Exodus 39:3
And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut [it into] wires, to work [it] in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, [with] cunning work.
And they did beat {H7554} the gold {H2091} into {H854} thin plates {H6341}, and cut {H7112} it into wires {H6616}, to work {H6213}{H8432} it in the blue {H8504}, and in the purple {H713}, and in the scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and in the fine linen {H8336}, with cunning {H2803} work {H4639}.
They hammered the gold into thin plates and cut them into threads in order to work it into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and the fine linen crafted by the skilled artisan.
They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut threads from them to interweave with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linenโthe work of a skilled craftsman.
And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skilful workman.
Cross-References
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Exodus 36:8
ยถ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them. -
Exodus 26:1
ยถ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
Commentary
Exodus 39:3 details the exquisite craftsmanship involved in preparing the materials for the priestly garments and components of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the meticulous process of working with precious materials like gold, alongside vibrant dyes and fine linen, all done with exceptional skill as commanded by God.
Context
This verse is part of the extensive description of the construction of the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary, and the holy garments for the priests, particularly the high priest. Following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (as recorded in Exodus 25-31), the people of Israel, under the leadership of divinely gifted craftsmen like Bezaleel and Aholiab (mentioned in Exodus 35:30-35), diligently carried out the work. The gold mentioned here was likely for the ephod, breastplate, and other specific adornments, which required not just melting but intricate shaping into thin plates and delicate wires.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "cunning work" translates the Hebrew ืึทืึฒืฉึถืืึถืช ืึนืฉึตืื (machasheveth choshev), which literally means "work of a skilled designer" or "artistic device." It denotes highly intricate, elaborate, and artistic craftsmanship, far beyond simple weaving or shaping. This wasn't merely functional; it was intended to be beautiful and awe-inspiring, reflecting the glory of the God for whom it was made.
Practical Application
Exodus 39:3 reminds us that God values both the meticulous execution of His commands and the beauty of dedicated service. It encourages believers today to use their God-given talents and resources with excellence, whether in spiritual disciplines, vocational callings, or acts of service. Just as the ancient Israelites gave their best to build the Tabernacle, we are called to offer our "cunning work" โ our finest efforts and deepest skills โ in all areas of life to glorify God and advance His kingdom.
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