Exodus 39:1
From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The vibrant colors mentioned—blue, purple, and scarlet—weren't just decorative; they were specifically chosen to be "cloths of service" for ministering within the sacred space. This highlights that even the materials and artistry in worship were divinely prescribed, pointing to a profound, intended significance for every detail.
The previous chapter detailed the divine instructions for crafting the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, emphasizing meticulous obedience. Now, this chapter shifts focus to the priestly garments, beginning with the sacred attire for Aaron and his sons, made from the costly blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, as well as fine linen, just as God had commanded Moses. This section meticulously describes the creation of these holy vestments, mirroring the instructions given earlier, and culminates in the presentation of the completed Tabernacle and all its contents to Moses for his inspection.
Why were these specific, ornate garments made for Aaron and his sons? It wasn't just about looking good in God's house.
The primary purpose of these beautifully crafted garments was "to do service in the Holy Place." This wasn't fashion; it was functional sacred attire. The colors – blue, purple, and scarlet – along with the fine linen, were chosen for their significance and to reflect God's glory. Each piece had a role in enabling the priests to approach and minister before a holy God. They were a visual reminder that entering God's presence required specific preparation and holiness.
The text repeatedly emphasizes one crucial detail: obedience. What does this tell us about how God wants us to approach Him?
A recurring phrase in this chapter, and in Exodus 39:1, is "as the LORD had commanded Moses." This isn't just filler; it's the heart of the matter. God didn't give a vague suggestion; He provided a precise blueprint for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments. The meticulous craftsmanship and the adherence to every detail were not optional. This underscores that when we approach God, it's on His terms, not ours. Obedience in the specifics demonstrates reverence and trust.
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Understand the original words
tekeleth · Hebrew Noun
A color symbolizing royalty, majesty, and the heavens, often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the context of the tabernacle, it represents the heavenly nature of God's dwelling place.
argaman · Hebrew Noun
A costly dye associated with royalty, authority, and wealth. It signifies the kingly status and sovereignty of the God who is being served in the tabernacle.
tola'at shani · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A vibrant red dye symbolizing life, sacrifice, and the blood associated with atonement. It highlights the serious and sacrificial nature of the ministry performed before God.
sharat · Hebrew Verb
Acts of service performed in the presence of God. It implies a formal, priestly duty carried out on behalf of the people to mediate between God and humanity.
qodesh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the sanctuary or the innermost chambers of the Tabernacle where God's presence dwelt. It signifies the sanctity and separation required to approach the Almighty.
beged qodesh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
Items set apart specifically for the service of God. They signify the dignity, beauty, and ritual purity required for the priestly office.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), the self-existent, faithful, and personal God who enters into relationship with His people and gives specific instructions for worship.
This passage directly details the specific instructions from God for the creation of Aaron's priestly garments, providing the blueprint for the 'service cloths' mentioned here.
Leviticus 8:1-36This chapter describes the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, highlighting the significance of the holy garments they wore for their service.
Hebrews 4:14-16This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus as our Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, connecting the earthly priestly garments to Christ's ultimate role.
Revelation 1:5-6This passage refers to believers as 'kings and priests' and speaks of Jesus having 'made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father,' linking the Old Testament priesthood to our New Testament identity in Christ.
John 19:23-24This account of the soldiers dividing Jesus' garments, specifically mentioning the seamless robe made from 'one piece,' can be seen as a fulfillment or contrast to the elaborate, multi-colored garments of the earthly high priest.
jfbExodus 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."
CHAPTER 39Ex 39:1-43. Garments of the Priests.1, 2. cloths of service—official robes. The ephod of the high priest, the robe of the ephod, the girdle of needlework, and the embroidered coat were all of fine linen; for on no material less delicate could such elaborate symbolical figures have been portrayed in emb…
gillExodus 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."
And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service,.... Jarchi observes that there is no mention made of linen, because these were not the priestly garments in which there was linen; but these were they with which they covered the vessels of the sanctuary when they journeyed; and so says Aben…
The vibrant colors mentioned—blue, purple, and scarlet—weren't just decorative; they were specifically chosen to be "cloths of service" for ministering within the sacred space. This highlights that even the materials and artistry in worship were divinely prescribed, pointing to a profound, intended significance for every detail.
The previous chapter detailed the divine instructions for crafting the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, emphasizing meticulous obedience. Now, this chapter shifts focus to the priestly garments, beginning with the sacred attire for Aaron and his sons, made from the costly blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, as well as fine linen, just as God had commanded Moses. This section meticulously describes the creation of these holy vestments, mirroring the instructions given earlier, and culminates in the presentation of the completed Tabernacle and all its contents to Moses for his inspection.
The previous chapter detailed the divine instructions for crafting the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, emphasizing meticulous obedience. Now, this chapter shifts focus to the priestly garments, beginning with the sacred attire for Aaron and his sons, made from the costly blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, as well as fine linen, just as God had commanded Moses. This section meticulously describes the creation of these holy vestments, mirroring the instructions given earlier, and culminates in the presentation of the completed Tabernacle and all its contents to Moses for his inspection.
"From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD had commanded Moses." — The vibrant colors mentioned—blue, purple, and scarlet—weren't just decorative; they were specifically chosen to be "cloths of service" for ministering within the sacred space. This highlights that e…
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