What does Exodus 39:2 mean?
ESV: He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
NIV: They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.
NASB: He made the ephod of gold and of violet, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen.
CSB: Bezalel made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.
NLT: Bezalel made the ephod of finely woven linen and embroidered it with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
KJV: And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
NKJV: He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 39; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Exodus 39:1–7 records how Israel made a ceremonial garment called an "ephod." The description here is a point-by-point repeat of the design given in Exodus 28:6–14. This garment is worn by the high priest during his work in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) oversees this work.
Chapter Summary:
Israel's craftsmen (Exodus 30:10, 30, 34) make the ceremonial clothes used in the tabernacle. These include an "ephod," a breastplate, a robe, and a turban with an engraved headpiece. The high priest will wear these. Other garments are for the rest of the priesthood. Instructions from Moses' encounter with the Lord (Exodus 28:6–43) are closely followed in this process. After inspection, Moses blesses those who have completed the work.
Chapter Context:
Israel is building the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) according to the Lord's instructions (Exodus 35—38). Most records of their work closely match the phrasing of God's original statements to Moses (Exodus 25—31). This emphasizes that the Israelites are committed to careful obedience. This chapter completes the preparation phase. The next, final chapter describes the tabernacle's assembly and God's response (Exodus 40).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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