Exodus 40:18

KJV

And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} reared up {H6965} the tabernacle {H4908}, and fastened {H5414} his sockets {H134}, and set up {H7760} the boards {H7175} thereof, and put {H5414} in the bars {H1280} thereof, and reared up {H6965} his pillars {H5982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe erected the tabernacle, put its sockets in place, put up its planks, put in its crossbars and set up its posts.

Berean Standard Bible

When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.

American Standard Version

And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up its pillars.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:18 meticulously records the climactic moment of the Tabernacle's erection, as Moses, acting in precise obedience to divine command, brings the sacred dwelling to completion. This verse details the foundational steps of assembly: securing the silver sockets, setting up the gold-overlaid acacia boards, inserting the binding bars, and finally, rearing the pillars that supported the veils and court hangings. It marks the culmination of an extensive construction process, preparing the sanctuary for the manifestation of God's glory and His dwelling among His people in the wilderness, thereby underscoring the profound importance of faithful adherence to God's specific instructions for worship and communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40:18 is situated within the concluding chapter of the Book of Exodus, which serves as the grand finale to the narrative of Israel's liberation from Egypt and their establishment as God's covenant people. The preceding chapters, from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), meticulously detail God's elaborate instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the skilled craftsmanship employed by Bezalel and Oholiab to create each component. Chapter 40 then shifts from the *making* of the parts to their *assembly*, presenting a systematic, day-by-day account of the Tabernacle's erection, culminating in the divine glory filling the sanctuary (as seen in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). This verse, therefore, marks a crucial step in the physical manifestation of God's dwelling place among His people, fulfilling the command given in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary"). The repetition of the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory") emphasizes Moses's unwavering obedience, culminating in this verse's description of the physical structure taking shape.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. This period was formative for the nascent nation, as God established His covenant with them at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai") and provided the Law. The Tabernacle served as the central point of Israelite worship, a portable sanctuary that symbolized God's presence in their midst and His willingness to journey with them. Its design, though unique, incorporated elements common to ancient Near Eastern sacred spaces, such as a holy of holies and an outer court, yet it was distinct in its specific dimensions, materials, and purpose—to house the ark of the covenant and facilitate atonement. Moses's personal involvement in the final assembly, as described in this verse, highlights his unique role as mediator and leader, demonstrating his complete obedience to the divine instructions received on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant Confirmed"). The meticulous nature of the construction reflects a culture where precision in religious rites and structures was paramount, ensuring divine favor and proper communion. The Tabernacle was not merely a tent, but a microcosm of the cosmos, reflecting divine order and holiness in a world often defined by chaos.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**. The Tabernacle's completion signifies God's tangible dwelling among His people, a fulfillment of His promise to be "God with us." Secondly, the verse underscores **Obedience to Divine Command**. Moses's meticulous adherence to every detail of the blueprint, culminating in this final assembly, serves as a paradigm of faithfulness. The repeated refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Construction of the Tabernacle") and [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected") emphasizes that the Tabernacle's efficacy depended entirely on its construction according to God's precise specifications. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Order and Structure in Worship**. The systematic assembly of the Tabernacle's components reflects God's character as a God of order, establishing a structured environment for holy communion. Finally, the Tabernacle's completion sets the stage for the theme of **Atonement and Access to God**, as it becomes the place where sacrifices are offered and where the high priest can enter God's presence on behalf of the people, foreshadowing the ultimate access provided through Christ, as seen in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From H4872, meaning "drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued." This name is deeply significant as it refers to the Israelite lawgiver, the one uniquely chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage and to mediate the covenant at Sinai. His personal involvement in "rearing up the tabernacle" underscores his unparalleled role as the divinely appointed leader responsible for bringing God's dwelling place into physical reality, a testament to his obedience and the authority vested in him.
* **reared up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, meaning "to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, ... establish, ... pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up)." This verb, appearing twice in the verse, emphasizes the action of bringing something into an upright, stable, and established position. Its repetition highlights the deliberate and successful act of erecting the entire structure, signifying its completion and readiness for divine inhabitation. It conveys a sense of permanence and establishment for the Tabernacle.
* **sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From H134, meaning "a basis (of a building, a column, etc.); foundation, socket." These were the heavy, foundational bases, primarily made of silver for the wallboards and bronze for the pillars of the court, into which the upright wooden components were inserted. Their mention first in the sequence of assembly underscores their critical role as the immovable anchors that provided stability and support for the entire portable sanctuary. They represent the essential, unseen foundations upon which the visible structure rested.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses reared up the tabernacle":** This initial clause identifies Moses as the central figure overseeing and participating in the final assembly. "Reared up" (from the Hebrew _qûwm_) signifies the act of raising the entire structure from its individual components, bringing it into its intended upright and complete form. This marks the culmination of the entire construction project, transitioning from discrete parts to a unified, functional sacred space.
* **"and fastened his sockets":** This describes the crucial first step in the assembly process. The "sockets" (Hebrew _'ădānîm_) were the foundational bases, likely placed on the ground first, ensuring a stable and level base. "Fastened" (from Hebrew _nâthan_, meaning "to put, give, set") indicates a deliberate and secure placement, emphasizing the stability of the entire structure from its very inception. These sockets were the anchors for the walls.
* **"and set up the boards thereof":** Following the securing of the sockets, the "boards" (Hebrew _qerāšîm_)—the gold-overlaid acacia wood frames that formed the main walls of the Tabernacle—were erected and inserted into these foundational sockets. This action established the perimeter and defined the sacred interior space of the tent, giving it its primary form.
* **"and put in the bars thereof":** The "bars" (Hebrew _bᵉrîyach_) were horizontal pieces, also overlaid with gold, that passed through rings on the boards to bind them together. "Put in" (from Hebrew _nâthan_) signifies their insertion, which provided crucial structural integrity, ensuring the cohesion and strength of the Tabernacle's framework and preventing the walls from collapsing.
* **"and reared up his pillars":** Finally, Moses erected the "pillars" (Hebrew _ʻammûwd_), which were used to support the veils and curtains inside the Tabernacle (e.g., the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place) as well as the outer court hangings. The repetition of "reared up" (from _qûwm_, as at the beginning of the verse) emphasizes the completion of all vertical elements, bringing the entire structure to its full, standing, and functional form.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significance and the meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's assembly. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "reared up" (קוּם, _qûm_), appearing at the beginning and end of the clause sequence, creating an **inclusio** that frames Moses's comprehensive act of assembly. This repetition emphasizes the completeness, finality, and successful establishment of the Tabernacle. **Merism** is also evident through the detailed listing of components: "sockets," "boards," "bars," and "pillars." By naming these key parts, the text implies the meticulous attention to every single element of the Tabernacle, representing the entirety of its complex structure from foundation to framework. Furthermore, the precise, sequential description of actions ("fastened," "set up," "put in," "reared up") functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Parallelism of Structure**, highlighting the systematic and orderly nature of the divine command and its human execution. This ordered presentation underscores the divine precision inherent in the Tabernacle's design and the human faithfulness required to bring it to fruition. The cumulative effect of these devices is to convey the solemnity and divine importance of the Tabernacle's completion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:18 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine order and human obedience. The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, culminating in Moses's precise assembly, reflects God's character as a God of precision and design. Every detail, from the materials to the method of assembly, was divinely ordained, underscoring that true worship and communion with God must be conducted according to His revealed will, not human invention. This act of faithful execution prepared the way for God's glory to descend and dwell among His people, signifying His covenant faithfulness and desire for intimate relationship. The Tabernacle, as a physical representation of God's presence, serves as a profound theological symbol of God's immanence and His provision for atonement and fellowship. It is a testament to God's desire to dwell with humanity, even in their wilderness wanderings, providing a tangible center for their spiritual life and national identity.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Build According to the Pattern")
* [Numbers 9:15](/numbers/9-15 "The Cloud Covers the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Heavenly Pattern")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Tabernacle's assembly in Exodus 40:18 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Moses meticulously followed God's blueprint, we are called to build our lives, our faith, and our communities according to God's revealed Word. This verse reminds us that spiritual structures—whether personal character, family dynamics, or church ministries—require careful attention to divine instruction and diligent, faithful execution. The Tabernacle was not merely a building; it was the dwelling place of God's presence. Similarly, our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are meant to be consecrated spaces where God's presence is honored and manifested. This requires intentionality, discipline, and a commitment to order and purpose, ensuring that our "construction" aligns with the divine design for holiness and worship. The completion of the Tabernacle brought God's glory; similarly, our obedient lives make space for God's glory to be revealed through us, drawing others to His truth and grace. This passage challenges us to examine the foundations and framework of our spiritual walk, ensuring they are built upon the solid rock of Christ and His Word, secured by diligent obedience and a desire for God's manifest presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to greater precision and obedience to God's revealed will, similar to Moses's meticulous assembly of the Tabernacle?**
* **How does the concept of God's dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle inform my understanding of His presence in the Church and in individual believers today?**
* **What "foundational elements" (like the sockets and boards) are essential for building a stable and God-honoring spiritual life, and how diligently am I "fastening" and "setting them up" according to God's design?**

