Exodus 40:21

KJV

And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H935} the ark {H727} into the tabernacle {H4908}, and set up {H7760} the vail {H6532} of the covering {H4539}, and covered {H5526} the ark {H727} of the testimony {H5715}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, set up the curtain as a screen and concealed the ark for the testimony, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:21 meticulously details a climactic moment in the Tabernacle's construction: Moses' faithful installation of the Ark of the Covenant, the holiest artifact, within the Most Holy Place, and the subsequent erection of the veil that separated this sacred space. This precise act, performed exactly "as the LORD commanded Moses," signifies the completion of God's earthly dwelling place among His people, thereby establishing the physical epicenter of Israelite worship and foreshadowing profound theological truths concerning divine presence, absolute holiness, and the indispensable nature of obedient worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40 serves as the triumphant culmination of the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, which began with God's elaborate blueprint in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Following the meticulous execution of these plans by skilled craftsmen under the leadership of Bezalel and Oholiab ([Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-39 - Construction of the Tabernacle")), this final chapter describes the precise assembly and dedication of the sanctuary. Verse 21, specifically, focuses on the placement of the Ark of the Covenant, the very heart of the sanctuary, within the Most Holy Place, and the establishment of the separating veil. This act is part of a sequence of installations, each prefaced by the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which powerfully emphasizes the divine authority behind the project and the human obedience required for its completion. The entire process culminates in the glorious descent of the Lord's presence, filling the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"), affirming its divine approval and purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and dedication of the Tabernacle were foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen people following their miraculous exodus from Egypt. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were universally understood as the dwelling places of deities, with their designs often reflecting complex cosmological beliefs. However, for Israel, the Tabernacle was unique: a portable sanctuary specifically designed to accompany them through the wilderness, symbolizing God's dynamic and active presence in their midst. The Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - Tablets of the Testimony")), functioned as the earthly throne of God's invisible presence, the "ark of the testimony" being the tangible embodiment of God's covenant with Israel. The veil, a common feature in ancient temples, served to demarcate sacred space, but in the Tabernacle, it emphatically highlighted the profound holiness of God and the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, restricting access to the Most Holy Place to the High Priest alone, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Restricted Access to the Most Holy Place")).
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:21 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Divine Presence**, as the Tabernacle's completion signifies God's commitment to dwell among His people, moving from a distant, mountain-bound presence ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Presence at Sinai")) to an immanent one within the camp. Closely related is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasized by the meticulous design and the veil's separation, underscoring God's absolute purity and the need for Israel to approach Him with reverence and ritual purity. The verse also highlights **Obedience to Divine Command**, a recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle narrative, demonstrating Moses' unwavering faithfulness to God's precise instructions, which is presented as the prerequisite for God's dwelling among His people. Finally, the establishment of the Tabernacle and its most sacred contents sets the stage for the **Worship and Atonement** system detailed in Leviticus, where the Ark and the veil play central roles in the annual rituals for sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** This term refers to a chest or coffer, but in this sacred context, it denotes the Ark of the Covenant. It was not merely a container but the most sacred piece of furniture in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's throne and the focal point of His manifest presence among His people. Its contents—the tablets of the Law—underscored God's covenant faithfulness and righteous demands.
* **Vail (Hebrew, _pôreketh'_):** This specifically refers to the thick, elaborately woven curtain that served as a separatrix, dividing the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The veil functioned as a physical barrier, profoundly emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the necessary separation between His divine presence and the sinful nature of humanity, thereby strictly regulating access to the Ark and the Mercy Seat.
* **Testimony (Hebrew, _ʻêdûwth'_):** Often translated as "witness" or "stipulation," this word refers specifically to the Ten Commandments, the covenant stipulations inscribed on stone tablets that were placed inside the Ark. The Ark was thus appropriately called the "ark of the testimony" because it contained the tangible evidence of God's covenant relationship and His revealed will for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought the ark into the tabernacle":** This clause describes Moses' direct and decisive action of placing the Ark of the Covenant into its designated, most sacred location within the newly constructed Tabernacle structure. The Ark, having been meticulously constructed according to divine specifications, is now moved into the very heart of the sanctuary, signifying the imminent and awaited indwelling of God's glory. This act marks the physical establishment of God's throne room on earth.
* **"and set up the vail of the covering":** Immediately following the placement of the Ark, Moses proceeds to install the veil. This act is profoundly crucial, as the veil served as the definitive barrier separating the Most Holy Place, where the Ark now resided, from the rest of the Tabernacle. This physical demarcation underscored the profound holiness of God's presence and the limited, divinely ordained access to it, emphasizing the awe and reverence required.
* **"and covered the ark of the testimony":** The veil, once meticulously set up, effectively "covered" or enclosed the Ark, rendering it inaccessible and hidden from common view. This action reinforces the sacredness and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, which was not to be casually approached or gazed upon by anyone other than the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. The Ark, containing the "testimony" (the Law), was now enshrined in its most sacred, secluded space, reinforcing the mystery and transcendence of God.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase, a powerful and recurring motif throughout Exodus 40 (appearing multiple times, such as in [Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Exodus 40:16 - Moses' Obedience")), serves as a profound affirmation of Moses' meticulous and unwavering obedience to every divine instruction. It highlights the absolute necessity of following God's precise will in matters of worship and service, underscoring the divine origin, authority, and perfect execution behind the entire Tabernacle project. This phrase validates the entire undertaking as divinely ordained and faithfully accomplished.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 40:21 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The **Repetition** of the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout Exodus 40 (and indeed, throughout the entire Tabernacle narrative from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") onwards) functions as a powerful **motif**. This recurring phrase emphasizes divine authority, human obedience, and the meticulous fulfillment of God's blueprint, instilling a sense of divine precision and highlighting Moses' exemplary faithfulness. **Symbolism** is paramount within the verse: the Ark represents God's tangible presence and His covenant faithfulness, while the veil symbolizes the profound separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, as well as the restricted access to His most sacred presence. The act of "covering" the Ark with the veil further reinforces this symbolism of divine mystery, inaccessibility, and the awe that God's holiness demands. The verse also functions as a **culmination**, marking the successful completion of a major narrative arc that began with the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, bringing the divine blueprint to its physical realization and preparing for the indwelling of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:21 powerfully encapsulates core theological themes of divine presence, absolute holiness, and the nature of true worship. The installation of the Ark and the veil signifies God's profound willingness to dwell intimately among His people, yet simultaneously underscores His absolute purity and the inherent, necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Moses' meticulous obedience reinforces the foundational principle that genuine worship and service must align precisely with God's revealed will, rather than human invention or preference. This act of setting apart the Most Holy Place prepares for the descent of God's glory, demonstrating that God desires intimacy with His people but always on His terms, within the boundaries of His holy presence. This scene lays the groundwork for understanding the sacrificial system and the path to atonement.

* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Access to the Most Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:1-8](/hebrews/9-1-8 "Hebrews 9:1-8 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 8:6-9](/1_kings/8-6-9 "1 Kings 8:6-9 - The Ark in Solomon's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Exodus 40:21 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Moses' meticulous obedience to God's commands, even in the smallest details of the Tabernacle's construction and setup, serves as a powerful reminder that our worship, service, and daily lives should be characterized by faithful adherence to God's revealed will. This principle extends beyond grand acts to the seemingly mundane, emphasizing that God values our wholehearted submission. Just as the Tabernacle was God's physical dwelling place among His people, believers today are called to be spiritual temples of the Holy Spirit, living sanctuaries where God's presence is honored and His commands are obeyed ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")). The veil, once a formidable barrier, now reminds us of the incredible and unhindered access we have to God through Christ. This truth should inspire both profound awe and boundless gratitude, prompting us to approach God with reverence, yet also with unwavering confidence, knowing that the way has been opened for us. Our lives, therefore, should reflect both the majestic holiness of God and the unparalleled privilege of His indwelling presence, inspiring us to walk in a manner worthy of the glorious calling we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you being called to exercise greater obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly small or overlooked details?**
* **How does the concept of God's absolute holiness, powerfully symbolized by the veil, shape your understanding of worship and your daily walk with Him?**
* **Considering that believers are now spiritual temples of the Holy Spirit, how does this profound truth impact your choices, actions, and overall conduct in your personal and public life?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of the Ark of the Covenant?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant, often referred to as the "ark of the testimony," served multiple crucial purposes within the Tabernacle. Primarily, it was the most sacred object, symbolizing the very presence of God among His people. It contained the two tablets of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 31:18](/exodus/31-18 "Exodus 31:18 - Tablets of the Testimony")), representing God's covenant with Israel and His righteous laws. The lid of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat (or atonement cover), was where God's presence would manifest, and it was the place where atonement was made for the sins of the people on the annual Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:14-16](/leviticus/16-14-16 "Leviticus 16:14-16 - Atonement on the Mercy Seat")). In essence, it functioned as God's earthly throne, the focal point of Israelite worship, and the tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness and power.

**Why was the veil necessary in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The veil (or curtain) was absolutely necessary to separate the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant resided, from the Holy Place. Its primary purpose was to emphasize the absolute holiness of God and the inherent, profound separation between a perfect, holy God and sinful humanity. Only the High Priest was permitted to pass beyond the veil, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people ([Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Restricted Access to the Most Holy Place")). This physical barrier visually communicated the awesome, unapproachable nature of God's presence, underscoring that direct access was not possible for ordinary people due to the defilement of sin. It served as a constant reminder of humanity's fallen state and God's transcendent purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:21, with its depiction of the Ark's precise placement and the veil's solemn installation, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. The Tabernacle, as God's temporary dwelling place among His people, powerfully prefigured Christ, who is the ultimate "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). Just as the Ark was the locus of God's manifest presence, so Jesus is the very embodiment of God on earth, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The veil, which strictly limited and guarded access to God's most sacred presence, was dramatically torn from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's death on the cross ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), symbolizing that through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, the formidable barrier of sin separating humanity from God was completely removed. Jesus, our Great High Priest, has not entered an earthly sanctuary, but the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption and opening a "new and living way" for all believers to draw near to God's presence with confidence and boldness ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the meticulous obedience of Moses in setting up the earthly Tabernacle points forward to Christ's perfect obedience, which established the ultimate, eternal dwelling of God with humanity, making true fellowship 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

Exodus 40:3

And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.

Exodus 26:33

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

Exodus 35:12

The ark, and the staves thereof, [with] the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:20

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;