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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 40:1–15.
The materials and furniture of the tabernacle had been viewed severally and approved, and now they must be put together. 1. God here directs Moses to set up the tabernacle and the utensils of it in their places. Though the work of the tabernacle was finished, and every thing ready for rearing, and the people, no doubt, were very desirous to see it up, yet Moses will not erect it till he has express orders for doing so. It is good to see God going before us in every step, Psa 37:23. The time for doing this is fixed to the first day of the first month (Exo 40:2), which wanted but fourteen days of a year since they came out of Egypt; and a good year's work there was done in it. Probably the work was made ready but just at the end of the year, so that the appointing of this day gave no delay, or next to none, to this good work. We must not put off any necessary duty under pretence of waiting for some remarkable day; the present season is the most convenient. But the tabernacle happening to be set up on the first day of the first month intimates that it is good to begin the year with some good work. Let him that is the first have the first; and let the things of his kingdom be first sought. In Hezekiah's time we find they began to sanctify the temple on the first day of the first month, Ch2 29:17. The new moon (which by their computation was the first day of every month) was observed by them with some solemnity; and therefore this first new moon of the year was thus made remarkable. Note, When a new year begins, we should think of serving God more and better than we did the year before. Moses is particularly ordered to set up the tabernacle itself first, in which God would dwell and would be served (Exo 40:2), then to put the ark in its place, and draw the veil before it (Exo 40:3), then to fix the table, and the candlestick, and the altar of incense, without the veil (Exo 40:4, Exo 40:5), and to fix the hanging of the door before the door. Then in the court he must place the altar of burnt offering, and the laver (Exo 40:6, Exo 40:7); and, lastly, he must set up the curtains of the court, and a hanging for a court-gate. And all this would be easily done in one day, many hands no doubt being employed in it under the direction of Moses. 2. He directs Moses, when he had set up the tabernacle and all the furniture of it, to consecrate it and them, by anointing them with the oil which was prepared for the purpose, Exo 30:25, etc. It was there ordered that this should be done; here it was ordered that it should be done now, Exo 40:9-11. Observe, Every thing was sanctified when it was put in its proper place, and not till then, for till then it was not fit for the use to which it was to be sanctified. As every thing is beautiful in its season, so is every thing in its place. 3. He directs him to consecrate Aaron and his sons. When the goods were brought into God's house, they were marked first, and then servants were hired to bear the vessels of the Lord; and those must be clean who were put into that office, Exo 40:12-15. The law which was now ordered to be put in execution we had before, ch. 29. Thus in the visible church, which is God's tabernacle among men, it is requisite that there be ministers to keep the charge of the sanctuary, and that they receive the anointing.
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Summary
Exodus 40:1 serves as the pivotal and concise opening to the final chapter of the book of Exodus, marking the culmination of extensive divine instructions and meticulous human craftsmanship concerning the Tabernacle. This brief yet profound verse sets the stage for the immediate and precise implementation of God's blueprint for His dwelling place among the Israelites, transitioning from the detailed architectural plans and construction narratives to the sacred act of erecting the sanctuary. It underscores the divine initiative and the imminent establishment of God's manifest presence in the midst of His covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 40:1 stands at a crucial juncture, bridging the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction (found in Exodus 25-31) and the meticulous account of its actual construction and the making of the priestly garments (narrated in Exodus 35-39). Prior to this verse, the narrative has exhaustively detailed every component, material, and procedure for the sanctuary, emphasizing God's precise design. The preceding chapters meticulously describe the skilled artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, and the willing contributions of the people, all working according to "all that the LORD had commanded Moses" (Exodus 39:32). Thus, Exodus 40:1 pivots from the making of the Tabernacle's components to its erection and consecration, signaling the imminent fulfillment of God's desire to dwell among His people. It is the divine command that initiates the final, crucial step for God's glory to fill the sanctuary, establishing His tangible presence among His people as promised in Exodus 25:8.
Historical & Cultural Context
The command in Exodus 40:1 is given to Moses and the Israelites approximately one year after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, following the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Having experienced divine salvation and entered into a covenant relationship with Yahweh, the people are now poised to establish the physical epicenter of their worship and God's presence within their nomadic camp. The Tabernacle, as a portable sanctuary, was not merely a building but a tangible representation of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to journey with His people through the wilderness. This moment is critical for the nascent nation of Israel, as the Tabernacle's erection would signify the formal establishment of the cultic system and the visible manifestation of God's glory, transforming them from a liberated slave people into a nation uniquely indwelt by their sovereign God.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Presence, as God's command to erect the Tabernacle directly leads to His dwelling among Israel, a promise reiterated throughout the narrative, particularly in Exodus 29:45-46. Closely related is Divine Initiative and Sovereignty, as God consistently initiates communication and directs His people's actions, emphasizing that the Tabernacle's construction and erection are entirely His design and will. The theme of Obedience to Divine Command is also paramount, as Moses and the Israelites meticulously follow every instruction, demonstrating faithful adherence to God's detailed blueprint, a pattern seen from the initial call of Moses in Exodus 3 to the giving of the Law in Exodus 20.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Its use here, as throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizes God's relational and faithful character as "the self-Existent or Eternal." It is the God who delivered Israel from slavery, made a covenant with them at Sinai, and now actively directs the establishment of His dwelling place among them. The use of Yᵉhôvâh underscores that this command is not from a generic deity but from the specific, living God who has entered into a unique, binding relationship with Israel.
