Exodus Chapter 39

Exodus 39 — “Clothed in Glory to Serve Before the LORD”

Exodus 36 built the dwelling.
Exodus 37 furnished it.
Exodus 38 surrounded it with sacrifice.

Now Exodus 39 completes the holy order by clothing the priest.

A holy house requires a holy minister.
God does not permit those who stand before Him to appear unmarked.

This chapter teaches a permanent truth:

Those who approach the LORD must be clothed by the LORD.

1. Garments Are Theology in Fabric

“From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments…” (Ex 39:1)

The priest’s clothing is not decoration.
It is doctrine.

Every colour and thread speaks:

• blue — heaven
• purple — royalty
• scarlet — sacrifice
• gold — glory

The priest stands wrapped in the Gospel before it is ever written.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“The priest’s garments are visible preaching, teaching the people what holiness looks like.”
(Moralia)

2. The Ephod: Strength Bearing the People

“He made the ephod of gold…” (v. 2)

The ephod is worn on the shoulders.

It bears two onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel.

The priest literally carries the people before God.

This is not symbolism — it is vocation.

St Augustine writes:

“The priest does not stand for himself, but for all whom he carries.”
(Sermons)

Christ fulfils this when He bears the world on His Cross.

3. The Breastpiece: Love Over the Heart

“He made the breastpiece…” (v. 8)

Twelve stones — one for each tribe — rest over the priest’s heart.

God’s people are not forgotten in worship.

They are loved, remembered, and interceded for.

St Cyril of Jerusalem teaches:

“The priest carries the Church not only on his shoulders in labour, but on his heart in love.”
(Catechetical Lectures)

4. The Urim and Thummim

These sacred signs rest inside the breastpiece.

God guides His people through His priest.

Revelation is not private — it is entrusted.

This anticipates Christ, the true Light and Truth.

5. The Robe of Heaven

“They made the robe of the ephod all of blue…” (v. 22)

Blue signifies heaven.

The priest is clothed in what he proclaims.

He stands on earth dressed in heaven.

St Ambrose writes:

“The priest wears heaven so that heaven may be brought to earth.”
(On the Mysteries)

6. The Bells and Pomegranates

“They made bells of pure gold and put the bells between the pomegranates…” (v. 25)

Sound and fruit hang together.

The Fathers saw preaching and holiness.

The priest’s life must both speak and bear fruit.

7. The Linen Garments

“They made the coats of fine linen…” (v. 27)

Linen represents purity.

No one approaches God in filth.

The Church still requires moral purity of her ministers.

8. The Holy Crown

“They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold…” (v. 30)

On Aaron’s forehead is written:

“Holy to the LORD.”

The priest belongs to God.

He does not belong to himself.

St Augustine says:

“The servant of God bears God’s Name before he bears his own.”
(Sermons)

9. Everything Exactly as the LORD Commanded

“Thus all the work… was finished.” (v. 32)

Obedience completes holiness.

God’s house is built not by creativity,
but by faithfulness.

Theological Summary

GarmentMeaning
EphodBearing the people
StonesGod knows every name
BreastpieceLove
RobeHeaven
BellsPreaching
LinenPurity
CrownBelonging to God

Christ in Exodus 39

The Fathers saw Christ as the true High Priest:

• He bears us
• He loves us
• He intercedes
• He is clothed in glory

St John Chrysostom writes:

“What Aaron wore in shadow, Christ is in truth.”
(Homilies)

Spiritual Application

  • Let Christ clothe you.
  • Let Him carry you.
  • Live as one holy to the LORD.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,
You clothed Your priests in glory and beauty.
Clothe us in Christ,
that we may stand before You in holiness and truth.
Carry us on His heart
and mark us as Your own
until we stand before You forever.
Amen.