Exodus 39:24

KJV

And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, [and] twined [linen].

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H6213} upon the hems {H7757} of the robe {H4598} pomegranates {H7416} of blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and twined {H7806} linen.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the bottom hem they made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet, and woven linen;

Berean Standard Bible

They made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen on the lower hem of the robe.

American Standard Version

And they made upon the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:24 meticulously details the crafting of the High Priest's robe, specifically the pomegranates adorning its hem, fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet threads, along with twined linen. This verse is part of the larger narrative describing the faithful execution of God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, underscoring the divine demand for order, beauty, and symbolic richness in worship. It highlights the High Priest's unique role and the profound spiritual truths embedded in every aspect of his consecrated attire, demonstrating the Israelites' obedience to the divine blueprint.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:24 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which chronicle the actual construction of the Tabernacle and the making of the priestly garments. This section stands in direct fulfillment of the detailed commands given by God earlier in chapters 25-31. The repetition of instructions followed by their meticulous execution emphasizes Israel's obedience and the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. The robe described here is the outer garment of the High Priest, worn beneath the ephod, and its specific design, including the pomegranates and bells (though bells are not mentioned in this specific verse, they are inextricably linked to the pomegranates on the hem), was first commanded in [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Command for the High Priest's Robe"). This precise adherence to God's pattern for sacred service underscores the High Priest's unique mediatorial role. The narrative flow from divine command to human construction highlights the covenant relationship and the importance of exact fidelity to God's revealed will, culminating in the glory of God filling the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as God's portable dwelling place among His people, Israel, during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing His presence and accessibility. The High Priest, Aaron, and his successors, were divinely appointed mediators between God and Israel, tasked with performing sacred rituals and sacrifices on behalf of the nation. Their garments were not merely functional clothing but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning, distinguishing them as set apart for holy service. In the ancient Near East, specific colors like blue, purple, and scarlet were rare and expensive, often associated with royalty, divinity, and wealth, signifying the supreme importance and sacredness of the High Priest's office and the God he served. Pomegranates were also culturally significant, often symbolizing fertility, abundance, and life in the ancient world, making their inclusion on the priestly robe particularly meaningful for a ministry focused on bringing blessings from God to His people and ensuring the spiritual vitality of the nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout Exodus. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Prescription and Human Obedience**. The meticulous detail in God's commands and Israel's faithful execution underscores the importance of obedience to divine revelation, a recurring motif from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Tabernacle Completion"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Holiness and Mediation**. The High Priest's garments, including the robe, were designed to set him apart as holy for his mediatorial role between a holy God and an unholy people, a theme central to the purpose of the Tabernacle itself as seen in [Exodus 29:43-46](/exodus/29-43-46 "Exodus 29:43-46 - God's Presence and Holiness"). Lastly, the rich **Symbolism and Foreshadowing** in the colors and pomegranates points to deeper theological truths. These elements were not merely aesthetic but conveyed profound messages about God's character, His covenant, and ultimately, foreshadowed the perfect High Priest and ultimate sacrifice to come, as hinted in the broader sacrificial system outlined in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From the primitive root H6213, meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This word emphasizes the active, deliberate, and precise craftsmanship involved in creating the priestly garments. It signifies the meticulous execution of God's instructions, not merely a casual construction, highlighting the Israelites' obedience and the divine standard of excellence required for sacred objects.
* **robe (Hebrew, _mᵉʻîyl'_):** From H4598, meaning "an upper and outer garment; cloke, coat, mantle, robe." This refers to the specific outer garment of the High Priest, worn beneath the ephod. Its description here underscores its significance as a distinct piece of the High Priest's holy attire, designed according to divine specifications to visually distinguish him for his consecrated service.
* **pomegranates (Hebrew, _rimmôwn'_):** From H7416, referring to "a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)." This confirms that the pomegranates on the robe were not actual fruit but intricately crafted, artificial ornaments. Their inclusion, alternating with golden bells (as specified elsewhere), points to their symbolic rather than literal function, representing fruitfulness, abundance, and the blessings associated with the High Priest's ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made upon the hems of the robe":** This phrase initiates the description of the specific adornment. "They" refers to the skilled craftsmen, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, and their assistants, who were divinely gifted for this task. The "robe" (Hebrew, _mᵉʻîyl_) was the High Priest's blue outer garment, worn under the ephod. The "hems" (or skirts) were the lowest edge, indicating that these decorative elements were visible and, in conjunction with the bells (mentioned in [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Command for the High Priest's Robe")), audible as the High Priest moved within the sanctuary. This detail underscores the importance of every aspect of the divine pattern, down to the very edge of the garment.
* **"pomegranates [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, [and] twined [linen]":** This specifies the materials and colors used to create the pomegranates themselves. They were not actual fruit but intricately woven representations using threads dyed with these significant colors. "Blue" (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth_) symbolized the heavens and divinity; "purple" (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân_) represented royalty and majesty; and "scarlet" (Hebrew, _shânîy_ and _tôwlâʻ_) powerfully prefigured life, blood, and atonement. "Twined linen" (Hebrew, _shesh mavtza'_) refers to fine, pure white linen, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and the holiness required for divine service. The combination of these colors and materials on the pomegranates created a vibrant, symbolic tapestry representing God's character, His covenant, and the High Priest's mediatorial role, particularly in bringing forth spiritual fruit and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs rich **Symbolism**, where the pomegranates, colors (blue, purple, scarlet), and twined linen are not merely decorative but carry profound theological meaning, each element pointing to divine attributes or aspects of the High Priest's ministry. The **Repetition** of the command to create these items (first in [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Command for the High Priest's Robe") and then its meticulous fulfillment in Exodus 39) serves as a powerful literary device to underscore divine precision, the absolute necessity of obedience, and the faithfulness of the Israelites. The meticulous description of the craftsmanship also evokes a sense of **Awe and Reverence**, highlighting the sacredness of the objects and the divine presence they represent. Furthermore, the vivid **Imagery** created by the vibrant colors and the detailed construction paints a compelling picture of the beauty, order, and holiness God desires in worship, appealing to the reader's visual imagination and emphasizing the glory of the Tabernacle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail in the construction of the High Priest's robe, particularly the pomegranates and their vibrant colors, speaks volumes about God's character and His expectations for worship. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who cares deeply about the order, beauty, and symbolic richness of His sanctuary and the service rendered to Him. The garments were not for human glory but served to distinguish the High Priest as consecrated for a holy task, mediating between a holy God and His people. Every thread and hue pointed to divine attributes—God's heavenly nature, His royalty, and the necessity of atonement—and the High Priest's role in bringing God's blessings and the people's petitions. This foreshadows a greater reality where perfect mediation would be achieved, and a more glorious High Priest would emerge, fulfilling all that these symbols merely pointed towards.

