The Jewish Roots of the Catholic Mass (Part 1 of 3) - The Holy Garments & Completed Work
Exodus 39 - The Holy Garments & Completed Work
Holy Garments Made Exactly as God Commanded
The skilled craftsmen made the holy garments for Aaron using blue, purple, scarlet, gold, and fine twined linen, just as the LORD instructed Moses. Every detail reflected reverence, obedience, and beauty prepared for God’s presence.
The Ephod — Beauty Woven with Purpose
Crafted with gold threads beaten into wires and woven into rich colors
Two onyx stones set on the shoulders
Each stone engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel
A memorial before the LORD, showing the priest carried the people on his shoulders
Lesson: God’s servant carries God’s people before Him.
The Breastplate of Judgment — God Remembers Every Name
Foursquare and doubled for strength
Twelve precious stones, each engraved with a tribe’s name
Bound securely to the ephod with a lace of blue
Never to be loosened
Lesson: God knows His people by name and keeps them close to His heart.
The Robe — Sound and Fruitfulness in Service
Entirely blue, symbolizing heaven
Golden bells and pomegranates around the hem
Sound heard as the priest ministered before the LORD
Lesson: Our service should bear fruit and give testimony.
The Holy Crown — Set Apart for God
Pure gold plate engraved: “HOLINESS TO THE LORD”
Fastened with a blue lace upon the mitre
Lesson: God’s servants are marked by holiness, not position.
Completion of the Tabernacle Work
Every part of the tabernacle and its furnishings was completed
The people brought everything to Moses
Moses examined the work and saw it was done exactly as the LORD commanded
And Moses blessed them.
Lesson: Obedience brings God’s approval and blessing.
Spiritual Messages
God values exact obedience
God remembers every name
God desires holiness in service
When God’s instructions are followed, His blessing follows