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Commentary on Exodus 40 verses 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 40:19 meticulously details Moses's final act in erecting the Tabernacle: spreading the tent and its protective covering over the completed sanctuary. This climactic moment, repeatedly affirmed by the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," underscores the meticulous obedience required in establishing God's dwelling place. It signifies the successful culmination of the divine blueprint, making God's tangible and holy presence ready to abide among His people as they journeyed through the wilderness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 40:19, and its surrounding narrative, employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological message. Repetition is a dominant feature, most notably with the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which appears seven times in Exodus 40 alone, and numerous times throughout the Tabernacle instructions. This insistent repetition serves to emphasize the theme of perfect obedience to divine instruction, highlighting Moses's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute authority of God's word in establishing His dwelling. The entire Tabernacle narrative functions as profound Symbolism, where the physical structure, its components, and the acts of its construction symbolize deeper spiritual realities: God's holiness, His desire for intimate communion, the means of atonement, and the separation required due to human sin. The meticulous layering of the tent and its covering, for instance, symbolizes both divine protection and the veiled nature of God's presence, indicating the sacredness of the inner sanctuary and the necessary barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. Furthermore, the precise detail and ordered sequence in the construction reflect God's own nature as a God of Order and precision, contrasting sharply with the chaotic and often arbitrary worship practices of pagan deities.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:19, as the climactic moment of the Tabernacle's erection, profoundly articulates several core theological truths. It signifies the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people, making His presence accessible and central to their existence. This act establishes the Tabernacle as the physical and spiritual heart of Israel's worship and national identity, a constant, visible reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for an intimate relationship. The meticulous obedience of Moses in following every divine command underscores the foundational principle that true worship, service, and indeed, all aspects of the believer's life, must align precisely with God's revealed will, not human innovation or convenience. This unwavering dedication to divine order reflects God's inherent holiness and His demand for reverence from His people, setting the stage for His glory to descend and fill the sanctuary.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of the Tabernacle, as meticulously described in Exodus 40:19, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Moses's unwavering commitment to executing every detail "as the LORD commanded" serves as a powerful paradigm for our own obedience to God's Word. It reminds us that our walk with God is not merely about broad strokes of faith or general good intentions, but also about diligent, precise attention to the specifics of His revealed will in our daily lives, in our relationships, and in our service. Just as God desired to dwell tangibly among ancient Israel, He now desires to dwell within us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, making our very bodies temples of His presence. This profound truth calls us to live with a heightened sense of reverence, intentionality, and purity, recognizing the sacredness of our lives as dwelling places for the Most High God. Our worship, both corporate and individual, should reflect the same meticulous care, awe, and reverence that characterized the Tabernacle's construction, offered not out of mere obligation but out of a deep love and gratitude for a holy God who condescends to be intimately present with us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" repeated so often in Exodus 40?
Answer: The frequent repetition of "as the LORD commanded Moses" (appearing seven times in Exodus 40 and numerous times throughout the Tabernacle instructions) serves several crucial theological and narrative purposes. First, it underscores the divine authority behind every detail of the Tabernacle's design and construction, emphasizing that it was not a human invention but a direct, infallible revelation from God. Second, it highlights Moses's perfect and unwavering obedience, presenting him as a faithful servant who meticulously carried out every instruction without deviation, neither adding nor subtracting from God's word (Deuteronomy 4:2). Third, it reinforces the theological principle that God's dwelling among His people and the establishment of His presence are predicated on their faithful adherence to His revealed will. The repetition assures the reader that God's presence was established precisely as He desired, setting the stage for His glory to fill the Tabernacle.
What is the difference between the "tent" and the "covering of the tent" in this verse?
Answer: In Exodus 40:19, the terms refer to distinct, successive layers of the Tabernacle's outer structure. The "tent" (Hebrew: ohel, H168) primarily refers to the innermost tent cloths, specifically the linen curtains embroidered with cherubim and the goat hair curtains, which formed the ceiling and inner walls of the sacred space, enclosing the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:1-13). This provided the immediate enclosure over the sacred furnishings. The "covering of the tent" (Hebrew: mikseh ha'ohel, H4372) refers to the outermost, most durable layer. This protective covering was likely made of tachash skins (often translated as "badger skins" or "porpoise skins"), designed to be waterproof and resilient against the harsh desert elements, shielding the more delicate inner layers and the sacred contents from damage (Exodus 26:14). Together, these layers ensured the sanctity, integrity, and protection of God's dwelling place.
How does the completion of the Tabernacle relate to God's presence?
Answer: The completion of the Tabernacle marked a pivotal shift in God's relationship with Israel, signifying His readiness to transition from a localized, awe-inspiring presence on Mount Sinai to a mobile, accessible dwelling in the very midst of His people. Once fully erected and consecrated, the Tabernacle became the tangible, visible manifestation of God's presence (the Shekinah glory) among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. It was the designated place where God would meet with Moses, where atonement for sins would be made through prescribed rituals, and where His glory would descend to fill the sanctuary (Exodus 40:34-35). This embodied God's covenant promise to "dwell among them" (Exodus 29:45), providing a constant reminder of His faithfulness, guidance, and protective care for His chosen nation, ensuring His immanence even in their nomadic existence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:19, detailing the meticulous completion of God's earthly dwelling, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, though divinely designed and filled with glory, was a temporary and veiled sanctuary, a shadow pointing to a greater, eternal reality. In the New Testament, John 1:14 declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," with the Greek word for "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, eskēnōsen) literally meaning "tabernacled." Jesus is the true and perfect Tabernacle, the very embodiment of God's presence, making God fully accessible, visible, and intimately known to humanity. His perfect life and atoning sacrifice on the cross, as expounded in Hebrews 9:11-14, superseded the Tabernacle's temporary sacrificial system, opening a new and living way into the true Holy of Holies—the very presence of God in heaven. Furthermore, through Christ's indwelling Holy Spirit, believers themselves become the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19), fulfilling God's ultimate desire not just to dwell among His people, but to dwell within them. This divine indwelling culminates in the glorious vision of the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's dwelling is finally and eternally with humanity, and He will "wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21:3).