Exodus 40 The Tabernacle Completed

1 Setting Up the Tabernacle
Then the Lord said to Moses:

2 “Set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the first month.

3 Place the ark of the Testimony in it and shield the ark with the curtain.

4 Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps.

5 Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

6 “Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting;

7 place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it.

8 Set up the courtyard around it and put the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.

9 “Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy.

10 Then anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy.

11 Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.

12 “Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.

13 Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest.

14 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics.

15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue for all generations to come.”

16 Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him.

17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.

18 When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts.

19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the Lord commanded him.

20 He took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.

21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the Testimony, as the Lord commanded him.

22 Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle outside the curtain

23 and set out the bread on it before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him.

24 He placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle

25 and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him.

26 Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting in front of the curtain

27 and burned fragrant incense on it, as the Lord commanded him.

28 Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

29 He set the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it burnt offerings and grain offerings, as the Lord commanded him.

30 He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing,

31 and Moses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash their hands and feet.

32 They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses.

33 Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.

34 The Glory of the Lord
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out;

37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted.

38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

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Analysis of Exodus Chapter 40

The final chapter of the Book of Exodus, Chapter 40, marks the culmination of the Israelites’ journey of building the Tabernacle under God’s precise instructions. This chapter not only focuses on the physical assembly of the Tabernacle but also highlights the spiritual significance of God’s dwelling among His people. Chapter 40 serves as a crucial transition point between the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their ongoing journey through the wilderness, emphasizing themes of obedience, divine presence, and sanctification.

Verses 1-8: The Command to Erect the Tabernacle

In verses 1-8, the Lord commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month. This specific timing is symbolic, marking a new beginning for the Israelites, resonating with their newfound freedom and covenant relationship with God. The detailed instructions given to Moses emphasize meticulous obedience, as every aspect of the construction and placement of the Tabernacle’s components holds spiritual meaning.

Each element of the Tabernacle mentioned, from the Ark of the Testimony to the lampstand, altar, and basin, represents different facets of Israel’s worship and relationship with God. The Ark, containing the Testimony, signifies God’s covenant and His presence. The table and its bread symbolize God’s provision, while the lampstand’s light represents divine guidance. The altar of incense is associated with prayer, and the basin signifies purification, underscoring the necessity of holiness and cleanliness in approaching God.

Verses 9-16: Anointing and Consecration

Verses 9-16 outline the process of anointing and consecrating the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Anointing them with oil transforms these physical objects into sacred instruments dedicated to God’s service. The consecration ritual elevates the Tabernacle from a mere physical structure to a holy space where God will dwell among His people.

The anointing extends to Aaron and his sons, setting them apart as priests. This act signifies the sanctification of their roles as mediators between God and the Israelites. The anointing rituals underscore the necessity of purity and dedication in the service of God, reflecting the broader theme of holiness that permeates the book of Exodus.

Verses 17-33: Erecting the Tabernacle

In verses 17-33, Moses meticulously follows God’s instructions, erecting the Tabernacle piece by piece. The narrative’s emphasis on obedience highlights Moses’ faithfulness and the importance of adherence to divine commands. This segment is a practical demonstration of the earlier divine instructions detailed in previous chapters.

Moses’ actions—placing the Ark, setting the table and the lampstand, arranging the altar of incense, setting up the screen for the entrance to the Tabernacle—underscore the importance of order and precision in worship. The description of each step in the setup process evokes a sense of reverence and attention to detail, reminding the reader of the significance of each component in facilitating a relationship between God and His people.

Verses 34-38: The Glory of the Lord

The climax of this chapter and the Book of Exodus is found in verses 34-38, where the glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle. The cloud covering the Tent of Meeting and the glory filling the Tabernacle signify God’s acceptance of the Israelites’ efforts and His willingness to dwell among them. This divine manifestation serves as a visual confirmation of God’s presence, reinforcing His guidance and covenant relationship with the Israelites.

The cloud’s movement also provides practical guidance for the Israelites during their journey. When the cloud lifts, they set out, and when it settles, they encamp. This divine guidance ensures that their journey through the wilderness is directed by God’s presence. The dynamic aspect of the cloud highlights the ongoing relationship and dependency of the Israelites on God’s continual guidance and presence.

Key Themes and Interpretations

Obedience and Reverence

Chapter 40 emphasizes the necessity of strict obedience to God’s instructions. Moses’ careful adherence to every detail reflects the importance of following God’s commands precisely. This obedience is not merely about compliance but is an expression of reverence and worship. The meticulous assembly of the Tabernacle signifies Israel’s commitment to honor and serve God according to His will.

Divine Presence and Holiness

The central theme of God’s presence is powerfully depicted through the cloud and the glory filling the Tabernacle. This divine presence is a tangible reminder to the Israelites of God’s constant companionship and guidance. The Tabernacle itself, as a portable sanctuary, symbolizes the holiness required to host God’s presence and the accessibility of divine guidance even amid a nomadic existence.

Sanctification and Consecration

The anointing of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests highlights the importance of sanctification in worship. The process of consecration symbolizes purification and dedication to God’s service. This notion of sanctification calls for the Israelites to consider their own lives’ holiness and purity, reinforcing the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship wherein God’s presence calls for His people’s holiness.

The Purpose of Worship and Community

Exodus 40 illustrates the purpose and structure of corporate worship. The Tabernacle serves as a focal point for the community’s worship, uniting them in their reverence for God. Each element within the Tabernacle, through its symbolic meaning, engages every aspect of the community’s relationship with God, from provision and guidance to atonement and purity. This chapter reinforces the idea that worship is both communal and comprehensive, integrating every dimension of life with the divine.

Transition and Preparation

As the concluding chapter of Exodus, Chapter 40 also serves as a bridge to future narratives. The establishment of the Tabernacle and the manifestation of God’s glory prepare the Israelites for their continued journey. This chapter sets the stage for the Book of Leviticus, where the focus shifts to the laws and regulations regarding worship and holiness. The completion of the Tabernacle represents both an ending and a beginning—an end to the physical construction and the beginning of a lived relationship with God centered around this sacred space.

Conclusion

Exodus Chapter 40 is a profound and climactic chapter that encapsulates the themes of obedience, divine presence, sanctification, and communal worship. Through the meticulous setup of the Tabernacle, the anointing and consecration processes, and the manifestation of God’s glory, this chapter reinforces the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holiness, reverence, and adherence to divine guidance, setting a foundation for the Israelites’ ongoing journey and relationship with God.

Understanding the Key Messages in Exodus 40: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, God instructs Moses on the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priestly garments. Moses follows these instructions meticulously, ensuring that everything is made according to the specifications given by God.

Notes

This chapter concludes the detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle and the establishment of Aaron and his sons as the priests. It emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions and the presence of His glory.