This verb, a common formulaic opening in divine communications, signifies a direct, authoritative, and often detailed utterance from God. Derived from a root meaning "to arrange," it implies a deliberate and intentional act of communication, highlighting God's initiative and sovereignty. Unlike a casual conversation, dâbar denotes a formal declaration, emphasizing the binding nature of the instructions that follow and Moses' role as the direct recipient and mediator of God's will.
This name, meaning "drawing out (of the water)" or "rescued," identifies the Israelite lawgiver and leader. His consistent appearance as the recipient of divine commands throughout Exodus underscores his unique role as God's chosen mediator between Yahweh and His people. The direct address to Moses highlights the personal nature of God's communication and the weighty responsibility placed upon him to faithfully convey and execute God's will for the Tabernacle's erection.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD spake"
This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the subsequent instructions. It is God Himself, Yᵉhôvâh, the covenant-keeping God, who initiates this communication. This emphasizes His active involvement in the lives of His people and His sovereign control over the establishment of His dwelling place. It sets the tone for the entire chapter as a divine directive, not a human endeavor, highlighting God's meticulous planning and purposeful action.
"unto Moses"
Moses is once again identified as the sole human recipient of God's direct command. This reiterates his unique and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator and leader for Israel. The instructions are delivered personally to him, underscoring the intimacy of his relationship with God and the immense weight of responsibility placed upon him to faithfully convey and execute God's precise will to the people.
"saying"
This word acts as a crucial transitional marker, indicating that the specific contents of God's command are about to follow. It signals the beginning of a detailed set of instructions for the erection and consecration of the Tabernacle, linking the divine utterance to the practical actions required for its completion and functionality. It serves as a direct lead-in, preparing the reader for the detailed commands that will unfold in the rest of Exodus 40.
Literary Devices
Exodus 40:1 primarily employs Formulaic Opening and functions as a Divine Speech Act. The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is a recurring literary formula throughout the Pentateuch, signaling a direct divine revelation and establishing the unquestionable authority of the subsequent text. This consistent repetition creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the reliable pattern of God's communication with His chosen leader. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Divine Speech Act, where the very act of God speaking brings about a command that requires immediate and precise action. It's not merely a description of speech but a performative utterance that initiates the final, crucial phase of the Tabernacle's establishment, demonstrating God's active involvement and sovereign direction over His people's worship and their journey through the wilderness. The conciseness of the verse also highlights its Pivotal Nature, marking a significant transition point in the narrative.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 40:1 encapsulates profound theological truths, primarily emphasizing God's unwavering desire for intimate fellowship with humanity and His sovereign initiative in establishing the means for that communion. The command to erect the Tabernacle is the culmination of God's redemptive work in bringing Israel out of Egypt, demonstrating that salvation is not merely freedom from bondage but freedom for worship and communion with God. It highlights God as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous detail, whose plans are always for the good of His people and the manifestation of His glory. This divine directive underscores the principle that true worship is always in response to God's revelation and according to His prescribed ways, setting a precedent for obedience as a fundamental aspect of the covenant relationship and revealing God's faithfulness to His promise to dwell among His people.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 40:1, though brief, serves as a powerful reminder of God's intentionality and His desire to dwell among His people. Just as God meticulously planned the Tabernacle and gave precise instructions for its erection, He continues to have a divine blueprint for our lives and for His Church today. This verse calls us to a posture of attentive listening and faithful obedience to God's revealed will. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is not a haphazard endeavor but a response to God's clear commands, inviting us to participate in His grand design. As the Tabernacle was the physical center of God's presence for Israel, we are encouraged to consider what it means for us, as individuals and as a community of believers, to be a dwelling place for God's Spirit, living in a manner that honors His presence and fulfills His purposes. This divine command to "erect" God's dwelling place challenges us to actively participate in building up the spiritual house of God, living lives that reflect His glory and invite His presence into our world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Exodus 40:1, a seemingly simple verse, considered so significant?
Exodus 40:1 is highly significant because it marks the critical transition from the planning and construction of the Tabernacle to its actual erection and consecration. After many chapters detailing God's precise blueprint (Exodus 25-31) and the meticulous work of the Israelites in building it (Exodus 35-39), this verse signals the moment of fulfillment. It is the divine command that initiates the final, crucial step for God's glory to fill the sanctuary, establishing His tangible presence among His people as promised in Exodus 25:8. It underscores God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His desire for intimate communion with humanity, moving from divine instruction to divine indwelling.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 40:1, with its emphasis on God's command to establish His dwelling place among His people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, meticulously designed and erected, served as a temporary and symbolic representation of God's desire to dwell with humanity, a foreshadowing of a greater reality. Just as the LORD "spake unto Moses" to initiate the Tabernacle's erection, so too did God speak His ultimate Word into existence in the person of Jesus, the Word made flesh who "tabernacled" among us. Christ is the true and perfect sanctuary, the very embodiment of God's presence, where humanity can truly meet with God without the need for a physical structure or sacrificial system. His body became the temple that was destroyed and raised in three days (John 2:19-21), signifying the end of the old system and the inauguration of a new, living way to God. Through Christ, the promise of God dwelling with His people is fully realized, not in a tent of skins and wood, but in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers, making the Church the temple of God and ultimately culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God Himself will dwell with His people forever.