Exodus 39:2

KJV

And he made the ephod [of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the ephod {H646} of gold {H2091}, blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8438}{H8144}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the ritual vest of gold, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely woven linen.

Berean Standard Bible

Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.

American Standard Version

And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:2 meticulously details the primary materials used in the construction of the ephod, a sacred garment central to the high priest's attire for Tabernacle service. This verse, part of the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, underscores the Israelites' precise adherence to God's divine blueprint, utilizing precious gold, vibrant blue, regal purple, striking scarlet, and pure fine twined linen, each material carrying profound symbolic significance for the worship and mediation performed before the Holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:2 is situated within the concluding section of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which describe the meticulous execution of the Tabernacle's construction and the priestly garments. These chapters serve as the fulfillment of the divine instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, as detailed in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - God's Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood"). The ephod, alongside the breastplate and other vestments, was a crucial component of the high priest's attire, designed to enable him to minister before the Lord and bear the names of the tribes of Israel into God's presence. The preceding verses in [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of Priestly Garments") describe the preparation of the blue, purple, and scarlet material, while subsequent verses detail the intricate weaving and embellishment of the ephod itself, culminating in its presentation to Moses as a testament to the completed work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, including the priestly garments, was a monumental undertaking for the nascent nation of Israel in the wilderness. This portable sanctuary served as the dwelling place of God among His people, a tangible representation of His presence and a focal point for their worship. The materials specified for the ephod—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—were not arbitrarily chosen. Gold represented divine majesty and purity, often associated with royalty and deity in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Blue frequently symbolized the heavens and divine revelation, while purple was universally recognized as the color of royalty and authority, derived from rare and expensive dyes. Scarlet, often linked to life and sacrifice, was also a color of distinction. Fine twined linen, known for its purity and strength, was a common material for sacred garments, emphasizing cleanliness and righteousness. The meticulous craftsmanship, empowered by divine inspiration given to individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Divine Empowerment for Craftsmanship")), underscored the supreme importance and holiness of the work, reflecting the Israelites' understanding of God's exalted nature and the sacredness of approaching Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephod (Hebrew, _’ephōd_):** This term refers to a distinctive priestly garment, typically described as a sleeveless vest or apron-like garment worn by the high priest over his robe. It was intricately woven and served as the foundation for the breastplate, which contained the Urim and Thummim used for divine consultation. The ephod was not merely clothing but a sacred vestment, symbolizing the high priest's consecrated role in mediating between God and His people and bearing their names before the Lord. Its construction, as detailed here and in [Exodus 28:6-12](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6-12 - Construction of the Ephod"), highlights its centrality to the priestly ministry.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zahav_):** In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, gold consistently symbolizes divinity, purity, preciousness, and enduring value. Its inclusion in the ephod, often described as being "beaten into thin plates, and cut into wires" ([Exodus 39:3](/exodus/39-3 "Exodus 39:3 - Gold in the Ephod")), signifies the sacredness and divine origin of the priest's office and the holy nature of the worship performed. It points to God's unblemished glory and the eternal nature of His covenant.
* **Fine twined linen (Hebrew, _shesh mazor_):** This material, renowned for its whiteness, purity, and strength, was a staple for priestly garments and Tabernacle curtains. It symbolizes purity, righteousness, and holiness. The "twined" aspect suggests a strong, durable fabric, indicative of the enduring nature of the priestly covenant and the steadfastness required in service to God. It represents the moral and ritual purity expected of those who minister in God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the ephod":** This phrase refers to Bezalel and Oholiab, along with the skilled craftsmen, who were divinely gifted and commissioned to execute the detailed plans for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. It emphasizes the direct fulfillment of God's command, ensuring that the sacred garment was constructed precisely as instructed.
* **"[of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen":** This is a precise enumeration of the five primary materials used in the ephod's construction. The order and combination of these materials are significant, each carrying symbolic weight. "Gold" was incorporated as threads woven into the fabric, while "blue, and purple, and scarlet" were dyed wools, and "fine twined linen" formed the foundational fabric. This list underscores the richness, beauty, and symbolic depth of the garment, reflecting the glory and holiness of the God it served.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 39:2 is **Symbolism**. Each material and color listed—gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—carries profound symbolic meaning, collectively communicating theological truths about God's nature, humanity's sin, and the path to atonement. **Merism** is also present in the comprehensive listing of materials, indicating that the ephod was made from all the specified components, leaving nothing out. The entire narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, including this verse, demonstrates **Repetition** of divine command and human obedience, reinforcing the theme of God's meticulous design for worship and the Israelites' faithful adherence to it. This precise detailing also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the extreme importance and sacredness of the priestly vestments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:2, in its detailed enumeration of materials for the ephod, underscores the theological principles of divine sovereignty, the holiness of God, and the necessity of consecrated mediation. The specific colors and precious metals were not merely aesthetic choices but were imbued with spiritual significance, pointing to God's glory, His heavenly nature, His kingly authority, and the sacrificial blood necessary for atonement. The meticulous obedience of the craftsmen reflects the principle that worship must be offered according to God's precise revelation, emphasizing His perfect standards and the seriousness of approaching His holy presence. This verse, therefore, serves as a testament to the divine design of worship and the sacred role of the priesthood in bridging the gap between a holy God and a sinful people.

