Exodus 39:8–31 “Holy to the Lord”

Family/Children’s Resources will resume on Monday, July 28 (due to limited internet access at Youth Short-Term Outreach Trip.)

Explanation:

Next, they made the breast piece (vv. 8–9). On the breast piece, they mounted twelve kinds of gemstones, set in gold filigree, arranged in four rows of three (vv. 10–13). On each of the twelve stones, they engraved the name of one of the sons of Jacob (v. 14). The breast piece was attached to the ephod using chains and rings made of pure gold (vv. 15–21).

The priest’s outer robe was made of blue cloth, and on the hem, pomegranate-shaped tassels were made (vv. 22–24). Between the pomegranates, bells made of pure gold were placed (vv. 25–26). The priest’s inner garments, including the tunic, turban, and undergarments (vv. 27–28), were made of fine linen. The sash was woven with threads of four different colors (v. 29).

A plate of pure gold engraved with the words “Holy to the Lord” (vv. 30-31) was fastened to the priest’s turban (vv. 30–31).

Meditation:

On the turban worn by the priest was a plate made of pure gold, engraved with the words “Holy to the Lord.” The phrase “Holy to the Lord” is a more literal translation. The Korean Revised Version (개역개정) renders it as “Consecrated to the Lord,” and it can also be translated as “Set apart for the Lord.” The Hebrew word qodesh, which is often translated as “holy” or “consecrated,” means “set apart,” “dedicated,” or “offered.” Nothing in this world is inherently holy. This is especially true of human beings, since all are stained by sin. Nevertheless, we sometimes refer to a person or object as holy. This does not mean it is intrinsically holy, but that it has been dedicated to God.

Thus, the phrase “Holy to the Lord” means that something—or someone—has been set apart and offered to the Lord. In this context, the dynamic translation “the Lord’s priest” becomes acceptable. Perhaps it could be more clearly rendered as “those who are offered to the Lord.” The office of priest was inherited only by the descendants of Aaron within the tribe of Levi because God chose and set them apart to serve in the tabernacle. The ephod worn by the priest had two shoulder pieces engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Likewise, the breast piece attached to the ephod bore twelve gemstones, each inscribed with the name of a tribe. This signified that the priest was dedicated to God in service for all the people of Israel.

In Jesus Christ, the priesthood has been given to all who believe. As the Apostle Peter said, all believers are “a royal priesthood.” It is as if each of us who believes wears a plate on our forehead that reads “Holy to the Lord.” The Lord has set us apart from the world and dedicated us to His work. Therefore, we must live in this world as those who are consecrated to God—set apart for His purposes—and we must carry the world in our hearts as we stand before God in prayer.

Prayer: Lord, only now do we realize how highly You have lifted us. Only now do we understand what You expect from us. Now we clearly understand what Paul meant when he said, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). Oh Lord, receive us and use us for Your will. Amen.