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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 40:16–33.
When the tabernacle and the furniture of it were prepared, they did not put off the rearing of it till they came to Canaan, though they now hoped to be there very shortly; but, in obedience to the will of God, they set it up in the midst of their camp, while they were in the wilderness. Those that are unsettled in the world must not think that this will excuse them in their continued irreligion; as if it were enough to begin to serve God when they begin to be settled in the world. No; a tabernacle for God is a very needful and profitable companion even in a wilderness, especially considering that our carcases may fall in that wilderness, and we may be fixed in another world before we come to fix in this.
The rearing of the tabernacle was a good day's work; the consecrating of it, and of the priests, was attended to some days after. Here we have an account only of that new-year's-day's work. 1. Moses not only did all that God directed him to do, but in the order that God appointed; for God will be sought in the due order. 2. To each particular there is added an express reference to the divine appointment, which Moses governed himself by as carefully and conscientiously as the workmen did; and therefore, as before, so here it is repeated, as the Lord commanded Moses, seven times in less than fourteen verses. Moses himself, as great a man as he was, would not pretend to vary from the institution, neither to add to it nor diminish from it, in the least punctilio. Those that command others must remember that their Master also is in heaven, and they must do as they are commanded. 3. That which was to be veiled be veiled (Exo 40:21), and that which was to be used he used immediately, for the instruction of the priests, that by seeing him do the several offices they might learn to do them the more dexterously. Though Moses was not properly a priest, yet he is numbered among the priests (Psa 99:6), and the Jewish writers call him the priest of the priests; what he did he did by special warrant and direction from God, rather as a prophet, or law-giver, than as a priest. He set the wheels a going, and then left the work in the hands of the appointed ministry. (1.) When he had placed the table, he set the show-bread in order upon it (Exo 40:23); for God will never have his table unfurnished. (2.) As soon as he had fixed the candlestick, he lighted the lamps before the Lord, Exo 40:25. Even that dark dispensation would not admit of unlighted candles. (3.) The golden altar being put in its place, immediately he burnt sweet incense thereon (Exo 40:27); for God's altar must be a smoking altar. (4.) The altar of the burnt-offering was no sooner set up in the court of the tabernacle than he had a burnt-offering, and a meat-offering, ready to offer upon it, Exo 40:29. Some think, though this is mentioned here, it was not done till some time after; but it seems to me that he immediately began the ceremony of its consecration, though it was not completed for seven days. (5.) At the laver likewise, when he had fixed that, Moses himself washed his hands and feet. Thus, in all these instances, he not only showed the priests how to do their duty, but has taught us that God's gifts are intended for use, and not barely for show. Though the altars, and table, and candlestick, were fresh and new, he did not say it was a pity to sully them; no, he handselled them immediately. Talents were given to be occupied, not to be buried.
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Summary
Exodus 40:16 serves as the climactic declaration of Moses' perfect and comprehensive obedience in the establishment of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people. This verse brings to a resounding close the detailed narrative of the Tabernacle's construction and erection, affirming that every divine instruction, no matter how minute, was meticulously fulfilled. It underscores the foundational theological principle that true worship and covenant relationship with the LORD are predicated upon absolute fidelity to His revealed commands, setting an enduring precedent for Israel's sacred life and identity.
Context
Literary Context
This verse provides the ultimate summary and seal of completion for the entire Tabernacle project, which dominates the latter half of the book of Exodus. It immediately follows the detailed account of Moses personally erecting the Tabernacle and arranging all its sacred furnishings, from the Ark of the Covenant to the laver, and consecrating the priesthood, as meticulously laid out in Exodus 40:1-15. This final statement of obedience echoes and fulfills the extensive divine blueprint given in Exodus 25-31 and the subsequent meticulous execution of those plans by the Israelites, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, in Exodus 35-39. Thus, Exodus 40:16 functions as the conclusive validation that the divine will for His dwelling place was perfectly translated into physical reality, establishing the proper conditions for God's presence to descend upon the Tabernacle, as described in the very next verses (Exodus 40:34-35).
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting for Exodus 40:16 is the wilderness of Sinai, a pivotal moment in Israel's nascent history as a nation. Having been miraculously delivered from Egyptian slavery and having entered into a covenant relationship with Yahweh at Mount Sinai (as detailed in Exodus 19-24), the Tabernacle represented the physical embodiment of God's covenant presence among His people. In a nomadic culture, a portable sanctuary was essential, signifying God's journeying with them. The meticulousness of the divine instructions, from the precise dimensions to the specific materials and rituals, was not merely architectural but profoundly theological. Every detail conveyed truths about God's holiness, His redemptive plan, and the prescribed means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. Moses' unreserved obedience, therefore, was not merely an act of compliance but a foundational act of worship, covenant faithfulness, and the very prerequisite for God's manifest presence to indwell the Tabernacle, thereby legitimizing Israel's identity as God's chosen people and the validity of their worship system.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Authority, as God's commands are presented as absolute and non-negotiable, requiring precise execution. Closely related is the theme of Obedience, highlighted as the proper human response to divine revelation, particularly in matters of worship and covenant faithfulness. Moses' actions exemplify perfect obedience, setting a standard for all Israel. The verse also contributes to the theme of God's Dwelling Presence (Shekinah), as the meticulous construction and setup of the Tabernacle, confirmed by Moses' obedience, prepares the way for the glory of the LORD to fill the sanctuary (Exodus 40:34). Finally, it reinforces the theme of Holiness, emphasizing that God's sacred space and the means of approaching Him must be established and maintained with utmost precision and reverence, reflecting His pure and set-apart nature (as seen in the detailed regulations for the Tabernacle and priesthood in Exodus 25-31).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
"Thus did Moses"
This opening phrase immediately establishes Moses as the central figure of action, emphasizing his personal agency and responsibility in the final, critical stage of the Tabernacle's erection. It signals the commencement of the execution phase, following the detailed instructions.
