Bible Commentaries
Exodus 39

Verse 1

holy . See note on Exodus 3:5 .

as = according as. Note this in each of the seven-fold repetition of the words "as the LORD commanded Moses" in this record of the completion of the work: and again in the work of the setting up of the tabernacle, Exodus 40:0 . Thus in Exodus 39:1 , Exodus 39:5 , Exodus 39:7 , Exodus 39:21 , Exodus 39:26 , Exodus 39:29 , and Exodus 39:31 ; and in Exodus 40:19 , Exodus 40:21 , Exodus 40:23 , Exodus 40:25 , Exodus 40:27 , Exodus 40:29 , and Exodus 40:32 , the former is followed by the blessing of Moses, and the latter by the blessing of Jehovah. See the Structure "Q", p. 124.

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 2

ephod . See note on Exodus 28:6 .

fine twined linen . See note on Exodus 35:23 .

Verse 3

wires = threads, or cords.

cunning = skilful.

Verse 5

girdle . See note on Exodus 28:8 .

was = " it [was]".

Verse 6

children = sons.

Verse 8

breastplate . See Exodus 28:15-21 . Always used of the Aaronic breastplate except Leviticus 8:8 .

cunning work = work of a skilful deviser. See note on Exodus 26:1 .

Verse 9

span . App-51 .

Verse 14

one = Hebrew. 'ish , man. See App-14 .

twelve tribes . The names according to the tribes. On the shoulders according to their births. See App-45 .

Verse 15

chains . See Exodus 28:22-30 .

Verse 20

sides . Hebrew katheph = shoulders.

Verse 21

as , &c. See note on Exodus 39:1 .

Verse 22

robe . See Exodus 28:31-35 .

Verse 23

habergeon = coat of mail. From O. French haubere = neck defence.

Verse 24

pomegranates . See note on Numbers 13:23 .

twined. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Syriac, read "fine twined linen".

Verse 27

coats . See Exodus 28:39-43 .

Verse 28

mitre = turban.

goodly bonnets ornamental tiaras or turban ornaments. See lsa. Exo 61:10 and Ezekiel 24:17 .

Verse 30

wrote . See note on Exodus 17:14 .

HOLINESS , &c. See on Exodus 28:36-38 .

Verse 32

tabernacle . Hebrew. mishkan, habitation ( App-40 ). and the children of Israel did, &c. Read "thus did the children of Israel, according", &c.

Verse 33

And . Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ) in verses: Exodus 39:33-41 emphasising each separate detail, and impressing the tact that nothing was omitted. Thirty-six "ands" in nine verses.

taches = hooks, clasps, or pins, Exodus 36:13 .

Verse 35

The ark . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read "And the ark". mercy seat. See note on Exodus 25:17 .

Verse 36

The table . Some codices, with Targum of Onkelos, read "And the table".

and . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, and Syriac, read "and all".

Verse 37

The pure . Some codices, with The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read "And the pure".

with . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read "and the lamps".

Verse 38

tabernacle. Hebrew. 'ohel, tent, App-40 .

door = entrance.

Verse 39

The . Some codices, with The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read And the".

brass . See note on Exodus 25:3 .

his . Some codices, with Targum of Onkelos and Syriac, read and his".

Verse 40

The . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Syriac, and Vulgate, read "And the".

his . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and his".

vessels = utensils, or furniture.

Verse 41

The . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, and Syriac, read "And the".