Exodus 39:33

KJV

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought {H935} the tabernacle {H4908} unto Moses {H4872}, the tent {H168}, and all his furniture {H3627}, his taches {H7165}, his boards {H7175}, his bars {H1280}, and his pillars {H5982}, and his sockets {H134},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they brought the tabernacle to Moshe -the tent and all its furnishings, clasps, planks, crossbars, posts and sockets;

Berean Standard Bible

Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases;

American Standard Version

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the Tent, and all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:33 marks a pivotal moment in the Tabernacle's construction, documenting the meticulous presentation of all its completed components to Moses. This verse signifies the culmination of the Israelites' diligent and faithful execution of God's precise architectural blueprint, detailing every part from the overarching tent structure to the smallest fasteners and foundational elements. It underscores the community's unwavering commitment to divine instruction and prepares for the imminent realization of God's promised dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the narrative detailing the Tabernacle's construction. Following God's explicit and highly detailed instructions for its design and furnishings in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - The Divine Blueprint for the Tabernacle"), the subsequent chapters, particularly [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-39 - The Construction of the Tabernacle"), meticulously recount the Israelites' faithful and willing execution of these divine commands. Chapter 39 specifically describes the completion of the priestly garments and the final elements of the Tabernacle itself. Verse 33 serves as the grand inventory and formal presentation of all these finished components to Moses, immediately preceding the actual erection, anointing, and dedication of the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection and Dedication of the Tabernacle"). It marks the crucial transition from the phase of construction to that of assembly and consecration, highlighting the meticulous fulfillment of every divine detail.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during the Israelites' transformative wilderness wanderings, a period crucial for the formation of their national and religious identity. Having recently escaped Egyptian bondage and received the Law at Mount Sinai, the Tabernacle was designed to be the tangible center of their worship, the visible sign of God's abiding presence, and the locus of atonement among them. This portable sanctuary reflected the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites while simultaneously establishing a unique, divinely ordained cultic system. The detailed inventory in [Exodus 39:33](/exodus/39-33 "Exodus 39:33 - The Presentation of the Tabernacle Components") would have been culturally significant for accountability and verification, ensuring that every element precisely matched the divine specifications given to Moses on the mountain (cf. [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle")). The act of bringing all parts to Moses underscored his authoritative role as the divinely appointed overseer and mediator, ensuring the sanctity and integrity of God's dwelling place.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the completed Tabernacle components signify the imminent realization of God's promise to dwell among His people ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")). This verse also powerfully illustrates the theme of **Obedience to Divine Instruction**, showcasing the Israelites' meticulous adherence to God's detailed blueprint, emphasizing that every command, no matter how small, was faithfully executed (cf. [Exodus 39:43](/exodus/39-43 "Exodus 39:43 - Moses' Blessing upon the Completed Work")). Furthermore, it highlights **Communal Effort and Skill**, as the construction was a collective endeavor, with gifted artisans like Bezalel and Aholiab, empowered by the Spirit, leading the work of the entire community ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Aholiab Appointed")). The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **Order and Holiness**, as the precise inventory underscores the sacredness and perfect order required for God's holy habitation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, מִשְׁכָּן, _mishkân'_):** This primary term, derived from the root _shakan_ (to dwell), literally means "a residence" or "dwelling place." As defined by the Strong's data, it refers specifically to "the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls)," signifying the innermost, most sacred structure of the sanctuary. Its completion and presentation signify the imminent realization of God's promise to condescend and dwell among His people, making His presence tangible in their midst.
* **Tent (Hebrew, אֹהֶל, _ʼôhel'_):** While often used broadly to refer to the entire Tabernacle complex, _ʼôhel_ here, as specified in the Strong's data, refers to "a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)" or "covering." In this context, it distinguishes the outer, more practical and protective covering of the sacred _mishkân_. Its inclusion alongside the _mishkân_ highlights the dual nature of the structure: a functional, portable tent for wilderness travel, and simultaneously, a consecrated dwelling place for the Holy God.
* **Sockets (Hebrew, אֲדָנִים, _ʼeden'_):** As defined by the Strong's data, _ʼeden_ refers to "a basis (of a building, a column, etc.); foundation, socket." These foundational bases, typically made of silver for the boards and bronze for the pillars, were crucial for the stability and proper erection of the Tabernacle's walls and internal supports. Their inclusion in this detailed list, alongside larger components, underscores the meticulous attention to every detail, no matter how seemingly small, ensuring the structural integrity and divine precision of the entire edifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses,"**: This opening clause signifies the triumphant culmination of the construction phase. "They" refers collectively to the skilled craftsmen, particularly Bezalel and Aholiab, and the multitude of Israelites who contributed their labor, materials, and gifts. The act of bringing the "tabernacle" (referring here to the entire completed structure in its various components) to Moses underscores his unique role as the divinely appointed overseer and the ultimate recipient of the completed work, thereby validating its adherence to God's precise blueprint.
* **"the tent, and all his furniture,"**: This phrase clarifies and expands upon the initial mention of "the tabernacle," providing a more comprehensive scope. "The tent" specifically refers to the outer coverings and general structure, while "all his furniture" encompasses the numerous internal elements and sacred vessels, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the altars. This inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the presentation, indicating that not just the physical shell but all its sacred contents were meticulously prepared and ready for assembly.
* **"his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,"**: This detailed enumeration provides a specific inventory of the structural components that formed the physical edifice. "Taches" (clasps) were small gold or bronze fasteners that joined the various curtains; "boards" formed the golden-plated wooden walls of the inner sanctuary; "bars" were used to hold these boards securely together; "pillars" supported the veils and the entrance curtains; and "sockets" provided the stable, weighty foundations for the boards and pillars. The meticulous listing of these diverse elements, from the smallest fasteners to the largest structural supports, powerfully reinforces the Israelites' precise adherence to God's detailed instructions and the absolute completeness of their work.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:33 employs several literary devices to emphasize the profound significance of this moment. The most prominent is **Merism**, where a comprehensive list of parts ("taches, boards, bars, pillars, and sockets") is used to represent the entirety of the Tabernacle's complex structure. This detailed enumeration, following the more general terms "tabernacle" and "tent," serves to underscore the **Completeness** and meticulousness of the work. Every single component, no matter how seemingly small, was accounted for and brought to Moses, highlighting the Israelites' unwavering **Faithful Obedience** to God's exacting specifications. The verse also functions as a **Climax** in the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, marking the successful completion of the physical edifice before its grand assembly and dedication in the subsequent chapter. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the absolute precision and thoroughness with which God's instructions were carried out, reflecting the divine order and the Israelites' dedicated response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:33 is a powerful testament to the themes of divine instruction, human obedience, and God's desire for intimate fellowship with His people. The meticulous completion and presentation of the Tabernacle components underscore the absolute necessity of adherence to God's revealed will. Every detail, from the grand design to the smallest clasp, was divinely ordained, signifying that true worship and fellowship with God are predicated on faithful obedience to His precise commands. This act of bringing all parts to Moses represents the culmination of a communal effort, demonstrating that when God's people unite in obedience, His dwelling place among them can be realized, bringing His holy and saving presence into their midst.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 39:33 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites diligently and precisely followed God's blueprint for the Tabernacle, we are called to live lives of faithful obedience to God's Word in every detail. This verse reminds us that no part of our lives—no action, no thought, no word—is insignificant in God's grand design for our sanctification and His glory. Our commitment to Christ, our service within the church, and our daily walk should reflect the same meticulous care and dedication shown by the Tabernacle builders. Furthermore, the completion of the Tabernacle components paved the way for God's dwelling among His people, making His presence tangible. Similarly, as we, the church, are now God's spiritual temple, our collective and individual obedience creates a space for God's presence to manifest powerfully in the world, drawing others to Him and demonstrating His glory. This calls us to a high standard of integrity and intentionality in all our endeavors for the Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I being called to greater precision and faithfulness in obedience to God's Word, mirroring the Israelites' meticulous work on the Tabernacle?**
* **How does recognizing that "no part" of the Tabernacle was insignificant encourage me about my own unique role and contribution within the body of Christ, no matter how small it may seem?**
* **What does the Israelites' unified effort in building the Tabernacle teach me about the importance of communal obedience, collaboration, and shared vision in accomplishing God's work today?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of components included in this verse?**

