Exodus 31 9

Exodus 31:9 kjv

And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,

Exodus 31:9 nkjv

the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the laver and its base?

Exodus 31:9 niv

the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand?

Exodus 31:9 esv

and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand,

Exodus 31:9 nlt

the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;

Exodus 31 verses

Exodus 31 9 Meaning

Exodus 31:9 details essential sacred items for the Tabernacle's operation: specialized garments for various priestly duties, including Aaron's holy vestments and those for his sons, as well as the unique anointing oil and sacred incense. The verse concludes with a crucial command emphasizing that all these items must be made precisely "according to all that I have commanded you," underscoring the divine origin and mandatory nature of every detail concerning Israel's worship.

Exodus 31 9 Context

Exodus 31:9 falls within a specific section of the Tabernacle instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exod 25-31). This chapter concludes the detailed blueprints for the Tent of Meeting, its furnishings, and the sacred vestments, before transitioning to the Sabbath commandment. Verses 1-6 announce God's selection and empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab with divine Spirit and wisdom to execute the intricate work. Verses 7-11 then provide a condensed summary list of the key components they are to construct, reiterating items mentioned in earlier, more detailed chapters. Verse 9 specifically lists priestly attire and the consumables necessary for worship within the consecrated space. This verse, therefore, highlights critical elements that define the priesthood's unique identity and the divinely ordained ritual practices. Historically, these instructions were given to Israel as they emerged from slavery in Egypt, emphasizing that their worship and communal identity would be solely defined by God's explicit commands, differentiating them from surrounding pagan practices where deities and worship were often products of human imagination or syncretism.

Exodus 31 9 Word analysis

• and the garments of service (וְאֵת בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד, ve'et bigdey haṣerād):

  • garments of service: Refers to a specific category of vestments, distinct from the highly adorned "holy garments" of Aaron. While "holy garments" primarily define identity, "service garments" (bigdey haserad) denote the functional attire for conducting sacred tasks, possibly related to transporting or covering the sacred items, or for specific aspects of general priestly ministry not requiring full High Priestly vestments. Their precise purpose is debated, but they underline the specificity of dress required for all holy duties.

• for ministering (לְשָׁרֵת, leshārēt):

  • ministering: From the verb shārat, meaning to serve, attend, or minister. It denotes a devoted, often religious, service. This emphasizes that the function of the garments is not aesthetic show, but for specific sacred duties performed for God.

• in the holy place (בַּקֹּדֶשׁ, baqqōdeš):

  • holy place: Refers to the sacred areas of the Tabernacle – the Holy Place (main chamber) and the Most Holy Place (inner sanctum). It denotes the consecrated realm where divine presence was manifested and where all activities had to adhere to divine purity.

• and the holy garments (וְאֵת בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ, ve'et bigdey haqqōdeš):

  • holy garments: Distinct from "garments of service," these are the elaborate, sanctified vestments for the High Priest detailed in Exodus 28. They symbolize the glory, beauty, and authority of the High Priesthood, specifically designed by divine command to be set apart.

• for Aaron the priest (לְאַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן, le'aharon hakkohen):

  • Aaron: The specific individual appointed by God to lead the priesthood.
  • the priest: haqqohen emphasizes his designated office and role as the representative intercessor for the people before God. His unique garments visually identified this singular mediatorial function.

• and the garments of his sons (וְאֵת בִּגְדֵי בָנָיו, ve'et bigdey banav):

  • his sons: Refers to the other descendants of Aaron, who would serve as ordinary priests. Their garments were simpler but still consecrated for sacred duty. This shows a clear hierarchical structure and distinction within the priestly caste.

• to minister in the priest’s office (לְכַהֵן, lekahēn):

  • minister in the priest's office: To act in the capacity of a priest. The verb kahēn literally means to act as a priest. It highlights the performative and functional aspect of their role—not just wearing clothes, but fulfilling their God-given priestly duties.

• and the anointing oil (וְאֵת שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, ve'et shemen hammishchah):

  • anointing oil: A specially formulated, holy oil (Exo 30:22-33) used for consecrating the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests themselves. It symbolizes divine election, separation unto God, and endowment with the Holy Spirit for service.

