garments crafted for use in the Tabernacle, which serves as the focal point of worship and divine presence among the Israelites.1. Making the Ephod
The chapter begins with the crafting of the ephod. "From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary. They also made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses" (Exodus 39:1). The ephod was a significant garment worn by the high priest, made with skillful work, as indicated by the Hebrew word "ma'aseh" (מַעֲשֶׂה), meaning "work" or "craftsmanship."

2. Fashioning the Breastpiece
The breastpiece was made with the same materials as the ephod. "They made the breastpiece, the work of a skilled craftsman, like the ephod, of gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen" (Exodus 39:8). The Hebrew term "choshen" (חֹשֶׁן) refers to this breastpiece, which was intricately designed to hold the Urim and Thummim.

3. Creating the Robe of the Ephod
The robe was made entirely of blue cloth. "They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver" (Exodus 39:22). The Hebrew word "me'il" (מְעִיל) is used for the robe, emphasizing its seamless construction.

4. Crafting the Other Priestly Garments
Additional garments were made for Aaron and his sons, including tunics, turbans, and sashes. "They made tunics of fine linen, the work of a weaver, for Aaron and his sons" (Exodus 39:27). The Hebrew "kethoneth" (כְּתֹנֶת) refers to the tunics, highlighting their role in the priestly attire.

5. Making the Plate of the Holy Crown
A plate of pure gold was made and engraved with "Holy to the LORD." "They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 39:30). The Hebrew "nezer" (נֵזֶר) signifies the crown, symbolizing consecration.

6. Completion of the Work
The chapter concludes with the completion of all the work for the tabernacle. "So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses" (Exodus 39:32). The Hebrew "kalah" (כָּלָה) means "completed," indicating the fulfillment of God's instructions.Hebrews 8:5
This verse speaks of the earthly sanctuary as a shadow of the heavenly one, connecting the Tabernacle's detailed construction to the greater reality in Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
This passage describes believers as a royal priesthood, linking the priestly garments' symbolism to our identity in Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24
These verses encourage us to work heartily as for the Lord, echoing the dedication seen in Exodus 39. Thanksgiving for God's Detailed Care
Thank God for His attention to detail in our lives and His provision of guidance through His Word.

Prayer for Obedience
Ask for the strength and willingness to obey God's commands fully, even in the small details.

Prayer for Using Our Gifts
Pray for wisdom and opportunities to use your talents for God's glory and the edification of the church.

Blessing on Our Work
Seek God's blessing on the work of your hands, that it may be pleasing to Him and a testimony to others.

1. How does the detailed craftsmanship involved in the creation of the ephod and breastpiece reflect the Israelites' devotion to God?

2. What significance do the twelve stones on the ephod hold? What does this teach us about the importance of remembrance in faith?

3. Why do you think God wanted the breastpiece securely fastened to the ephod? What could this symbolize?

4. Consider the colors used in the holy garments - blue, purple, and scarlet. What could each of these colors symbolize in the context of faith and worship?

5. What does the engraving "HOLY TO THE LORD" on the holy crown signify?

6. What is the significance of Moses inspecting all the work on the Tabernacle?

7. How does the completion of the Tabernacle reflect the theme of obedience to God's command?

8. How does the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments underscore the idea of sacred spaces and objects in our own lives?

9. What can we learn from the dedication and skill of Bezalel and his craftsmen? How can we apply this lesson to our own lives?

10. How might the careful and detailed work of crafting the Tabernacle and the garments inform our own approach to worship and service to God?

11. How do you think the Israelites felt once they completed the work on the Tabernacle and its garments? Why?

12. How does Moses' blessing after the completion of the work reflect his leadership and guidance?

13. How can we apply the concepts of dedication, craftsmanship, and obedience seen in this chapter to our own careers or daily tasks?

14. What is the relevance of creating physical objects like the Tabernacle and the priestly garments in worshiping God who is spirit?

15. How does the detailed description of the construction process inspire you in your faith journey?

16. In what ways does the reverence shown by the Israelites in creating the holy garments influence your perspective on the preparation for worship?

17. How does the completion of the Tabernacle echo God's faithfulness to His promises?

18. In what ways do our personal devotions or tasks in church services reflect the craftsmanship described in the construction of the Tabernacle?

19. How can we incorporate the lessons of dedication and meticulousness from this scripture into our approach to modern worship?

20. How does the final inspection and blessing by Moses illustrate the importance of spiritual leadership in faith communities?