Exodus 39 describes how the craftspeople of Israel finished the priestly garments and the furnishings of the tabernacle, and how Moses inspected the completed work and blessed the people. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they follow the chapter from verse to verse so you can move through the text without a separate summary.
Exodus 39 at a Glance
The chapter opens with the making of the ephod, the breastplate, the robe, and the other garments for Aaron and his sons, with each piece built in the same colors and materials and stamped with the names of Israel’s tribes. Verses 1 through 31 focus on these garments, moving from the ephod to the breastplate to the robe, and ending with the plate of pure gold bearing the words “HOLY TO YAHWEH.”
Verses 32 through 43 shift from making to delivering. The people bring every part of the tabernacle to Moses, he examines the work, and he finds it done exactly as the LORD commanded. The chapter closes with Moses blessing them, which gives the group a natural place to end on gratitude and faithfulness.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the text and name what it literally says, and to resist the urge to explain why it matters until the discussion moves to the next set.
Exodus 39:1
Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Read this verse first to set the scene for the whole chapter. It names the materials and the purpose of the garments in one sentence, which gives the group a simple anchor before the details begin to multiply.
Exodus 39:14
The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes.
(WEB)
This verse ties the stones to the twelve tribes and gives the breastplate its meaning. Reading it aloud helps the group see that the priestly work is about the whole community and not only the individual who wears the garments.
Exodus 39:30-31
30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a writing, like the engravings of a signet: “HOLY TO YAHWEH”. 31 They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
These verses describe the inscription and how it is fastened to the turban. Hearing the words spoken in the room gives weight to the claim that holiness belongs to the LORD and is worn openly before the people.
Exodus 39:32
Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses; so they did.
(WEB)
This verse summarizes the completion of the tabernacle and repeats the central theme of obedience. Reading it slowly lets the group notice the phrase “as the LORD commanded” and reflect on how much weight it carries across the chapter.
Exodus 39:43
Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.
(WEB)
The chapter ends with Moses inspecting the work and blessing the people. Reading this last gives the session a closing note of affirmation, which the group can carry into their closing prayer and conversation.
Memory Verse for Exodus 39
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you care about the details of our lives as much as you cared about the garments and furnishings of the tabernacle. Help us to follow your instructions with patience and attention, whether our work is visible to others or known only to you. Teach us to carry the names of the people we love before you, and to bring our labor into your presence for your approval. Let us be quick to bless those who serve faithfully beside us, and let our obedience be an offering that pleases you. Amen.