• and the incense of sweet spices (וְאֵת קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, ve'et qetoret hasammim):

  • incense of sweet spices: A divinely prescribed blend of fragrant spices (Exo 30:34-38) to be burned on the golden altar of incense. The smoke rising symbolized the prayers of God’s people rising to Him, and represented acceptable worship and propitiation. Its exclusive use for divine worship protected it from common use.

• for the holy place (לַקֹּדֶשׁ, laqqōdeš):

  • for the holy place: Specifies the designated location and purpose for these sacred consumables; they were for use within the consecrated Tabernacle space, underlining their sacred status and strict use.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "and the garments...and the holy garments...and the garments of his sons": This sequential listing emphasizes the various levels of priestly attire, each consecrated and specific to distinct roles within the sacred ministry. It illustrates God's meticulous care for all aspects of worship, from the high priest to the ordinary priests, covering both function and symbolism.
  • "anointing oil and the incense of sweet spices": These two elements represent the essential components for consecration and regular worship. The oil sanctifies persons and objects for divine service, imbuing them with God's presence, while the incense signifies prayers and acceptable communion rising to God. Both are tangible expressions of spiritual realities.
  • "According to all that I have commanded you they shall do.”: This concluding phrase is a foundational principle. It establishes God's absolute sovereignty over worship. It's not a suggestion but a strict divine imperative. This eliminates human discretion or creativity in sacred service, highlighting that acceptable worship is solely defined by divine revelation. It anticipates and counters any tendency towards human innovation or syncretism in religious practice.

Exodus 31 9 Bonus section

The careful listing of various garments in Exodus 31:9 points to a nuanced understanding of priestly roles and their significance. The distinctness between "garments of service," "holy garments for Aaron," and "garments of his sons" highlights a clear divine blueprint for hierarchy and differentiated responsibilities within the Tabernacle ministry. This was not left to human discretion or tribal custom. Moreover, the emphasis on making these items precisely "according to all that I have commanded you" establishes a powerful theological principle that echoes throughout Scripture: the worship of God is not about human preference or convenience, but about God's prescriptive will. This anticipatorily corrects any deviation from pure monotheism and specific revelation that could arise in future Israelite history (e.g., idolatry, foreign worship practices, unauthorized priesthoods). It foreshadows that only worship ordained by God and conducted by those authorized and prepared by Him is acceptable, a concept ultimately fulfilled and simplified in Christ's once-for-all priesthood and access to God for believers.

Exodus 31 9 Commentary

Exodus 31:9 succinctly lists crucial sacred components necessary for the Tabernacle's operation and the Levitical priesthood's functioning. These are not merely decorative or functional items; they are holy, meticulously designed by God Himself to facilitate the precise protocols for approaching and serving Him. The "garments of service" denote the practical apparel for handling holy items, while "holy garments for Aaron" highlight the High Priest's elaborate, symbolically rich attire signifying his unique mediatorial role. The "garments of his sons" ensure proper, set-apart dress for all ordinary priests, maintaining distinctiveness in their sacred duties. The "anointing oil" and "incense of sweet spices" represent the vital consumables: the oil for divine consecration and empowering presence, and the incense for prayer, worship, and atonement.

The concluding phrase, "According to all that I have commanded you they shall do,” is the linchpin of the verse. It transforms the preceding list from mere specifications into non-negotiable divine commands. This stresses divine precision, not human approximation, in the construction and usage of sacred items. God, as the sole sovereign, defines how He is to be worshiped and approached. This serves as a perpetual reminder to Israel, and to believers today, that true reverence and acceptable worship stem from obedient adherence to God's revealed will, not from personal preference, cultural adaptation, or human ingenuity. It guards against any syncretism or unholy practices that might arise from misinterpretation or deliberate disobedience, emphasizing that all true spiritual service flows from the Creator's specific instructions. This meticulous detail showcases God's commitment to dwelling among His people and provides a tangible picture of the holiness required to be in His presence.