"according to all that the LORD commanded him"
This crucial clause serves as the divine standard and measure against which Moses' actions are judged and affirmed. It explicitly states that his conduct was not born of his own discretion, wisdom, or convenience, but was in perfect, comprehensive alignment with the exhaustive and specific instructions issued by Yahweh Himself. The emphatic inclusion of "all" underscores the totality and exactness of the divine blueprint, leaving no room for partial or selective obedience.
"so did he."
This concluding phrase powerfully confirms the perfect correspondence between the divine command and the human execution. It acts as a definitive affirmation of Moses' complete and unwavering obedience. The repetition of the verb "did" (from "Thus did Moses") creates a literary inclusio, or bracket, reinforcing the central message: what was commanded by God was precisely and perfectly accomplished by Moses.
Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Exodus 40:16, and indeed throughout the concluding chapters of Exodus concerning the Tabernacle, is Repetition. The phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he" (or its close variations) serves as a recurring Leitmotif. This deliberate and consistent repetition functions as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing with unwavering force the exactness and totality of Moses' (and by extension, the Israelites') obedience in the construction and setup of the Tabernacle. It acts as a theological seal of approval, underscoring that every detail of the divine blueprint was meticulously followed. This literary technique not only confirms the faithfulness of Moses but also profoundly reinforces the central theological message of the entire narrative: God's authority is absolute, His commands are precise, and unreserved obedience is the indispensable foundation for legitimate worship and the manifestation of His holy presence. The Inclusio created by the repetition of "did" at the beginning and end of the verse further highlights this perfect correspondence between divine instruction and human action.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 40:16 profoundly articulates the theological principle that authentic worship and service to God must be rooted in absolute and meticulous obedience to His revealed will. This verse transcends mere historical reporting; it establishes a foundational paradigm for the covenant relationship, where human initiative must yield to divine prescription in matters of sacred space and approach to a holy God. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over His people and His desire for a relationship built on faithfulness and trust, where His commands are not seen as burdensome restrictions but as the very pathway to His presence, blessing, and the proper functioning of the community. The efficacy of the Tabernacle as a place of atonement, communion, and divine revelation was entirely dependent on its being built and consecrated "according to all that the LORD commanded," setting a timeless standard for all who seek to honor Him.
Reflection and Application
Moses' exemplary and comprehensive obedience in Exodus 40:16 stands as a profound and timeless model for believers across all generations. Just as Moses meticulously followed God's intricate blueprint for the physical Tabernacle, we are called to a similar precision, dedication, and unreserved commitment in our adherence to God's commands revealed in His Holy Word. This verse challenges us to deeply examine the nature and depth of our own obedience: do we selectively follow God's will, picking and choosing what is convenient or appealing, or do we strive to obey "all that the LORD commanded," embracing the full counsel of His Word? Our worship, our service, our relationships, and indeed, every facet of our daily lives, are truly acceptable, effective, and transformative when they are aligned with His divine design, not our own preferences, interpretations, or cultural norms. It serves as a potent reminder that faithfulness is not merely about good intentions or outward displays, but about diligent attention to God's revealed will and the precise, humble execution of it. This commitment to comprehensive obedience is the very foundation of a thriving, intimate relationship with God and the pathway to experiencing His manifest presence and abundant blessing in our lives and in our communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Moses' obedience so heavily emphasized in the Tabernacle narrative?
Moses' obedience is heavily emphasized throughout the Tabernacle narrative to underscore the divine origin and absolute authority of the Tabernacle's design and purpose. It highlights that this sacred dwelling was not a human invention or a matter of human discretion, but a direct, detailed command from God Himself, intended to facilitate His holy dwelling among His people. The repeated phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he" (or similar variations, seen frequently in Exodus 39 and Exodus 40) serves as a theological seal of approval, ensuring that every detail was precisely as God intended. This meticulous adherence was crucial because the Tabernacle was the sacred space where a holy God would meet with a sinful people, and any deviation could compromise its efficacy, God's holiness, or the covenant relationship. It sets a foundational precedent for all future worship and service within Israel, emphasizing that God's way, as revealed, is the only acceptable and effective way to approach and honor Him.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 40:16, with its profound emphasis on Moses' perfect and complete obedience in establishing God's dwelling place among His people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses meticulously followed every divine instruction concerning the earthly Tabernacle, Christ perfectly fulfilled "all that the LORD commanded" in establishing the true, eternal dwelling of God among humanity. The Tabernacle, a temporary and symbolic structure, pointed to Christ as the ultimate and perfect meeting place between God and humanity, for in Him "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus Himself declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34), echoing Moses' comprehensive submission. His obedience was not merely in constructing a physical structure, but in perfectly living out God's law, fulfilling all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), and offering Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). Through His perfect obedience, Christ inaugurated a new covenant and opened the way for God to dwell not in a tent made with hands, but in the hearts of believers by His Spirit, making them a "holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:21-22). Thus, Moses' obedience in Exodus 40:16 serves as a powerful type, pointing forward to the greater, redemptive, and all-encompassing obedience of Christ, who perfectly accomplished God's will to bring about our salvation and establish the true and eternal temple of God.