Exodus 40:16

KJV

¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus did {H6213} Moses {H4872}: according to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} him, so did {H6213} he.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe did this - he acted in accordance with everything ADONAI had ordered him to do.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

Thus did Moses: according to all that Jehovah commanded him, so did he.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/40-1-15 "Exodus 40:1-15 - The Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle"). This final statement of obedience echoes and fulfills the extensive divine blueprint given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and the subsequent meticulous execution of those plans by the Israelites, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, in [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - The Construction of the Tabernacle"). Thus, [Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Exodus 40:16 - Moses' Obedience") 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](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")).
* **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](/exodus/19-24 "Exodus 19-24 - The Sinai Covenant")), 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](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). 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](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle and Priestly Instructions")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **did (Hebrew: עָשָׂה, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb, translated as "did" or "made," is a primitive root signifying to do or make in the broadest sense and widest application. In the context of Moses' actions, it conveys not merely passive reception but active, diligent, and comprehensive execution. It implies the effort, skill, and precision involved in translating God's detailed blueprints into physical reality. The repetition of this verb, particularly in the phrase "so did he," underscores the thoroughness and completeness of Moses' work, leaving no command unfulfilled.
* **Moses (Hebrew: מֹשֶׁה, _Môsheh'_):** The name "Moses" itself, derived from the root meaning "drawing out," signifies his rescue from the water. In this verse, as the subject of the action, Moses represents the divinely appointed leader and mediator through whom God's commands were received and executed. His personal involvement and meticulous attention to every detail are highlighted, underscoring his unique role as the faithful servant in God's house, a theme later echoed in the New Testament ([Hebrews 3:2-5](/hebrews/3-2-5 "Hebrews 3:2-5 - Moses, a Faithful Servant")). His obedience here is emblematic of the ideal response of God's chosen servant.
* **commanded (Hebrew: צִוָּה, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb is an intensive form of a primitive root meaning "to constitute, enjoin." It denotes a direct, authoritative instruction, an imperative, or a charge given by one in a position of supreme authority. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) as the one who commanded reinforces the divine origin and absolute sovereignty of these instructions. This word emphasizes that the Tabernacle's design and setup were not human inventions or suggestions, but non-negotiable divine imperatives, demanding unreserved and precise adherence.

#### 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.

* [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Walk in All the Way")
* [Joshua 11:15](/joshua/11-15 "Joshua 11:15 - Joshua's Obedience to Moses' Commands")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")

### 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
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to obey God selectively rather than "according to all that the LORD commanded"?**
* **How does Moses' meticulous and comprehensive obedience challenge my personal approach to God's Word and His instructions for my life and worship?**
* **What practical, concrete steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper, more consistent, and more comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will, as modeled by Moses?**

### FAQ

**Why is Moses' obedience so heavily emphasized in the Tabernacle narrative?**

Answer: 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](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - The Priestly Garments and Tabernacle Construction") and [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected")) 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Jesus Himself declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Mission")), 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](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")), and offering Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). 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](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")). 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.

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 40:17

And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first [day] of the month, [that] the tabernacle was reared up.

Exodus 40:32

When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Exodus 39:42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Exodus 39:43

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.

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.