Exodus 39:32

KJV

¶ Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus was all the work {H5656} of the tabernacle {H4908} of the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150} finished {H3615}: and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} according to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}, so did {H6213} they.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus all the work for the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was finished, with the people of Isra'el doing everything exactly as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

So all the work for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

Thus was finished all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting: and the children of Israel did according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses; so did they.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:32 marks the triumphant culmination of a monumental divine project: the Tabernacle. This verse not only declares the complete and meticulous finishing of the portable sanctuary—God's designated dwelling place among His people—but also powerfully affirms the unwavering and precise obedience of the Israelites. Their faithful execution of every detail, exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses, prepared the way for God's manifest presence to indwell the sanctuary, thereby establishing the central locus of worship, communion, and atonement for the nascent nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to an extensive narrative arc spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of Priestly Garments and Tabernacle"), detailing the Tabernacle's construction. Following God's initial, highly specific instructions for the sanctuary's design, materials, and furnishings (chapters 25-31), the narrative shifts to the actual execution of these commands. [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle") meticulously recount the generous freewill offerings of the people, the anointing and skill of master craftsmen like [Bezalel and Aholiab](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - Bezalel and Aholiab, Master Craftsmen"), and the painstaking fabrication of every component—from the Ark of the Covenant and the menorah to the intricate curtains, wooden frames, and priestly garments. [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of the Tabernacle") functions as a grand declaration of "mission accomplished," setting the stage for the Tabernacle's erection and consecration in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle"), where the glory of the LORD would descend and fill the completed structure, fulfilling the divine promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, a period of profound formation for the newly liberated nation. Having recently escaped Egyptian bondage, the Israelites were a nomadic people, and the Tabernacle's design as a portable sanctuary perfectly accommodated their transient existence. In the ancient Near East, temples and sacred spaces were common, but the Israelite Tabernacle was unique in its divine blueprint and its emphasis on God's immanent presence among His people, not confined to a fixed location. The meticulous adherence to divine command reflected a covenantal relationship where obedience was paramount for maintaining God's favor and presence. The collective effort—from the donation of precious materials by all social strata to the specialized craftsmanship—underscored the communal nature of worship and the deep commitment required to establish a holy space dedicated to the God who had delivered them from slavery and now desired to dwell in their midst. This act of building was not merely architectural but a profound theological statement about God's character and His relationship with His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**, as the Tabernacle's completion signifies God's intention to "tabernacle" among His people, fulfilling His promise to dwell with them ([Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God Dwells Among Israel")). Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the Tabernacle's intricate design and the meticulous obedience required for its construction underscore the absolute purity and distinctness of God, necessitating a specific, divinely ordained means of approach for a sinful people. Finally, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**. The repeated emphasis on the Israelites doing "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses" reinforces that fidelity to God's revealed will is the foundation for blessing, covenant faithfulness, and the manifestation of His glory, echoing principles found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** From H5656, this term refers to "work of any kind," encompassing act, labor, service, or ministry. In this context, it denotes the entire comprehensive undertaking of constructing the Tabernacle, from the preparation of materials to the final assembly of its components. It highlights the diligent and purposeful activity involved in fulfilling God's detailed instructions, emphasizing the effort and dedication invested by the Israelites.
