Exodus 40:19

KJV

And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spread abroad {H6566} the tent {H168} over the tabernacle {H4908}, and put {H7760} the covering {H4372} of the tent {H168} above {H4605} upon it; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent above it, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

And he spread the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40:19 stands as a pivotal verse at the conclusion of the book of Exodus, providing the capstone to the extensive narrative concerning the Tabernacle. The preceding chapters, from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") to [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Sabbath and Appointment of Craftsmen"), meticulously detail God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle's design, materials, and furnishings. Following this, [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Contributions and Craftsmen for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Completion of the Tabernacle") describe the diligent and faithful execution of these commands by skilled artisans like Bezaleel and Aholiab. Chapter [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") then shifts focus to Moses's personal role in the final assembly and consecration of the Tabernacle, systematically placing each component. This verse, therefore, represents the final structural act, bringing the physical construction to completion before the divine glory descends. The recurring refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") emphasizes the absolute precision and unwavering obedience demanded in establishing God's sacred space, highlighting the divine authority underpinning every detail of the sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The erection of the Tabernacle unfolded in the desolate wilderness, a nomadic setting for the newly liberated Israelite nation. Having been miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage and having received the foundational covenant and laws at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"), Israel was commanded by God to construct a portable sanctuary. This Tabernacle was not merely a building; it was the tangible, visible symbol of God's covenant presence in their midst, serving as the central hub for worship, atonement, and divine communication. Unlike the static temples of surrounding pagan nations, which housed localized deities, the Tabernacle's mobile design underscored God's dynamic relationship with His people, accompanying them on their journey. The multi-layered tent structure, with its various coverings, was critically important for protecting the sacred contents from the harsh desert elements—intense sun, wind, and sandstorms—ensuring the sanctity and preservation of God's dwelling place as Israel traversed towards the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence**, illustrating God's desire to dwell intimately among His people, moving from the remote mountain of Sinai to the very heart of the Israelite camp ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")). This verse also powerfully highlights **Obedience to Divine Command**, as Moses meticulously follows every instruction given by the LORD, reinforcing that God's presence and blessing are contingent upon faithful adherence to His revealed will. The detailed construction and layering of the Tabernacle underscore God's nature as a God of **Order and Holiness**, where every component and action is precisely prescribed to maintain the sanctity of His dwelling and the purity of His people's worship. Finally, the completion of the Tabernacle marks a crucial step in the establishment of Israel's **Covenant Relationship** with God, providing the physical means for atonement and communion necessary for a holy God to dwell among a sinful people. The entire narrative of the Tabernacle, culminating in its erection in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle"), serves as a profound testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His provision for fellowship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tent (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** (H168) This word refers to a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance); covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. In this context, it refers to the primary, innermost tent structure of the Tabernacle, made of fine linen and goat hair, which formed the immediate enclosure over the sacred areas. It highlights the portable and temporary nature of God's dwelling in the wilderness.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** (H4908) This term signifies a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls); dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. Here, it refers to the entire sacred structure, particularly its wooden framework and inner components, emphasizing its purpose as God's dwelling place among His people.
* **Covering (Hebrew, _mikçeh'_):** (H4372) This word denotes a covering, i.e. weatherboarding. While the specific material (often _tachash_ skins) is debated, its function was clear: to provide the outermost, durable, and weather-resistant layer. This layer was crucial for protecting the entire sanctuary from the harsh desert elements, ensuring the preservation and sanctity of God's dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle":** This clause describes Moses's action of deploying the main tent structure (the _ohel_), which formed the primary enclosure of the Tabernacle. This involved stretching the various woven curtains and coverings over the wooden framework of the Mishkan, creating the immediate sacred space that housed the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This act established the first layer of protection and definition for God's dwelling.
* **"and put the covering of the tent above upon it":** Following the placement of the main tent, Moses then added the outermost "covering" (the _mikçeh_) over it. This final layer was the most robust and weather-resistant, likely made of durable animal skins, designed to shield the entire structure from the harsh desert sun, wind, and any precipitation. This meticulous layering ensured the sanctity, integrity, and preservation of God's dwelling place from external elements.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This recurring phrase, a powerful refrain throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") and indeed the entire Tabernacle narrative, underscores Moses's absolute and meticulous obedience to divine instruction. It emphasizes that every detail of the Tabernacle's construction, from the choice of materials to the precise order of assembly, was carried out exactly according to God's divine blueprint, highlighting the supreme importance of divine authority and human faithfulness in establishing God's sacred presence.

#### 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](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") 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.

* [Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Atonement for the Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:1](/hebrews/9-1 "The Earthly Tabernacle and Its Limitations")

### 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
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to demonstrate the same meticulous obedience to God's commands that Moses displayed in building the Tabernacle?**
* **How does the truth of God's desire to dwell among His people, as symbolized by the Tabernacle, shape my understanding of His intimate presence in my life today through the Holy Spirit?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence, intentionality, and order in my personal worship and service, reflecting God's nature as a God of precision?**

### 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](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") 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](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract")). 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](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1-13 - The Curtains of the Tabernacle")). 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](/exodus/26-14 "Exodus 26:14 - The Covering of Ram Skins and Tachash Skins")). 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](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant") 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](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Filling the Tabernacle")). This embodied God's covenant promise to "dwell among them" ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")), 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") 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](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle"), 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](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), 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](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")).

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 36:8

¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Exodus 36:19

And he made a covering for the tent [of] rams' skins dyed red, and a covering [of] badgers' skins above [that].

Exodus 26:1

¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

Exodus 26:14

And thou shalt make a covering for the tent [of] rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above [of] badgers' skins.