Exodus 39:1
And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exodus 39:1 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Exodus describes the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the creation of the cloths of service and holy garments for Aaron, the high priest. The colors mentioned - blue, purple, and scarlet - hold symbolic significance. Blue represents the heavens and the divinity of God, purple signifies royalty and majesty, while scarlet represents sacrifice and atonement. These colors were carefully chosen to reflect the sacredness and importance of the garments worn by Aaron when performing his priestly duties in the tabernacle. The cloths of service and holy garments were not just for aesthetic purposes but served a specific function in allowing Aaron to carry out his responsibilities in the presence of God. By following these instructions, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God's commands and their reverence for the holy place.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of this verse is the significance of the colors mentioned: blue, purple, and scarlet. In the Bible, these colors are often associated with royalty and divine majesty. Blue represents the heavens and the heavenly realm, symbolizing God's sovereignty and power. Purple is a color of royalty, representing the kingship of God and His authority. Scarlet is often associated with blood, signifying sacrifice and atonement for sin. By using these colors to create the cloths of service and holy garments for Aaron, the Israelites were not only following the specific instructions given by the Lord to Moses but also symbolizing the importance of their service in the holy place and the priesthood. These colors served as a reminder of the divine presence and the sacredness of their duties. It is a powerful illustration of how even the smallest details in God's instructions hold profound theological significance.
Exodus 39:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made finely wrought garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
World English Bible
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 Yahweh commanded Moses.
Douay-Rheims
And he made, of violet and purple, scarlet and fine linen, the vestments for Aaron to wear when he ministered in the holy places, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer they made garments of ministration to minister in the Sanctuarie of blewe silke, and purple, and skarlet: they made also the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had comanded Moses.