Exodus 39:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat;

NIV: the ark of the covenant law with its poles and the atonement cover;

NASB: the ark of the testimony, its poles, and the atoning cover;

CSB: the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat;

NLT: the Ark of the Covenant and its carrying poles; the Ark’s cover — the place of atonement;

KJV: The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

NKJV: the ark of the Testimony with its poles, and the mercy seat;

Exodus 39:32–43 shows that the Israelites followed the Lord's instructions correctly (Exodus 25—31). Bezalel (Exodus 35:30) and Oholiab (Exodus 35:34) supervised as craftsmen (Exodus 35:10) made all the sacred components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). Moses ensures that the work matches the proper designs and is pleased to see that everything is in order.

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.

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).

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.

Accessed 9/14/2025 6:43:24 AM