What does Exodus 39:4 mean?
ESV: They made for the ephod attaching shoulder pieces, joined to it at its two edges.
NIV: They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached to two of its corners, so it could be fastened.
NASB: They made attaching shoulder pieces for the ephod; it was attached at its two upper ends.
CSB: They made shoulder pieces for attaching it; it was joined together at its two edges.
NLT: The ephod consisted of two pieces, front and back, joined at the shoulders with two shoulder-pieces.
KJV: They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.
NKJV: They made shoulder straps for it to couple it together; it was coupled together at its two edges.
Verse Commentary:
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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