TRV
Translation
King James Version
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,
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
the tapestries for the courtyard, with their posts and sockets; the screen for the entrance to the courtyard, with its ropes and tent pegs; all the utensils for the service in the tabernacle, the tent of meeting;
Berean Standard Bible
the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases; the curtain for the gate of the courtyard, its ropes and tent pegs, and all the equipment for the service of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting;
American Standard Version
the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court, the cords thereof, and the pins thereof, and all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting;
World English Bible Messianic
the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the Tent of Meeting,
Geneva Bible (1599)
The curtaines of the court with his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging to the court gate, and his cordes, and his pinnes, and all the instruments of the seruice of the Tabernacle, called the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
Young's Literal Translation
The hangings of the court, its pillars, and its sockets; and the covering for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pins; and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting;
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In the KJVVerse 2,705 of 31,102
Study This Verse
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 39:40 concludes a meticulous inventory of the Tabernacle's outer court components and all its service vessels, confirming their precise completion according to God's detailed instructions. This verse, situated within the final chapters detailing the construction and assembly of the wilderness sanctuary, emphatically underscores the Israelites' diligent obedience and the comprehensive readiness of every element required for God's holy dwelling place among His people. It highlights the thoroughness with which the divine blueprint was executed, ensuring that the sacred space was fully equipped for its intended purpose of worship, atonement, and divine communion.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 39:40 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of meticulous completion and divine order. Enumeration is prominently featured, as the verse systematically lists specific components of the Tabernacle's outer court ("hangings," "pillars," "sockets," "hanging for the court gate," "cords," "pins," "vessels"). This detailed itemization serves to underscore the thoroughness of the work performed by the Israelites and their precise adherence to God's exacting instructions. The use of Merism is also evident, particularly in the listing of "cords, and his pins," where these specific, seemingly minor parts are mentioned to represent the entirety of the court's structural and operational needs, implying that everything, from the largest to the smallest component, was complete. Furthermore, the phrase "all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle" functions as a form of Synecdoche, where a part (the vessels) stands for the whole (the complete operational readiness of the Tabernacle for worship and ministry). The cumulative effect of these literary devices is to powerfully emphasize the divine demand for exact obedience, the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, and the complete readiness of His dwelling place among His people, ensuring that nothing was lacking for sacred worship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:40, by meticulously listing the completed components of the Tabernacle's outer court and its service vessels, profoundly underscores God's character as a God of order, precision, and holiness. It reveals that every detail, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is vitally important for the proper functioning of His sacred dwelling and the performance of acceptable worship. This divine insistence on meticulous adherence to the blueprint teaches us that God values not only the grand acts of faith and obedience but also the diligent attention to the "small" details in our service and devotion. The completeness of the Tabernacle's preparation signifies God's desire for a fully equipped and ready people to approach Him in worship, reflecting His own perfect and unblemished nature. This theme of comprehensive readiness and faithful execution resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to a life of intentionality and diligence in their walk with God, understanding that true worship encompasses every aspect of our lives.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous inventory of Exodus 39:40 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that God is a God of infinite detail, and He values precision, diligence, and thoroughness in our service to Him. Just as every cord and pin was essential for the Tabernacle's stability and function, so too are the seemingly small, often unseen acts of obedience and faithfulness crucial in our spiritual lives. This passage challenges us to deeply consider whether we are giving our "all" in our walk with God, not merely in grand gestures or public displays, but in the everyday disciplines, the hidden acts of service, and the quiet moments of devotion. Are we, like the Israelites faithfully preparing the Tabernacle, ensuring that "all the vessels of our service"—our gifts, talents, time, resources, and even our thoughts—are fully equipped, consecrated, and ready for God's purposes? This verse calls us to a life of intentionality, where every aspect of our being is consecrated and prepared for God's glory, reflecting His character of order and holiness in our personal lives, our family relationships, and our corporate worship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are such seemingly minor details like "cords and pins" included in the divine instructions and inventory?
Answer: The inclusion of seemingly minor details like "cords and pins" in the divine instructions and the final inventory highlights several crucial theological principles. First, it underscores God's comprehensive nature and His demand for absolute precision in all matters related to His worship. Every single component, no matter how small, was essential for the structural integrity and proper function of the Tabernacle, and therefore, for the sanctity of the space where God would dwell and meet with His people. Second, it emphasizes the theme of complete obedience; the Israelites were not to deviate from God's blueprint in any way, demonstrating that true worship involves faithful adherence to all of His commands, not just the prominent ones. Finally, it teaches that in God's economy, there are no insignificant parts. Every element contributes to the whole, and the failure of even a small component could compromise the entire structure or the sacredness of the service. It speaks to God's meticulous care and His expectation that His people reflect that same diligence in their devotion and service to Him.
What is the significance of "all the vessels of the service"?
Answer: The phrase "all the vessels of the service" is highly significant because it signifies the comprehensive readiness of the Tabernacle for its sacred purpose. It means that every single implement, tool, and utensil required for the priests to perform the rituals, sacrifices, and daily operations within the sanctuary was completed and accounted for. This ensured that worship could be performed completely, efficiently, and according to God's prescribed order, without any deficiency. Theologically, it speaks to the thoroughness of the Israelites' obedience in preparing a fully functional dwelling place for God. It implies that God desires His people to be fully equipped and prepared for His service, leaving nothing undone that is necessary for proper worship and ministry. This concept foreshadows the call for believers to be fully prepared and equipped for every good work in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction and comprehensive readiness of the Tabernacle, as highlighted in Exodus 39:40, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its precise dimensions, holy furnishings, and the careful preparation of "all the vessels of the service," was a tangible shadow, a divinely ordained type, of the perfect reality to come (Hebrews 8:5). Jesus is the true and ultimate Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). Every detail of the Tabernacle, from its outer court to the Holy of Holies, pointed to Christ's perfect person and redemptive work. The "hangings of the court" that defined the sacred space and limited access are fulfilled in Christ, who is the only way to the Father, granting full and direct access to God through His own body, which was torn as the veil in the temple (Hebrews 10:19-20). The "vessels of the service" and the comprehensive readiness of the Tabernacle foreshadow Christ's perfectly completed work on the cross, where He offered Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, requiring no further "service" or ritual to complete our atonement. Through Christ's finished work, we are now made a spiritual house, a temple of the Holy Spirit, fully equipped and ready to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him (1 Peter 2:5).