Exodus 39:41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy [place], and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

The cloths {H899} of service {H8278} to do service {H8334} in the holy {H6944} place, and the holy {H6944} garments {H899} for Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548}, and his sons {H1121}' garments {H899}, to minister in the priest's office {H3547}.

the garments for officiating, for serving in the Holy Place; the holy garments for Aharon the cohen; and the garments for his sons to serve in the office of cohen.

and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.

the finely wrought garments for ministering in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priestโ€™s office.

Commentary

Exodus 39:41 concludes the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically listing the final items crafted according to God's precise instructions given to Moses. This verse emphasizes the completion of the sacred vestments and service cloths essential for the priestly ministry, ensuring everything was ready for the Tabernacle's dedication and the commencement of Israel's worship system.

Context

This verse is found at the culmination of the book of Exodus, following chapters that meticulously describe the design and subsequent construction of the entire Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. From God's initial commands on Mount Sinai to the people's faithful execution, Exodus 39 reiterates the completion of each component. Verse 41 serves as a summary, highlighting the functionality of the "cloths of service" and the "holy garments" for Aaron and his sons, all purposed for the sacred duties within the Tabernacle's holy precincts. The meticulous adherence to divine blueprints underscores the Israelites' obedience and the divine origin of their worship practices.

Key Themes

  • Divine Specification and Obedience: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (seen throughout Exodus 39, including implied here by the completion) underscores the absolute necessity of following God's exact instructions for worship and service. Every detail, down to the specific garments, was divinely ordained.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The "holy garments" and "cloths of service to do service in the holy place" signify the sacredness of the Tabernacle and the priestly office. These items were set apart for God's exclusive use, reflecting His own pure and transcendent nature.
  • Preparation for Ministry: The completion of these items signifies readiness for the priests to "minister in the priest's office." This highlights the importance of proper equipment and spiritual readiness for those called to serve God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "cloths of service" translates the Hebrew bigde ha-sharad (ื‘ึดึผื’ึฐื“ึตื™ ื”ึทืฉึธึผื‚ืจึธื“), which refers to garments used by the priests when handling the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle, especially when moving them during journeys. These were distinct from the more ornate "holy garments" (Hebrew bigde ha-kodesh, ื‘ึดึผื’ึฐื“ึตื™ ื”ึทืงึนึผื“ึถืฉื) worn by Aaron and his sons for regular ministry within the sanctuary, as detailed in Exodus 28. The term kodesh, meaning 'holy' or 'set apart', profoundly emphasizes the consecrated nature of these items and the sacred space in which they were used.

Practical Application

While the Levitical priesthood and Tabernacle system have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind Exodus 39:41 remain relevant for believers today:

  • Reverence in Service: Just as the ancient priests needed specific, holy garments for their duties, believers are called to approach God's service with reverence, purity, and a humble heart. Our spiritual "garments" should be those of righteousness and truth (Ephesians 6:14).
  • Equipping for Ministry: God equips those He calls. Just as the priests were physically prepared, we are spiritually equipped by the Holy Spirit for our roles in the body of Christ. Every believer is part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices.
  • Order and Excellence: The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction teaches us the importance of order, excellence, and attention to detail in our worship and service to God. Our service should reflect the glory and perfection of the One we serve.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 28:2

    And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

  • Exodus 39:1

    ยถ 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.

  • Exodus 31:10

    And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
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