* **Finished (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, this primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to complete." When applied to the Tabernacle, it signifies that the immense and complex undertaking was brought to its intended conclusion, lacking nothing that was commanded. It implies not just the cessation of work but a state of wholeness, perfection, and readiness for its divine purpose. The use of this word here echoes the "finishing" of creation in [Genesis 2:1-2](/genesis/2-1-2 "Genesis 2:1-2 - Creation Completed"), suggesting a parallel divine order and perfection in this new act of establishing God's dwelling.
* **Did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root is a broad term meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense and application. Here, it emphasizes the active and precise execution of God's commands by the children of Israel. Its repetition in the verse ("did according to... so did they") underscores their meticulous and faithful performance of every instruction, demonstrating not just activity, but an alignment of their actions with the divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished:"** This opening clause serves as a declarative statement of monumental accomplishment. The phrase "all the work" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the completion, signifying that every single component, from the smallest loop to the largest frame and the most intricate priestly garment, was brought to its intended conclusion. The dual naming, "tabernacle of the tent of the congregation," reinforces the sanctuary's dual identity as both God's dwelling place (_mishkan_, a residence) and the designated meeting place (_ohel mo'ed_, a tent of meeting) for Him to commune with His people. The finishing of this work signifies the readiness of the physical structure to host the divine presence and serve its sacred purpose.
* **"and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they."** This second clause highlights the meticulous and unwavering obedience of the Israelites. The repetition of the phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they" is a powerful literary device, emphasizing absolute fidelity to the divine blueprint. It underscores that the Tabernacle was not built according to human ingenuity, preference, or convenience, but precisely according to God's detailed and specific instructions. This obedience was not merely a matter of following rules but a profound act of faith, reverence, and covenantal commitment, demonstrating their desire for God's presence and their submission to His authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices, enhancing its impact and theological weight. Most prominently, there is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they." This phrase, or a variation of it, appears numerous times throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative (e.g., [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Exodus 39:1 - Priestly Garments Made"), [Exodus 39:5](/exodus/39-5 "Exodus 39:5 - Ephod Made"), [Exodus 39:7](/exodus/39-7 "Exodus 39:7 - Onyx Stones Set"), [Exodus 39:21](/exodus/39-21 "Exodus 39:21 - Breastplate Made"), [Exodus 39:26](/exodus/39-26 "Exodus 39:26 - Robe Hem Made"), [Exodus 39:29](/exodus/39-29 "Exodus 39:29 - Girdle Made"), [Exodus 39:31](/exodus/39-31 "Exodus 39:31 - Plate for Holy Crown Made"), [Exodus 39:42-43](/exodus/39-42-43 "Exodus 39:42-43 - All Work Done as Commanded")). This constant reiteration serves to underscore the absolute importance of precise obedience to divine revelation, highlighting the Israelites' faithfulness and the divine authority behind the Tabernacle's design. Furthermore, the entire narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, culminating in this verse, functions as a powerful example of **Fulfillment** – the literal and complete execution of God's detailed commands. The Tabernacle itself is a profound **Symbolism** of God's desire to dwell among His people, a physical manifestation of His covenant presence and His holiness. Its completion signifies the establishment of a sacred space where the holy God could meet with a sinful humanity, foreshadowing a greater reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:32 stands as a profound testament to the theological principle that divine presence is predicated on human obedience. The meticulous completion of the Tabernacle, precisely as God commanded, underscores the sanctity of God's blueprint for worship and life. It highlights God's desire for a dwelling place among His people, not as a static idol, but as a dynamic center for communion, revelation, and atonement. This act of faithful construction prepared the way for God's glory to descend, demonstrating that true worship involves not only heartfelt devotion but also diligent adherence to God's revealed will. The Tabernacle's completion therefore represents a pivotal moment in Israel's theological development, establishing the foundational patterns for approaching a holy God and illustrating the blessings that flow from corporate faithfulness.