Answer: The detailed list in [Exodus 39:33](/exodus/39-33 "Exodus 39:33 - The Presentation of the Tabernacle Components") serves multiple critical purposes. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the Israelites' meticulous and complete obedience to God's highly specific instructions, underscoring that not a single item was overlooked, incorrectly made, or missing. This reinforces the profound theological theme of divine precision and human faithfulness in worship. Secondly, it functions as a comprehensive inventory, confirming that all necessary parts for the Tabernacle's assembly were present and accounted for, thereby preparing for the immediate next stage of erection and consecration. Finally, it underscores the theological significance of every element, no matter how seemingly small, in creating a holy and perfect space for God's dwelling, demonstrating that God cares deeply about the details of our service and worship.

**Who were "they" who brought the Tabernacle components to Moses?**

Answer: "They" primarily refers to the skilled craftsmen and artisans, most notably Bezalel and Aholiab, who were divinely gifted and appointed to oversee the construction (cf. [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Aholiab Appointed")). These individuals, empowered by the Spirit of God with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, led the collective effort of the many other Israelites who contributed their materials, labor, and skills. The act of bringing the completed components to Moses signifies their accountability to the divinely appointed leader and their successful fulfillment of the sacred tasks entrusted to them by God through Moses, demonstrating the completion of their God-given mandate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:33, with its emphasis on the completion of God's dwelling place among His people, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Tabernacle, a temporary and physical structure, served as a profound type and shadow, foreshadowing the ultimate reality of God dwelling among humanity in a far more profound and permanent way. Jesus is the true "Tabernacle" (or "tent") of God, for as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among us. In Christ, God's presence is not confined to a physical structure made by human hands but is embodied in a divine-human person, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Prophecy of Emmanuel")). Just as every piece of the Tabernacle was meticulously crafted according to divine design, so too was Christ's life and ministry a perfect, obedient fulfillment of God's will, culminating in His ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). He is the perfect High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the perfect access point to God's presence, rendering the physical Tabernacle and its rituals obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the Greater High Priest")). Through His finished work, believers become the new temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), a spiritual dwelling place where God truly resides by His Spirit, fulfilling the longing for intimate fellowship first expressed in the wilderness Tabernacle and pointing to the eternal dwelling of God with His people in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 31:7

The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that [is] thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,

Exodus 31:11

And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy [place]: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.

Exodus 35:11

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

Exodus 35:19

The cloths of service, to do service in the holy [place], the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

Exodus 25:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 25:30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

Exodus 36:1

¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.