* [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Command for the High Priest's Robe")
* [Leviticus 8:7-9](/leviticus/8-7-9 "Consecration of Aaron")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood are no longer in operation, the principles embedded in Exodus 39:24 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The meticulous care and divine precision demanded in the construction of these sacred garments teach us that God values intentionality, excellence, and reverence in our worship and service. Our approach to God should not be casual or haphazard, but marked by thoughtfulness, diligence, and a desire to honor Him in every detail of our lives, reflecting the seriousness and beauty of our relationship with Him. Just as the High Priest's garments distinguished him and enabled his service, our "spiritual garments"—our character, actions, and attitudes—should reflect the holiness and beauty of Christ within us, demonstrating our consecration to Him. Understanding the rich symbolism of the Old Testament helps us to appreciate the depth of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus, enriching our spiritual lives and deepening our worship as we seek to live lives worthy of His calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **What "spiritual garments" (character, actions, attitudes) do we wear as believers, and how do they reflect Christ's holiness and beauty?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the symbolic elements within our Christian faith, such as baptism or communion, and how do they point to greater realities?**

### FAQ
**Why were pomegranates chosen for the High Priest's robe?**

Answer: Pomegranates were chosen for their rich symbolic meaning in the ancient world. They are known for their many seeds contained within a single fruit, which symbolized fertility, abundance, and the unity of a community (like the twelve tribes of Israel). On the High Priest's robe, alternating with golden bells (as commanded in [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Command for the High Priest's Robe")), the pomegranates likely symbolized the fruitfulness of the High Priest's ministry—the blessings and spiritual life that would flow from his intercession and service. They also represented the abundance of God's blessings upon His people and the unity of Israel under the covenant. The bells, which announced the High Priest's movements, were a reminder that his life depended on his holy conduct, and the pomegranates underscored the life-giving nature of his consecrated service, signifying spiritual vitality and the blessings of God's presence.

**What was the significance of the colors blue, purple, and scarlet used on the pomegranates?**

Answer: The colors blue, purple, and scarlet were highly significant and expensive dyes in the ancient Near East, each carrying profound symbolic meaning that contributed to the overall message of the High Priest's sacred garments.
* **Blue (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth_):** Symbolized heaven, divinity, and God's transcendent glory. It reminded the High Priest and the people of God's heavenly origin and His majestic, unapproachable holiness, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine realm.
* **Purple (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân_):** A luxurious color associated with royalty, majesty, and kingly authority. It pointed to God as the ultimate King and the High Priest's role in serving this supreme Sovereign, emphasizing the divine authority under which he operated.
* **Scarlet (Hebrew, _shânîy_ / _tôwlâʻ_):** A vibrant red, often associated with life, blood, and sacrifice. It powerfully prefigured the atonement and the ultimate sacrifice that would be made for sin, highlighting the life-giving power of blood in the context of covenant and expiation, a theme deeply explored in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood").
Together, these colors on the pomegranates conveyed the divine, royal, and atoning aspects of God's character and the High Priest's mediatorial function, pointing to the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate details of the High Priest's robe, particularly the pomegranates fashioned from blue, purple, and scarlet threads, find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The High Priest of the Old Covenant, with his elaborate garments, served as a type and shadow pointing to the perfect, eternal High Priest to come. The **blue** of the pomegranates, symbolizing heaven and divinity, speaks to Jesus' divine nature and heavenly origin, for He is the [Son of God who came down from heaven](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - Jesus from Heaven") and [is truly God](/john/1:1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). The **purple**, signifying royalty and majesty, perfectly represents Jesus as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose kingdom is eternal and supreme, as proclaimed in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End"). Most profoundly, the **scarlet**, associated with blood and sacrifice, foreshadows Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He shed His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, making [propitiation for the sins of the world](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ's Propitiation") and [redeeming us by His blood](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"). The pomegranates themselves, symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance, are fulfilled in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual fruit (as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")) and the one through whom [we have abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life"). Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly and entered an earthly sanctuary, Jesus, our perfect High Priest, [entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ's Superior Sanctuary") once for all, with His own blood, securing [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption"). Thus, every thread and color of the Old Testament priestly garments points to the multifaceted glory and saving work of Christ, who is our perfect access to God.

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

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Exodus 28:33

And [beneath] upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: