Exodus 39 Study Notes

39:30-31 As the final item in the record of construction (in contrast to its position toward the middle of the record of building instructions listed earlier), the inscription of the high priest’s headdress serves as a kind of finishing label for everything the artisans had made, all marked as belonging to the Lord.

39:32-43 The text repeatedly states that the Israelites did everything just as God had commanded them (vv. 32,42,43; see note at 40:16-33). Several terms and concepts here, especially in v. 43, recall the completion of creation. Both the Lord and Moses completed work, saw all the work they had accomplished, and pronounced a blessing (Gn 1:22,28,31; 2:1-2; 5:2). Earlier in Exodus, Pharaoh begged for a blessing from Moses (12:32). Now the workers who had built the tabernacle received his blessing, as had the Levites who showed loyalty to the Lord (32:29; cp. 20:24; 23:25).

39:38 The gold altar was the altar for incense (30:1-5).

39:39 The bronze altar was the altar for burnt offerings (27:1-6).