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Commentary on Exodus 39 verses 32–43
32 ¶ 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.
33 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,
34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
35 The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,
36 The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,
37 The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,
38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
39 The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
40 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,
41 The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.
42 According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.
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.
Observe here, I. The builders of the tabernacle made very good despatch. It was not much more than five months from the beginning to the finishing of it. Though there was a great deal of fine work about it, such as is usually the work of time, embroidering and engraving, not only in gold, but in precious stones, yet they went through with it in a little time. Church-work is usually slow work, but they made quick work of this, and yet did it with the greatest exactness imaginable. For, 1. Many hands were employed, all unanimous, and not striving with each other. This expedited the business, and made it easy. 2. The workmen were taught of God, and so were kept from making blunders, which would have retarded them. 3. The people were hearty and zealous in the work, and impatient till it was finished. God had prepared their hearts, and then the thing was done suddenly, Ch2 29:36. Resolution and industry, and a cheerful application of mind, will, by the grace of God, bring a great deal of good work to pass in a little time, in less than one would expect.
II. They punctually observed their orders, and did not in the least vary from them. They did it according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, Exo 39:32, Exo 39:42. Note, God's work must be done, in every thing, according to his own will. His institutions neither need nor admit men's inventions to make them either more beautiful or more likely to answer the intention of them. Add thou not unto his words. God is pleased with willing worship, but not with will-worship.
III. They brought all their work to Moses, and submitted it to his inspection and censure, Exo 39:33. He knew what he had ordered them to make; and now the particulars were called over, and all produced, that Moses might see both that they had made all, omitting nothing, and that they had made all according to the instructions given them, and that, if they had made a mistake in any thing, it might be forthwith rectified. Thus they showed respect to Moses, who was set over them in the Lord; not objecting that Moses did not understand such work, and therefore that there was no reason for submitting it to his judgment. No, that God who gave them so much knowledge as to do the work gave them also so much humility as to be willing to have it examined and compared with the model. Moses was in authority, and they would pay a deference to his place. The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets. And besides, though they knew how to do the work better than Moses, Moses had a better and more exact idea of the model than they had, and therefore they could not be well pleased with their own work, unless they had his approbation. Thus in all the services of religion we should labour to be accepted of the Lord.
IV. Moses, upon search, found all done according to the rule, Exo 39:43. Moses, both for their satisfaction and for his own, did look upon all the work, piece by piece, and behold they had done it according to the pattern shown him, for the same Being that showed him the pattern guided their hand in the work. All the copies of God's grace exactly agree with the original of his counsels: what God works in us, and by us, is the fulfilling of the good pleasure of his own goodness; and when the mystery of God shall be finished, and all his performances come to be compared with his purposes, it will appear that behold all is done according to the counsel of his own will, not one iota or tittle of which shall fall to the ground, or be varied from.
V. Moses blessed them. 1. He commended them, and signified his approbation of all they had done. He did not find fault where there was none, as some do, who think they disparage their own judgment if they do not find something amiss in the best and most accomplished performance. In all this work it is probable there might have been found here and there a stitch amiss, and a stroke awry, which would have served for an over-curious and censorious critic to animadvert upon; but Moses was too candid to notice small faults where there were no great ones. Note, All governors must be a praise to those that do well, as well as a terror to evil-doers. Why should any take a pride in being hard to be pleased? 2. He not only praised them, but prayed for them. He blessed them as one having authority, for the less is blessed of the better. We read not of any wages that Moses paid them for their work, but this blessing he gave them. For, though ordinarily the labourer be worthy of his hire, yet in this case, 1. They wrought for themselves. The honour and comfort of God's tabernacle among them would be recompence enough. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself. 2. They had their meat from heaven on free-cost, for themselves and their families, and their raiment waxed not old upon them; so that they neither needed wages nor had reason to expect any. Freely you have received, freely give. The obligations we lie under, both in duty and interest, to serve God, should be sufficient to quicken us to our work, though we had not a reward in prospect. But, 3. This blessing, in the name of the Lord, was wages enough for all their work. Those whom God employs he will bless, and those whom he blesses are blessed indeed. The blessing he commands is life for evermore.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 32–43. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 39:36 provides a precise inventory of foundational elements within the Tabernacle's Holy Place, specifically listing "the table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread." This verse is part of the culminating account detailing the completion and presentation of the Tabernacle's components to Moses, serving as a testament to the meticulous obedience of the Israelite craftsmen to God's divine blueprint. It highlights the sacredness, specific purpose, and readiness of these items for the sacred worship and communion intended for God's dwelling among His people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 39 marks the triumphant culmination of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed divine instructions given in earlier chapters, primarily Exodus 25 through Exodus 31, and the actual execution of the work described in Exodus 35 through Exodus 38. This chapter meticulously recounts the completion of the priestly garments and the various components of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (used over 20 times in this chapter alone). Verse 36 is an integral part of a comprehensive list (verses 33-41) of all the finished items being brought to Moses for his inspection and approval, signifying the successful completion of the entire project before its erection and consecration in Exodus 40. This detailed accounting underscores the divine origin of the design and the human faithfulness in its execution.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's formative period of wilderness wanderings, a pivotal time in their development as a covenant nation. This portable sanctuary was not merely a structure but the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, central to their identity and worship. In a nomadic culture, a movable tent shrine was essential, distinguishing Israel's worship from the fixed temples of surrounding pagan nations. The detailed specifications for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Table of Showbread, were not simply architectural plans but profound theological statements, communicating God's holiness, His desire for communion, and the precise manner in which He was to be approached. The "shewbread" itself, a unique feature, represented God's continuous provision and Israel's perpetual communion with Him, a concept distinct from common ancient Near Eastern practices of offering food to idols which often involved appeasement rather than covenant fellowship.
