Exodus 39:30

They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.

Study Bible

They also made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold
The plate, often referred to as the "golden diadem" or "frontlet," was a significant part of the high priest's attire, symbolizing the holiness and authority of the priesthood. The use of pure gold signifies the preciousness and purity required in approaching God, reflecting the divine nature and glory. Gold was a common material in the tabernacle, representing the heavenly and the divine. This plate was part of the high priest's garments, as described in Exodus 28:36-38, and was worn on the forehead, signifying the bearing of the people's iniquity and the need for holiness in service to God.

and they engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal
The engraving process was meticulous, akin to the work of a skilled craftsman creating a seal. Seals in ancient times were used to denote ownership, authenticity, and authority. The comparison to a seal emphasizes the permanence and official nature of the inscription. This act of engraving signifies the unchanging and eternal nature of God's holiness and the priest's role in representing the people before God. The precision required in engraving reflects the care and reverence due in matters concerning God.

HOLY TO THE LORD
This phrase encapsulates the essence of the high priest's role and the purpose of the priesthood. "Holy" denotes being set apart, consecrated for a specific purpose, and dedicated to God. The high priest, wearing this inscription, was a constant reminder of the need for holiness in worship and service. This concept of holiness is central throughout Scripture, as seen in Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies holiness and mediates between God and humanity. In the New Testament, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), reflecting this call to holiness in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the priestly garments.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who contributed materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The High Priest
The spiritual leader of Israel, who wore the holy crown as part of his sacred garments.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle and the priestly garments.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Service
The inscription "HOLY TO THE LORD" signifies the set-apart nature of the high priest's role. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness in all we do.

Symbolism of the Crown
The crown represents authority and dedication to God. In our lives, we should recognize Christ's authority and dedicate ourselves to His service.

Craftsmanship and Worship
The detailed work of Bezalel and Oholiab shows that our skills and talents are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory. We should strive for excellence in our work as an act of worship.

Identity in Christ
Just as the high priest bore the inscription of holiness, believers are marked by their identity in Christ. We should live in a way that reflects our identity as God's people.

Community Contribution
The Israelites' collective effort in building the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of community in fulfilling God's purposes. We are called to work together in the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of holiness in Exodus 39:30 apply to our daily lives as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we use our skills and talents to serve God, similar to Bezalel and Oholiab?

3. How does the idea of being "HOLY TO THE LORD" challenge our understanding of personal and communal worship?

4. What are some practical ways we can reflect our identity in Christ in our interactions with others?

5. How can the community of believers today emulate the collective effort of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 8
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the holy crown is part of the priestly garments, emphasizing the holiness required in serving God.

Zechariah 14:20
Prophesies a time when even the common items will be inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD," indicating the pervasive holiness in God's kingdom.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the holiness of the Old Testament priesthood to the calling of Christians today.