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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 40:27 details Moses' penultimate act in the consecration of the Tabernacle: the burning of sweet incense upon the Golden Altar of Incense. This meticulously executed ritual, performed precisely "as the LORD commanded Moses," marked a crucial step in preparing the sacred space for God's indwelling glory, symbolizing the ascent of prayer and the establishment of a holy communion between God and His people in their wilderness journey. It underscores the paramount importance of divine obedience in establishing and maintaining sacred worship.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus 40 serves as the grand climax of the entire book of Exodus, bringing to fruition the detailed divine blueprints for the Tabernacle first laid out in Exodus 25. The chapter meticulously recounts the final assembly and furnishing of the Tabernacle and its courts, with Moses personally overseeing and executing each step precisely "as the LORD commanded." This phrase, or a close variation, appears no less than seven times in Exodus 40:16-33, underscoring the theme of perfect obedience to divine instruction. Exodus 40:27 specifically follows the placement of the Golden Altar of Incense before the veil (Exodus 40:26), setting the stage for the dramatic filling of the Tabernacle with the glory of the LORD in Exodus 40:34-35. The burning of incense was a culminating act before the divine presence descended, signifying the readiness of the sanctuary for sacred communion and God's acceptance of the completed work.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of the Tabernacle occurred at the foot of Mount Sinai, approximately one year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, during their nomadic journey through the wilderness. This portable sanctuary was God's designated dwelling place among His people, a unique concept in the ancient Near East, where deities were typically associated with fixed temples in specific locations. The rituals performed within the Tabernacle, including the burning of incense, were divinely prescribed and set Israel's worship apart from the pagan practices of surrounding nations. Incense was commonly used in ancient rituals to create a pleasant aroma, but in Israel, the "sweet incense" was a holy, exclusive compound (Exodus 30:34-38) forbidden for common use, emphasizing the sanctity of God's presence and the seriousness of approaching Him. The act of burning incense daily on the Golden Altar, located just before the veil to the Most Holy Place, symbolized the ascending prayers of the people and served as a constant reminder of God's holy presence in their midst, mediating access to the divine. This context highlights the uniqueness of Yahweh's worship and His desire for a consecrated relationship with His chosen people.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Presence and Dwelling, as the Tabernacle's construction culminates in God's glory filling it, signifying His desire to reside among His people (Exodus 40:34-35). Closely related is the theme of Holiness and Consecration, as every detail of the Tabernacle and its rituals, including the burning of holy incense, emphasizes the sacredness required to approach a holy God. The verse also powerfully reinforces the theme of Obedience to Divine Command, with the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" serving as a theological anchor throughout Exodus 40, highlighting that acceptable worship and service are predicated upon strict adherence to God's revealed will. Finally, the burning of incense itself introduces the theme of Prayer and Intercession, symbolizing the ascent of the people's petitions and worship to God.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, is rich in literary significance, particularly when viewed within the broader context of Exodus 40. Repetition is the most prominent device, as the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" or its variants appears consistently throughout Exodus 40:16-33. This literary technique serves to underscore the meticulous obedience of Moses and, by extension, the divine origin and authority of the entire Tabernacle project. It reinforces the theological message that true worship and service to God must align perfectly with His revealed will. Furthermore, Symbolism is central to the verse. The "sweet incense" itself is a potent symbol of prayer, worship, and the pleasing aroma of an acceptable offering ascending to God. The act of burning it on the Altar of Incense, positioned before the veil to the Most Holy Place, symbolizes the access to God's presence that is granted through consecrated worship and intercession. The entire chapter functions as a climax, bringing the detailed instructions of the Tabernacle's construction, which began in Exodus 25, to their ultimate fulfillment and completion, culminating in the descent of God's glory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:27 encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the Old Testament revelation of God and His relationship with humanity. It underscores the absolute necessity of divine obedience in worship and service, demonstrating that acceptable worship is not a matter of human preference but of precise adherence to God's commands. The burning of sweet incense highlights the nature of prayer and intercession as a fragrant offering ascending to God, a vital means of communion and a symbol of His delight in His people's worship. This act, performed in the consecrated space of the Tabernacle, also emphasizes God's desire to dwell among His people, establishing a holy presence that requires reverence, purity, and a divinely ordained means of approach. The meticulous adherence to divine blueprint sets a precedent for all future encounters with the Holy One.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:27, though describing an ancient ritual, offers timeless lessons for believers today. Moses' meticulous obedience, repeatedly emphasized throughout Exodus 40, challenges us to examine the depth of our own commitment to God's revealed will. Just as Moses followed every detail, we are called to a life of unwavering obedience, recognizing that true worship flows from a heart submitted to God's commands. The symbolism of the sweet incense as ascending prayer reminds us of the profound value and power of our own prayers. Our petitions, praises, and intercessions, offered in faith, are a fragrant aroma to God, delighting Him and drawing us into deeper communion. This verse also points to God's enduring desire to dwell among His people, a truth that shapes our understanding of the Church as His dwelling place today and our individual lives as temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to live consecrated lives, reflecting His holiness and offering spiritual sacrifices of worship and service that are pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the "sweet incense" made of, and why was it so special?
Answer: The "sweet incense" (Hebrew: qetoret sammim) was a divinely prescribed mixture of four specific aromatic ingredients: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense (Exodus 30:34-38). It was considered "most holy" and was forbidden for any common or personal use. Its special nature stemmed from its divine origin—God Himself dictated its composition—and its exclusive purpose in the Tabernacle worship, symbolizing the holiness of God and the sacredness of the offerings and prayers made to Him. Any deviation or unauthorized use was a serious offense, underscoring the reverence due to God's commands and the unique sanctity of His presence.
Why was it so important for Moses to follow God's commands precisely in setting up the Tabernacle?
Answer: The meticulous adherence to God's commands, highlighted by the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout Exodus 40, was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated absolute obedience to God's sovereign authority, establishing a pattern for all future worship and service. Secondly, the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place, and its design and rituals were meant to reflect His perfect holiness, order, and character. Any deviation could compromise its sacredness and the integrity of Israel's relationship with a holy God, potentially leading to divine judgment. Finally, the Tabernacle, in all its details, was a shadow of greater spiritual realities to come, ultimately pointing to Christ. Its precise construction ensured that these types and shadows accurately prefigured the perfect work of the Messiah.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:27, with its emphasis on the burning of sweet incense as a divinely commanded act of worship, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, and specifically the Altar of Incense positioned before the Holy of Holies, pointed to the need for mediation and access to God's presence. Jesus, our Great High Priest, is the perfect fulfillment of this need, having entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). The "sweet incense," symbolizing acceptable prayer and worship, is now offered through Him; our prayers ascend to God, made fragrant and acceptable by His perfect sacrifice and ceaseless intercession (Hebrews 7:25). The recurring motif "as the LORD commanded Moses" finds its ultimate expression in Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). He is the ultimate "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2), through whom we, as a royal priesthood, can now offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship that are pleasing to God (1 Peter 2:5). The Tabernacle's purpose—God dwelling among His people—is fully realized in the incarnation of Christ, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and continues through the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers, making us living temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).