Key Themes: This verse, situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's completion, contributes to several overarching themes. Foremost is the theme of Divine Revelation and Human Obedience, as the meticulous construction of the table, vessels, and shewbread directly reflects God's precise commands, emphasizing that true worship flows from faithful adherence to His revealed will. The presence of the Table of Showbread itself highlights God's Faithful Provision for His people, symbolizing His continuous sustenance, both physical and spiritual. Furthermore, the entire Tabernacle project, including these furnishings, underscores the theme of God's Dwelling Presence among His people, establishing a sacred space for communion and fellowship. The detailed inventory also reinforces the Holiness and Sacredness of all elements associated with divine worship, demanding reverence and precision in their preparation and use.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 39:36, as an entry within a larger inventory, employs several significant literary devices. Enumeration is a dominant feature throughout this chapter, as each item of the Tabernacle is meticulously listed. This repetitive listing reinforces the themes of comprehensive completion and precise obedience to God's commands, underscoring the divine order. The verse also utilizes Synecdoche, where "the table" stands in for the entire ritual and symbolic system associated with the shewbread, implying the complete readiness of this specific aspect of the sanctuary for its sacred function. Furthermore, Symbolism is inherent in the items themselves: the table representing God's provision and covenant faithfulness, the vessels signifying the means of sacred service and purity, and the shewbread embodying God's sustaining presence and the intimate communion between God and Israel. The detailed nature of the list, repeated throughout the chapter, creates a powerful sense of Emphasis on the Israelites' unwavering faithfulness in executing God's divine blueprint to the letter, highlighting their devotion and the sanctity of the task.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:36, by listing the Table of Showbread and its accompanying elements, powerfully reiterates God's desire for an ordered, intentional, and covenantal relationship with His people. The meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint for these items underscores the principle that true worship is not arbitrary but must align with God's revealed will and precise instructions. The "shewbread" itself is a profound symbol of God's continuous provision for His people, both physically and spiritually, reminding them that their sustenance and life come directly from Him. This constant provision fostered a sense of dependence and trust, reinforcing the covenant bond and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail and faithful execution described in Exodus 39:36, particularly concerning the Table of Showbread, invite us to reflect deeply on the nature of our own worship and service to God. Just as the Israelites were called to precise obedience in crafting God's dwelling, we are called to intentionality, diligence, and reverence in our spiritual lives. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, and He desires that our approach to Him be thoughtful, disciplined, and reverent, reflecting His holiness and not merely our convenience or preferences. Furthermore, the enduring symbolism of the shewbread—God's continuous provision—serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate sustenance, both physical and spiritual, comes solely from Him. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and self-sufficiency, this passage calls us back to a posture of humble dependence on the Lord, trusting Him to meet our deepest needs and to sustain us in every season of life. Our faithfulness in seemingly small details can powerfully reflect a larger faithfulness to God's grand design for our lives and His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the Table of Showbread and the shewbread itself?
Answer: The Table of Showbread, along with the shewbread, served multiple crucial purposes within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. Primarily, it symbolized God's continuous presence and unfailing provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve loaves, representing each tribe, were perpetually "before the face of the LORD" (Leviticus 24:8), signifying an unbroken covenant relationship and God's faithfulness to sustain His people. It was a tangible reminder that Israel lived by God's grace and provision, not by their own strength or resources. Additionally, the ritual of replacing the bread weekly and its subsequent consumption by the priests underscored the sacred communion between God and His chosen people, mediated through priestly service, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their fellowship with the Divine.
Why was such extreme detail given for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the items in Exodus 39:36?
Answer: The extreme detail in the divine instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as seen in Exodus 25 through Exodus 31 and their faithful execution in Exodus 35 through Exodus 39, served several vital purposes. First, it emphasized God's absolute holiness and transcendence, demonstrating that He is to be approached on His terms, not human terms or preferences. Second, it ensured uniformity, purity, and reverence in worship, preventing human innovation from corrupting divine revelation. Third, every detail was imbued with profound symbolic meaning, pointing to deeper spiritual truths and ultimately foreshadowing the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Finally, the meticulous obedience required of the Israelites underscored the paramount importance of faithfulness and reverence in their relationship with God, setting a precedent for all future generations regarding the sanctity of divine commands.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Table of Showbread and the shewbread, meticulously crafted and listed in Exodus 39:36, find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "bread of presence" that continually lay before the Lord in the Tabernacle prefigured Jesus, who declared Himself to be the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35). Unlike the physical bread that sustained Israel in the wilderness, Jesus offers eternal spiritual nourishment, promising that "whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life" (John 6:54). He is the true and living bread that came down from heaven, providing ultimate sustenance for humanity (John 6:51). Furthermore, just as the shewbread symbolized God's constant presence with His people, Jesus is Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity. The Tabernacle, with all its furnishings and rituals, was a shadow; Christ is the substance and reality (Colossians 2:17). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has become our access to God's presence, establishing a new and living way into the holiest place (Hebrews 10:19-20), fulfilling the communion symbolized by the Table of Showbread, and making it possible for believers to perpetually feast on Him, the true Bread of Life, in an unending covenant relationship.