Exodus 39:40

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,

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},

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;

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;

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

Context

Exodus 39:40 falls within the final chapters of the Book of Exodus, which meticulously detail the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. Following God's precise instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (as seen from Exodus 25 onwards), the Israelites, led by skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab, diligently worked to bring the divine blueprint to life. This particular verse is part of the comprehensive inventory of finished components that were brought to Moses for his inspection and approval, before the Tabernacle could be fully assembled and dedicated. It specifically lists elements pertaining to the outer court of the Tabernacle and its operational needs.

Key Themes

  • Meticulous Obedience: The verse, like the surrounding chapters, emphasizes the Israelites' exact adherence to God's commands. Every detail, no matter how small—from the grand hangings to the seemingly insignificant cords and pins—was crafted according to the divine pattern. This highlights the importance of obedience in serving God.
  • Completeness and Readiness: The enumeration of "all the vessels of the service" signifies that every necessary item for the Tabernacle's function was prepared and accounted for. This ensured that the wilderness sanctuary was fully equipped for its sacred purpose of worship and atonement.
  • God's Presence and Order: The Tabernacle was designed as God's dwelling place among His people. The careful construction of its components, including the court hangings and gate, established a sacred space that was both accessible and holy, demonstrating God's desire for an ordered and reverent approach to His presence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses specific terms that, while clear, carry functional meaning:

  • "Hangings" (Hebrew: קְלָעִים, qela'im): Refers to the curtains or tapestries that formed the walls of the outer court, creating a defined boundary for the sacred space. These were made of fine twined linen (Exodus 27:9).
  • "Sockets" (Hebrew: אֲדָנִים, adaním): These were the heavy bases, often made of bronze or silver, into which the pillars were set. They provided stability and support for the entire structure of the court.
  • "Vessels of the service": This is a general term encompassing all the various implements, utensils, and tools required for the daily operations and rituals within the Tabernacle, ensuring that all aspects of worship could be performed properly.

Practical Application

Exodus 39:40 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Importance of Detail in Service: Just as God valued every cord and pin in the Tabernacle's construction, He values diligence and attention to detail in our service to Him. No task, however small, is insignificant when done for God's glory (Colossians 3:23).
  • Completeness in Discipleship: The preparation of "all the vessels" illustrates the call to be fully equipped for Christian life and service. This involves spiritual growth, understanding of God's Word, and readiness to fulfill our roles within the body of Christ.
  • God's Order and Purpose: The meticulous order of the Tabernacle components reflects God's character of order and purpose. Our lives and ministries should also reflect this divine order, bringing glory to Him through structured and intentional devotion. The Tabernacle itself prefigured Christ, who is our ultimate sanctuary and the one through whom we have access to God (Hebrews 9:11-12).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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