(The Lord speaking is red text)
A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister [in]; as the LORD commanded Moses.
that is, bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, all the way around the hem of the robe for service - as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.
alternating the bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe to be worn for ministry, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about, to minister in; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
A bell{H6472} and a pomegranate{H7416}, a bell{H6472} and a pomegranate{H7416}, round about{H5439} the hem{H7757} of the robe{H4598} to minister{H8334} in; as the LORD{H3068} commanded{H6680} Moses{H4872}.
**Exodus 39:26 Themes:**
- **Divine Instruction and Obedience:** The verse emphasizes that the construction of the priestly garments was done exactly as the Lord commanded Moses, highlighting the importance of following divine instructions in the Israelite religious life.
- **Ritual and Worship:** The bells and pomegranates on the hem of the robe are part of the detailed specifications for the high priest's attire, indicating the meticulous attention to ritual purity and the sanctity of worship in the Tabernacle.
- **Symbolism:** Bells may symbolize the presence of the priest as he enters the Holy Place, alerting God to his approach, while pomegranates could symbolize fertility and righteousness.
**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The events described in Exodus, including the making of the priestly garments, occurred during the period of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their escape from Egypt, approximately in the 13th century BCE.
- **Tabernacle Construction:** This verse is part of the detailed description of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the garments for the priests. These instructions were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, and their execution was overseen by skilled artisans, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God for the task.
- **Priestly Role:** The garments were for Aaron and his sons, who were to serve as priests. The precise construction of these garments was crucial for the priests to fulfill their role as mediators between God and the Israelite people.
- **Cultic Practice:** The meticulous attention to detail in the priestly garments reflects the importance of cultic practice in ancient Israelite religion, where the correct performance of rituals was believed to be essential for maintaining the favor of God.
In summary, Exodus 39:26 reflects the themes of obedience to God's commands, the sanctity of worship, and the symbolic significance of ritual objects. It is set within the historical context of the Israelites' establishment of their religious practices and the construction of the Tabernacle during their journey to the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)