* [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Tabernacle a Copy of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of the Tabernacle, as recorded in Exodus 39:32, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites diligently followed God's intricate blueprint for His dwelling place, we are called to build our lives, our families, and our ministries in accordance with God's revealed will. This verse reminds us that true spiritual accomplishment is not measured by human innovation, efficiency, or personal preference, but by faithful and precise adherence to divine instructions. It challenges us to consider the diligence, precision, and reverence with which we approach our spiritual tasks, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with God's purposes, not merely our own. The Tabernacle's completion also speaks to the profound joy and satisfaction that come from seeing God's work brought to fruition through obedient hands. It encourages us to persevere in our callings, knowing that our faithful efforts, however small or seemingly insignificant, contribute to God's grand design for His dwelling among humanity and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—personal, familial, or communal—am I being called to greater obedience to God's specific commands, even in seemingly small details?**
* **How does the diligence and precision of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle inspire me to approach my own work and service for God with greater excellence, faithfulness, and perseverance?**
* **What does it mean for my life to be a "dwelling place" for God, and how does my obedience to His Word contribute to His manifest presence within me and through me to the world?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of "all the work" being finished?**

Answer: The phrase "all the work" being finished signifies the comprehensive and meticulous completion of the entire Tabernacle project, down to every last detail. It means that every component, from the Ark of the Covenant to the smallest curtain loop and priestly garment, was crafted precisely according to God's intricate instructions given to Moses (e.g., [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")-[Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Call of Bezalel and Aholiab")). This completion was crucial because the Tabernacle was to be a holy dwelling place for God, and any deviation from the divine blueprint would have rendered it unsuitable for His presence. Its finishing prepared the way for God's glory to descend and fill it, as recorded in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle"), establishing the central locus of worship for Israel and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

**Why is the obedience of the children of Israel emphasized so strongly?**

Answer: The strong emphasis on the children of Israel doing "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they" highlights the critical importance of obedience in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Throughout the Old Testament, obedience is presented as foundational for receiving God's blessings, maintaining His presence, and demonstrating true faith (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). In the context of the Tabernacle, their faithful adherence to every divine instruction demonstrated their reverence for God's holiness and their unwavering commitment to His covenant. This meticulous obedience ensured that the Tabernacle was a true reflection of God's heavenly pattern (as later noted in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Tabernacle a Copy of Heavenly Things")), making it a legitimate and effective place for atonement and communion. It was a profound act of corporate faith, showing that they valued God's word above their own preferences or perceived efficiencies.

**What is the difference between "tabernacle" and "tent of the congregation"?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably, "tabernacle" (Hebrew: _mishkan_, מִשְׁכָּן, H4908) and "tent of the congregation" (Hebrew: _ohel mo'ed_, אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, H168, H4150) emphasize different, yet complementary, aspects of the same sacred structure. The term "tabernacle" primarily signifies God's "dwelling place" or "residence," highlighting His immanent presence among His people. It speaks to the theological reality that the Holy God chose to "tabernacle" with humanity. "Tent of the congregation" (or "tent of meeting"), on the other hand, emphasizes its function as the designated place where God would "meet" with Moses and, by extension, with the entire community of Israel. It was the central point for divine revelation, for receiving laws, and for the people to bring their sacrifices and offerings, thereby facilitating communion and atonement. The combination of both terms in [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of the Tabernacle") underscores the dual nature and comprehensive purpose of the sanctuary: it was both God's abode and the sacred locus for His people to encounter Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:32, marking the completion of God's earthly dwelling, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, a temporary and portable structure where God's presence dwelt among His people, was a tangible **type** pointing to the greater reality of God dwelling among humanity in the person of Jesus. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," using the Greek word _eskēnōsen_ (ἐσκήνωσεν), which literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Jesus, therefore, is the true and perfect Tabernacle, the ultimate meeting place where God and humanity are reconciled. All the intricate details of the Tabernacle, from the sacrifices offered to the priestly ministry, foreshadowed Christ's perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross and His role as our great High Priest, who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary once for all ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Furthermore, through Christ, the concept of God's dwelling place expands beyond a physical structure to encompass His redeemed people. Believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, become the "temple of God" ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")) and are built together into a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone, Believers the Temple")). Thus, the obedience of Israel in completing the earthly Tabernacle prefigured the perfect obedience of Christ, who fully accomplished God's will, establishing a new and living way for God to dwell eternally with His redeemed people, culminating in the promise of God's dwelling with humanity in the new heaven and new earth ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 39:42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Exodus 39:43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

1 Chronicles 28:19

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

Exodus 40:32

When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.