Exodus 39:43 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them.

NIV: Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

NASB: And Moses examined all the work, and behold, they had done it; just as the Lord had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them.

CSB: Moses inspected all the work they had accomplished. They had done just as the Lord commanded. Then Moses blessed them.

NLT: Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them.

KJV: And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

NKJV: Then Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it. And Moses blessed them.

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 8:00:11 PM