Chapter 39

1 The cloths of service and holy garments. 2 The ephod. 8 The breastplate. 22 The robe of the ephod. 27 The coats, mitre, and girdle of fine linen. 30 The plate of the holy crown. 32 All is viewed and approved by Moses.

1. And of the blue. The priestly garments were made according to the instructions recorded in ch. 28.

3. Beat the gold. Here for the first time an explanation is given of the method whereby gold thread was prepared for embroidering.

32. All the work. Inasmuch as the Israelites did not reach Mt. Sinai till the third month (ch. 19:1), and Moses was with God nearly three months (chs. 24:18; 34:28), construction of the tabernacle began about the sixth or seventh month and was completed before the end of the year (ch. 40:2; PP 349). Six months were thus occupied in its construction. The rapidity with which the work was completed indicates consecrated application, skilled workmanship, brotherly cooperation on the part of all who had part in the project, and the blessing of God that attended their efforts.

43. Moses did look. At the close of the creation God looked upon all the works of His hands. Finding them “very good” He pronounced a blessing upon them (Gen. 1:22, 28, 31). Now, man had completed a “sanctuary” where God promised to dwell (Ex. 25:8). It represented man’s best efforts, and was done “as the Lord had commanded” (ch. 39:43). Appropriately, “Moses blessed” the people for their labors of love and devotion.

ellen G. white comments

43      PP 349