Exodus 39:5-15

5 The decorative sash was made of the same materials: finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

6 They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved.

7 He fastened these stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that the priest represents the people of Israel. All this was done just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

8 Bezalel made the chestpiece with great skill and care. He made it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

9 He made the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square.

10 They mounted four rows of gemstones on it. The first row contained a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald.

11 The second row contained a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone.

12 The third row contained an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst.

13 The fourth row contained a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones were set in gold filigree.

14 Each stone represented one of the twelve sons of Israel, and the name of that tribe was engraved on it like a seal.

15 To attach the chestpiece to the ephod, they made braided cords of pure gold thread.

Exodus 39:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 39

In this chapter is continued the account of making the several things belonging to the sanctuary, particularly the clothes for the service of the tabernacle, and the garments of the priests, as the ephod and its curious girdle, Ex 39:1-7 the breastplate and the putting of the stones in it, and the fastening of it to the ephod, Ex 39:8-21 the robe of the ephod, with the bells and pomegranates to it, Ex 39:21-26 and the coats, mitre, bonnets, breeches, and girdle of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, Ex 39:27-29 and the golden plate, Ex 39:30,31 and all being finished, the tabernacle and everything belonging to it were brought to Moses, and viewed by him; who seeing that all was done exactly according to the commandment of the Lord, blessed the people, and particularly the artificers, Ex 39:38-43.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew 1 span [23 centimeters].
• [b]. The identification of some of these gemstones is uncertain.