‏ Exodus 40

Exodus 40:1-15: The Rearing of the Tabernacle

This passage describes how God commanded Moses to set up the tabernacle and put all its furniture in place. Even though everything was ready, Moses waited for God’s specific instructions before starting. God told Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, nearly a year after leaving Egypt. This teaches us to let God guide each step and to start the year by serving Him. Moses was also told to anoint the tabernacle, its furniture, and the priests, making everything holy and ready for God’s service.

v. 1-2: God told Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month ( ^a). This shows the importance of beginning new things with God and putting Him first ( ^b).

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v. 3: Moses was to place the ark inside the tabernacle and hang the veil to separate the Most Holy Place ( ^c).

v. 4-5: The table, the candlestick, and the altar of incense were to be arranged outside the veil. Moses was to set up the curtain for the entrance ( ^d).

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v. 6-7: The altar of burnt offering and the bronze laver had to be placed in the courtyard ( ^e).

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v. 8: Moses was to put up the curtains of the court and hang the screen at the court gate ( ^f).

v. 9-11: After everything was in place, Moses had to anoint the tabernacle and all its furniture with special oil to set them apart for God (; ^g).

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v. 12-15: Moses was also ordered to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tabernacle, wash them, dress them in special clothes, and anoint them as priests (; ^h). This shows that everyone serving God must be made holy for His work.

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Exodus 40:16-32: The Setting Up of the Tabernacle

This passage describes how Moses set up the tabernacle and its furniture exactly as God commanded, even though the people were still in the wilderness and not yet in the Promised Land. The Israelites did not wait until they were settled before worshipping God. Moses followed God’s instructions carefully and did each step in the right order, showing that God’s ways should be followed exactly. The work was completed on the first day of the new year, and everything was put to use right away as an example for the priests and for us.

v. 16: Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him ( ⁱ). He did not wait for a better time or different place to begin God’s work.

v. 17-21: On the first day of the first month, Moses set up the tabernacle. He arranged the boards, set up the coverings, and placed the ark inside. He also hung the veil to separate the Most Holy Place ( ^j).

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v. 22-23: Moses placed the table in the tabernacle and put the showbread on it, as God commanded. This shows that God always wants His table to be prepared ( ^k).

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v. 24-25: He set up the candlestick and immediately lit the lamps before the Lord. Even in times of spiritual darkness, God requires His light to shine ( ^l).

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v. 26-27: Moses put the golden altar in place and burned sweet incense on it, showing that God’s altar must always be active with prayer and worship ( ^m).

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v. 28-29: He set up the altar of burnt offering in the courtyard and offered a burnt offering and a grain offering right away. This was the beginning of its use for sacrifices ( ⁿ).

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v. 30-32: Moses set the laver between the tent and altar and filled it with water. He washed his hands and feet there, as did Aaron and his sons, following God’s command. This showed the need for cleanliness when serving God ( ^o).

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Exodus 40:34-38: The Tabernacle Filled with Glory

This passage tells how, after Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, God’s presence came to live among the people. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle as a visible sign that God accepted their work and chose to dwell with them. The cloud of God’s presence rested on the tabernacle, showing that He was now living among Israel. This cloud was a sign of God’s favor, protection, and guidance. It also pointed forward to how Jesus, the true Word, would one day live among people ( ^p).

v. 34: When the tabernacle was finished, the cloud covered it and the glory of the Lord filled the inside ( ^q). This showed God was pleased with what the people had done and had returned to be with them after their earlier sin with the golden calf ( ^r).

v. 35: The presence of God was so strong that even Moses could not enter the tent right away ( ^s). This reminds us how powerful and holy God is. Only Jesus could enter fully into God’s presence for us (; ^t).

v. 36-37: The cloud was not only a sign of God’s presence but also became the guide for Israel. When the cloud moved, the people moved; when the cloud stopped, they stayed (; ^u).

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v. 38: The cloud was visible to everyone in Israel at all times, day and night. It protected the tabernacle and reminded the people that God was with them everywhere they went (; ^v; ^w).