Exodus·Chapter 39

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on the details in your life. What are the 'stones' that make you, you? Maybe it’s a talent, a personal history, or a relationship that inspires you. Write them down and appreciate the beauty in each one. You could even create a small display at home that represents these qualities. Allow this exercise to remind you of your unique journey and how it connects to the bigger picture of your life.

Chapter Context

As we dive deeper, this moment is part of a bigger picture where the Israelites are preparing for something monumental—the building of the Tabernacle, a sacred space to connect with God. Before this, they had been through a rollercoaster of experiences, from escaping slavery to receiving guidance on how to live as a new community. The inclusion of these stones in their sacred attire emphasizes their identity and relationship with God. It’s not just about aesthetics; it's a profound way of showing who they are and what they value. This verse is a crucial step as they finalize their preparations, bringing everything together in a way that honors their journey.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• set - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• four - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• rows - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• stones - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• row - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• sardius - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• topaz - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• first - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• row - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What do you think the different stones represent in your life, and how can you honor those unique qualities as part of your journey?

Related Verses

• Exodus 28:17 - This verse describes how these stones are set in the breastplate, symbolizing the tribes of Israel.
• Revelation 21:19 - This verse talks about the foundations of the New Jerusalem adorned with precious stones, connecting the idea of beauty and significance to God's ultimate plan.
• Isaiah 54:12 - Written about 700 years before this, it predicts a time when God's people will be adorned with beauty, emphasizing their worth and identity.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Exodus 39:10. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

Exodus 39:1, Exodus 39:7, Exodus 39:14, Exodus 39:22, Exodus 39:43

Historical Context

Exodus occurs in the larger narrative of Israel's liberation from Egypt and their covenant relationship with God following their deliverance. The detailed instructions in the book, particularly in Chapters 25-31 and 35-40, reflect God's desire for a dwelling place among His people. Chapter 39 serves as a pivotal moment in this process, where the Israelites actively engage in the fulfillment of God's commands, showcasing their commitment to the covenant. The meticulous details underscore the significance of holiness in worship and the priestly role in mediating between God and Israel, which is essential for understanding the sacrificial system that will later be established.