Exodus 40:21

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Exodus 40 marks the triumphant culmination of the detailed instructions God gave to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary. After receiving the divine blueprint in earlier chapters (e.g., Exodus 25-31), and witnessing its meticulous construction by skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab (Exodus 35-39), Moses now oversees the final assembly. Verse 21 describes a pivotal moment: the installation of the most sacred object, the Ark of the Covenant, within the Most Holy Place. This act signifies the completion of the Tabernacle's core structure and its readiness for God's glorious presence to dwell among His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Obedience: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" underscores the absolute necessity of following God's precise instructions for worship and service. Moses' faithful execution of every detail sets an example of perfect obedience, without deviation from the divine will.
  • God's Dwelling Among His People: The Ark of the Covenant, often referred to as the "ark of the testimony" because it contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolized God's very presence. Its placement within the Most Holy Place signified God's willingness to dwell intimately with Israel, fulfilling His promise to be their God.
  • Separation and Awe: The setting up of the "vail of the covering" emphasized the profound holiness of God and the inherent separation between a sinful humanity and the divine. This thick curtain created a sacred barrier, signifying that God's presence was both glorious and awesome, requiring reverent approach.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ark of the testimony" is significant. The Hebrew word for "testimony" is 'edut (Χ’Φ΅Χ“Χ•ΦΌΧͺ), which refers to the covenant stipulations – the Ten Commandments – that served as a witness or evidence of God's covenant with Israel. Thus, the Ark was not just a box, but a tangible symbol of God's faithful commitment and His righteous demands.

Practical Application

  • Obedience to God's Word: Just as Moses meticulously followed God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction, believers today are called to obey God's revealed will in their lives, found in His Word. Our worship and service should be characterized by faithful adherence to His commands.
  • Access to God's Presence: While the Old Testament Tabernacle had a physical veil that restricted access to God's immediate presence (Leviticus 16:2), the New Testament teaches that through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, the temple veil was torn. This act symbolized that believers now have direct access to God's presence through faith in Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest.
  • Reverence and Holiness: The holiness of the Tabernacle and the careful reverence shown in handling its sacred objects remind us that God is holy and worthy of our utmost respect and reverence in all aspects of our lives, not just in formal worship.
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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

    ΒΆ 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;
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