Exodus 39:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 39:1
1 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 39 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, worship, truth. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 39:1
1 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.
Analysis
Of the blue, and purple, and scarlet (תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת הַשָּׁנִי, tekhelet v'argaman v'tola'at hashani)—these three colors dominated the tabernacle's sacred textiles. Tekhelet (blue) came from rare Mediterranean mollusks; argaman (purple) from Phoenician murex snails; tola'at hashani (scarlet of the worm) from cochineal insects crushed for crimson dye.
Cloths of service (בִּגְדֵי־שְׂרָד, bigdei-serad) were specialized garments for sanctuary ministry. As the LORD commanded Moses appears repeatedly in Exodus 39-40, emphasizing Israel's exact obedience after the golden calf rebellion (ch. 32). The priestly garments foreshadow Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), clothed in glory to minister before God.
Historical Context
Exodus 39 describes the completion of the tabernacle's construction (1445 BC), nine months after leaving Egypt. The skilled craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab led this work. Purple dye was extraordinarily expensive—worth more than gold—making these garments suitable for approaching the Holy God.
Reflection
- Why does God care about the specific colors and materials used in worship? What does this reveal about His character?
- How does Christ's perfect priesthood fulfill the symbolism of Aaron's holy garments?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Exodus 31:10, 35:19, Psalms 93:5, Ezekiel 42:14, 43:12, Hebrews 9:12
- Parallel theme: Exodus 35:23