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 marks a climactic moment in the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, detailing Moses's final act of spreading the tent and its protective covering over the completed sanctuary. This meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint, repeatedly emphasized by the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," signifies the successful culmination of God's instructions for His dwelling place among His people, making His tangible presence ready to accompany Israel through the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40:19 is situated at the very end of the book of Exodus, serving as the capstone to the elaborate narrative of the Tabernacle. The preceding chapters meticulously detail the divine commands for the Tabernacle's design and furnishings ([Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")), followed by the diligent execution of these plans by skilled craftsmen under Bezaleel and Aholiab ([Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Contributions and Craftsmen for the Tabernacle")). Chapter 40 then shifts to Moses's personal role in erecting and furnishing the Tabernacle, piece by piece, culminating in this verse which describes the final layering of the tent structure. The recurring refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") underscores the absolute precision and obedience required in establishing God's sacred space, highlighting the divine authority behind every detail.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and erection of the Tabernacle occurred in the wilderness, a nomadic setting for the newly liberated Israelite nation. Following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the foundational covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"), God commanded the building of a portable sanctuary. This Tabernacle was to be the tangible symbol of God's presence in their midst, a central point for worship, atonement, and divine communication, distinguishing Israel from surrounding pagan nations whose deities were often confined to static temples. The multi-layered tent structure, with its various coverings, was essential for protecting the sacred contents from the harsh desert elements, ensuring the integrity of God's dwelling place as Israel journeyed towards the Promised Land. This mobile sanctuary underscored God's dynamic relationship with His people, accompanying them wherever they went.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkan'_):** This term (מִשְׁכָּן) literally means "dwelling place" or "residence." Its use emphasizes the primary purpose of the structure: to be the abode where God's glorious presence (the Shekinah) would dwell among His people. It signifies God's immanence and His desire for intimate communion with humanity, moving from the remote mountain of Sinai to the very center of the Israelite camp.
* **Tent (Hebrew, _ohel'_):** The word (אֹהֶל) refers to the general tent structure, particularly the outer, more visible components that provided shelter and defined the sacred space. In this context, it refers to the outermost layers that formed the protective shell over the inner, more sacred parts of the Tabernacle. It highlights the practical, portable nature of God's dwelling in the wilderness.
* **Covering (Hebrew, _mikseh'_):** This term (מִכְסֵה) specifically denotes the outermost protective layer of the tent, designed to shield the Tabernacle from the elements. While the precise material of this layer (often translated as "badger skin" or "porpoise skin" from _tachash_) is debated, its function was clear: to provide durability and waterproof protection, ensuring the sanctity and preservation of the divine dwelling beneath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle":** This clause describes Moses's action of deploying the main tent structure, which formed the primary enclosure of the Tabernacle. This "tent" (ohel) would have encompassed the inner sanctuary, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, establishing the immediate protective layer over the sacred furnishings and the ark.
* **"and put the covering of the tent above upon it":** Following the spreading of the main tent, Moses then placed the outermost "covering" (mikseh) over it. This final layer was the most durable and weather-resistant, designed to protect the entire structure from the harsh desert sun, wind, and occasional rain, ensuring the sanctity and preservation of God's dwelling place.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This phrase, a recurring refrain throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") and indeed the entire Tabernacle narrative, underscores the absolute and meticulous obedience of Moses. It emphasizes that every detail, from the materials to the order of assembly, was carried out precisely according to God's divine blueprint, highlighting the importance of divine authority and human faithfulness in establishing God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is paramount, particularly the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which appears seven times in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle") alone. This insistent repetition serves to emphasize the theme of perfect obedience to divine instruction, highlighting Moses's faithfulness and the absolute authority of God's word. The entire Tabernacle narrative also functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical structure and its components symbolize spiritual realities: God's holiness, His desire for communion, and the means of atonement. The layering of the tent and its covering, for instance, symbolizes both protection and separation, indicating the sacredness of the inner sanctuary and the need for a barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. Furthermore, the meticulous detail and order in the construction reflect God's own nature as a God of **Order** and precision, contrasting with the chaotic worship of pagan deities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:19, as the culmination of the Tabernacle's erection, powerfully articulates several core theological truths. It signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people, making His presence tangible and accessible in their midst. This act establishes the Tabernacle as the physical center of Israel's worship and national identity, a constant reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for relationship. The meticulous obedience of Moses in following every divine command underscores the principle that true worship and service must align precisely with God's revealed will, not human invention. This dedication to divine order reflects God's holiness and His demand for reverence from His people.

* [Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")
* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Leviticus 16:16 - Atonement for the Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:1](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Tabernacle and Its Limitations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 40:19, offers profound 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, but also about diligent attention to the specifics of His revealed will in our daily lives. Just as God desired to dwell tangibly among Israel, He now desires to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit, making our bodies temples of His presence. This calls us to live with reverence, intentionality, and purity, recognizing the sacredness of our lives as dwelling places for the Most High. Our worship, both corporate and individual, should reflect the same meticulous care and reverence that characterized the Tabernacle's construction, offered not out of obligation but out of love and awe for a holy God who condescends to be with us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what 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 presence in my life today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence and intentionality in my personal worship and service, reflecting God's nature as a God of order?**

### 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 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 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, adding or subtracting nothing ([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 is 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 layers of the Tabernacle's outer structure. The "tent" (Hebrew: _ohel_) refers to the innermost tent cloths, likely made of fine linen with cherubim designs, which formed the ceiling and inner walls of the sacred space ([Exodus 26:1-6](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1-6 - The Curtains of the Tabernacle")). This provided the immediate enclosure over the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. The "covering of the tent" (Hebrew: _mikseh ha'ohel_) 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 presence on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant") to a mobile dwelling in the very midst of His people. Once fully erected, 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 place where God would meet with Moses, where atonement for sins would be made, and where His glory would descend ([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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:19, detailing the completion of God's earthly dwelling, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with humanity in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, though meticulously constructed and filled with divine glory, was a temporary and veiled sanctuary, a shadow pointing to a greater 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 and visible to humanity. His perfect life and atoning sacrifice on the cross, as described in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle"), superseded the Tabernacle's sacrificial system, opening a new and living way into the true Holy of Holies, the very presence of God. Furthermore, through Christ's indwelling 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.