Exodus 39:40

KJV

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)

The hangings {H7050} of the court {H2691}, his pillars {H5982}, and his sockets {H134}, and the hanging {H4539} for the court {H2691} gate {H8179}, his cords {H4340}, and his pins {H3489}, and all the vessels {H3627} of the service {H5656} of the tabernacle {H4908}, for the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150},

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;

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:40 is strategically placed within the concluding section of the Book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously chronicles the transition from God's detailed architectural commands for the Tabernacle's construction (given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle")) to the actual, painstaking execution and completion of the work. Following the initial divine directives, chapters 35-39 describe the freewill offerings of the people, the divine appointment and empowerment of skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab, and the meticulous fabrication of each Tabernacle component—from the Ark of the Covenant and the various altars to the intricate priestly garments and the elements of the outer court. Verse 40 specifically functions as a crucial part of the final inventory list (beginning in [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - The Completion of the Tabernacle Work")) presented to Moses. This comprehensive inventory serves as a meticulous checklist, providing irrefutable confirmation that every single item, no matter how seemingly minor, has been crafted precisely "as the Lord commanded Moses" ([Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - The Israelites' Obedience")). This careful literary placement profoundly emphasizes the overarching theme of perfect obedience to divine revelation and the complete fulfillment of God's precise instructions before the Tabernacle's ultimate erection and dedication in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with God's Glory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle transpired in the desolate wilderness, a pivotal period shortly after the Israelites' miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage and the foundational giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. As a nomadic people, the Tabernacle served as their portable, central sanctuary, a tangible and visible symbol of God's holy presence dwelling in their midst. In the broader ancient Near East, temples were ubiquitous and central to a nation's identity and worship, often believed to reflect the cosmic order. However, unlike pagan temples built to appease a pantheon of deities, the Tabernacle was designed by singular divine revelation, emphasizing the unique, singular, and holy God of Israel, Yahweh. The meticulous attention to detail, even for seemingly small items like "cords and pins," reflects a cultural understanding that sacred spaces demanded absolute precision, purity, and adherence to divine specifications. The materials themselves, generously gathered through freewill offerings from the people ([Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Offerings for the Tabernacle")), highlighted communal participation, devotion, and ownership. The entire process, culminating in this detailed inventory, established a foundational pattern for Israel's worship, national identity, and their relationship with Yahweh, centered on His ordered and holy presence.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 39:40 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Command and Human Obedience**. The repeated phrase "as the Lord commanded Moses" (e.g., [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Obedience to God's Commands")) underscores the absolute necessity of precise adherence to God's revealed will, demonstrating that true worship is not self-invented but divinely prescribed. This verse also highlights the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence (Shekinah)**, as the meticulous preparation of every component ensures a fitting and holy place for Yahweh to reside among His people, fulfilling His promise to "dwell among them" ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). Furthermore, the comprehensive nature of the inventory points to the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. Every element, from the grand hangings to the smallest pin, contributes to the sacred boundary that separates the holy from the common, emphasizing God's transcendent holiness and the careful approach required to enter His presence. Finally, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Order and Perfection**, revealing a God who orchestrates even the minutest details for the proper functioning of His redemptive plan and the worship of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hangings (Hebrew, _qelaʻ_):** (H7050) This term refers to the large, finely woven linen curtains that formed the walls of the outer court of the Tabernacle. As described in [Exodus 27:9-15](/exodus/27-9-15 "Exodus 27:9-15 - The Court of the Tabernacle"), these hangings, supported by pillars, created a sacred enclosure, separating the holy space from the common ground. Their inclusion in this final inventory signifies the completion of the physical boundary that defined the Tabernacle's outer precinct, essential for establishing the sacred perimeter and controlling access to the holy area.
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden_):** (H134) These were the heavy bases, primarily made of bronze for the court pillars ([Exodus 27:10](/exodus/27-10 "Exodus 27:10 - Bronze Sockets for Pillars")) and silver for the inner sanctuary pillars, into which the wooden pillars were firmly set. These sockets provided crucial stability and support for the entire framework of the court and the Tabernacle structure itself. Their mention emphasizes the foundational integrity and structural soundness of the completed sanctuary, ensuring its durability and steadfastness against the elements in the wilderness.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy_):** (H3627) This is a comprehensive term encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or tool. In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to all the various instruments required for the daily operations, sacrifices, and rituals performed within the sanctuary. This would include items like shovels for ashes, basins for blood, flesh hooks for sacrifices, firepans for incense, and other instruments necessary for the priests' duties at the altars and within the Tent of Meeting. The phrase "all the vessels" underscores the completeness and readiness of the Tabernacle for its full range of sacred functions, ensuring that nothing was lacking for the proper performance of divine worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hangings of the court":** This phrase refers to the large, fine twined linen curtains that formed the perimeter fence of the Tabernacle's outer courtyard. These hangings served to define and delineate the sacred space, creating a physical separation between the holy ground where God would meet with His people and the common, profane wilderness surrounding it. They regulated access and visually marked the consecrated area.
* **"his pillars, and his sockets":** This specifies the vertical wooden posts ("pillars") that supported the court hangings, and the heavy bronze bases ("sockets") into which these pillars were firmly set. This detail highlights the structural integrity and stability of the entire court enclosure, ensuring that the sacred boundary was robust, well-supported, and able to withstand the elements, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's dwelling.
* **"and the hanging for the court gate":** This refers to the specific, more ornate curtain that served as the sole entrance to the outer court. Unlike the plain linen hangings forming the walls, this gate curtain was likely made of blue, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twined linen ([Exodus 27:16](/exodus/27-16 "Exodus 27:16 - The Gate of the Court")), signifying its importance as the controlled and symbolic point of access into God's presence.
* **"his cords, and his pins":** These seemingly minor items—the ropes ("cords") used to secure the hangings and the pegs or tent-pins ("pins") driven into the ground—are meticulously included to emphasize the exhaustive attention to every single detail. They were absolutely essential for securing the entire structure against wind and weather, ensuring its stability and proper function in the nomadic environment. Their inclusion underscores that no detail, however small or seemingly insignificant, was overlooked in the divine blueprint or its faithful execution.
* **"and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation":** This concluding phrase serves as a comprehensive summary, indicating that every implement, tool, and utensil necessary for the Tabernacle's rituals and daily operations was completed and accounted for. "The tent of the congregation" is another name for the Tabernacle, emphasizing its primary role as the designated meeting place between God and His people for worship, instruction, and communion. This clause signifies the total readiness of the entire sanctuary for its sacred purpose of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter.

#### 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.

* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Pattern of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life or service am I tempted to overlook the "small details," and how might a greater attention to them bring more honor to God?**
* **How does the comprehensive preparation of the Tabernacle challenge me to be more "fully equipped" and ready in my spiritual walk and service to others?**
* **What does the meticulous order and precision demanded for the Tabernacle teach me about God's character, and how should that understanding inform my approach to worship and daily living?**

### 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](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")).

### 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](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Copy of Heavenly Things")). 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](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), granting full and direct access to God through His own body, which was torn as the veil in the temple ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") 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](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), fully equipped and ready to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")).

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 27:9

¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

Exodus 27:16

And for the gate of the court [shall be] an hanging of twenty cubits, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: [and] their pillars [shall be] four, and their sockets four.