### FAQ

**Why was Moses personally involved in the Tabernacle's final assembly rather than leaving it entirely to the craftsmen?**

Answer: Moses's personal involvement in the final assembly of the Tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 40:18](/exodus/40-18 "Moses Erects the Tabernacle"), underscores his unique and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator and leader for Israel. While skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab were divinely gifted for the construction of the components (as detailed in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "God Calls Bezalel and Oholiab")), Moses's act of assembly symbolized the culmination of the covenant relationship and the direct fulfillment of God's commands. His hands-on participation demonstrated his complete obedience and the transfer of divine authority through him to establish God's dwelling place among His people. It emphasized the sacredness and supreme importance of the task, ensuring every detail was executed "as the LORD commanded Moses" ([Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Moses Does All as Commanded")). This act solidified his leadership and the divine sanction upon the Tabernacle as the legitimate center of Israelite worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous erection of the Tabernacle by Moses, as described in [Exodus 40:18](/exodus/40-18 "Moses Erects the Tabernacle"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, was a profound foreshadowing of God's ultimate tabernacling with humanity in the incarnation of Jesus. Just as the Tabernacle was built according to a divine blueprint, so too was Christ's earthly life and ministry perfectly aligned with the Father's will, serving as the true and eternal dwelling of God. John proclaims that "the Word became flesh and [pitched His tent/tabernacled] among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), signifying that Jesus Himself is the ultimate sanctuary, the very presence of God made manifest. Furthermore, as the Tabernacle was the place where sacrifices were offered for atonement, Christ's singular sacrifice on the cross serves as the perfect and final atonement for sin, fulfilling all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant system ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through Christ, believers become living stones in a spiritual temple, the Church, where God's Spirit now dwells ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), thereby extending the reality of God's presence beyond a physical structure to His redeemed people, who are collectively "the temple of the living God" ([2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "You are the Temple of the Living God")). Thus, the completed Tabernacle points directly to the completed work of Christ, who makes true and lasting communion with God possible.

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

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Exodus 36:20

And he made boards for the tabernacle [of] shittim wood, standing up.

Exodus 36:34

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings [of] gold [to be] places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Ezekiel 37:27

My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Ezekiel 37:28

And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,