* [Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6 - Instructions for the Ephod")
* [Leviticus 8:7](/leviticus/8-7 "Leviticus 8:7 - Aaron Clothed with the Ephod")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical ephod and the Levitical priesthood are no longer central to our worship in the New Covenant, the principles embedded in Exodus 39:2 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our own worship and service to God. Just as the ephod was crafted with the finest materials and utmost precision, so too should our spiritual offerings be of our very best—our time, talents, resources, and, most importantly, our hearts. The symbolism of the materials invites us to reflect on the multifaceted glory of God and the depth of His redemptive plan. We are called to live lives of purity (fine linen), acknowledging God's heavenly authority (blue and purple), recognizing the atoning power of Christ's blood (scarlet), and honoring His divine majesty (gold). Our service should be marked by intentionality, reverence, and a deep understanding of the holiness of the God we serve, remembering that He is worthy of our most excellent devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the meticulous detail in the construction of the ephod teach us about God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **How can we apply the principle of offering our "best" (symbolized by the precious materials) in our daily lives and spiritual practices today?**
* **In what ways do the symbolic meanings of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen deepen your understanding of God's attributes or Christ's work?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the ephod in the high priest's attire?**

Answer: The ephod was a central and highly symbolic garment worn by the high priest. Its primary purpose was to signify his consecrated role as mediator between God and the Israelites. It served as the foundation for the breastplate, which contained the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for discerning God's will ([Exodus 28:15-30](/exodus/28-15 "Exodus 28:15-30 - The Breastplate and Urim and Thummim")). Additionally, the ephod had two onyx stones on its shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, so the high priest would "bear their names before the Lord" ([Exodus 28:9-12](/exodus/28-9 "Exodus 28:9-12 - The Onyx Stones on the Ephod")). Thus, it represented the priest's responsibility to represent the people before God and God's will to the people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ephod, with its rich materials and sacred function, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The gold woven into the ephod, symbolizing divinity and purity, points to Christ's inherent deity and sinless perfection ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sinless Nature")). The blue, representing heaven and divine revelation, foreshadows Christ's heavenly origin and His role as the ultimate revealer of God's truth ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Christ Reveals the Father")). Purple, the color of royalty, perfectly encapsulates Christ's kingship and supreme authority over all creation ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Scarlet, traditionally associated with blood and sacrifice, powerfully prefigures the atoning blood of Christ, shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, providing the ultimate sacrifice that the Tabernacle system merely anticipated ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). Finally, the fine twined linen, signifying purity and righteousness, speaks of Christ's perfect righteousness, which is imputed to believers, allowing us to stand holy and blameless before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Unlike the Levitical high priests who wore the ephod and served temporarily, Christ's priesthood is eternal, and through His perfect sacrifice, He has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 28:6

¶ And they shall make the ephod [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, [of] scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

Exodus 28:12

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Leviticus 8:7

And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.

Exodus 25:7

Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.