Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 39

Exodus 39:1-31: The Tabernacle and Its Furniture This section describes how the priests’ garments were made, following the instructions given earlier ( ). These garments are called “clothes of service” ( ). They were made for serving God, not for showing off. Every part was made exactly as the Lord

v. 2-31 : The garments were very rich and beautiful, matching the rest of the tabernacle. In the Old Testament, these outward things taught the people. But now, with the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we do not need such outward display. Instead, we have true freedom in Christ ( ). The garments were only shadows of good things to come. Jesus is our great high priest who truly serves God for us. He was full of the Spirit, carried God’s people on His shoulders and heart, and was crowned with holiness. Believers are now spiritual priests. Their “white linen” is the righteousness that comes from God ( ), and their lives should show “Holiness to the Lord” for all to see.

v. 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31: Each part of the garments ends with the words, “as the Lord

Exodus 39:32-43: The Tabernacle Completed This passage tells how the work on the tabernacle was finished quickly and carefully. Even though it was a big job with many fine details, the people completed it in a little over five months. Everyone worked together with unity and energy, and God gave them the skill they needed. The workers followed God’s instructions exactly, and when everything was done, they brought all the parts to Moses for his inspection and approval. Moses saw that everything was made just as God commanded, and he blessed the people for their faithful service.v. 32: The workers finished the tabernacle and all its parts, doing everything as the Lord

v. 33-41: They brought all the completed work to Moses—every curtain, piece of furniture, and priestly garment ( ). Moses checked each item to make sure nothing was missing and that everything matched God’s instructions.

v. 42: Everything was made exactly as the Lord

v. 43: Moses looked carefully at all the work and saw it was done right. He praised the workers and blessed them. His blessing was a reward for their effort, because serving God and having His approval is the greatest reward ( ).