Exodus 40:28

KJV

And he set up the hanging [at] the door of the tabernacle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set up {H7760} the hanging {H4539} at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H4908}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He set up the screen at the entrance to the tabernacle.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

American Standard Version

And he put the screen of the door to the tabernacle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:28 records the final, meticulous act of Moses setting up the entrance screen for the Tabernacle, marking the culmination of its construction according to God's precise blueprint. This pivotal moment signifies the completion of the portable sanctuary, preparing it for the descent of the Lord's glory and establishing the designated point of access for His people to approach His holy dwelling place in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very end of the book of Exodus, specifically within chapter 40, which meticulously details the final assembly and dedication of the Tabernacle. Following God's extensive and precise instructions given on Mount Sinai, as detailed in passages like [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Spirit of God and the Sabbath"), and the subsequent construction narrated in [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle"), Moses is depicted here in the final stages of erecting each component. The "hanging" (Hebrew: _mâçâk_) mentioned in this verse refers specifically to the colorful screen that served as the entrance to the Holy Place, the outer section of the Tabernacle tent. Its placement was among the very last steps in the construction process, immediately preceding the dramatic moment when the glory of the Lord filled the newly completed sanctuary, as recorded in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"). This sequential narrative underscores Moses' unwavering obedience and the divine order inherent in the Tabernacle's design and purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for the construction and completion of the Tabernacle is the Israelite wilderness journey, a nomadic existence following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. In this transient environment, a portable sanctuary was essential, symbolizing God's continuous presence and guidance among His wandering people. Unlike the fixed temples of surrounding pagan cultures, which often housed idols, the Tabernacle was a dynamic, movable dwelling for the living God, signifying His intimate relationship with Israel. The concept of a "door" or entrance screen was crucial in ancient Near Eastern sacred architecture, delineating sacred space and controlling access. For the Israelites, this "hanging" was not merely a decorative element but a functional and symbolic barrier, indicating that access to God's presence was not casual but prescribed, requiring specific conditions and authorized intermediaries (the priests). This structure reinforced the holiness of God and the need for reverence in approaching Him, a foundational principle for a people learning to live under a divine covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous completion of the Tabernacle, culminating in the setting up of its entrance hanging, underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **holiness of God** and the necessity of approaching Him on His own terms, through divinely ordained means. The "door" served as both a barrier and a pathway, emphasizing that while God desires to dwell with His people, His presence demands reverence and adherence to His commands. Secondly, the entire narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, culminating in this verse, powerfully demonstrates **Moses' unwavering obedience** to every single detail of God's instructions, setting an example for the people. Finally, the completion of the Tabernacle signifies God's **faithfulness to His covenant promise** to dwell among Israel, as explicitly commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary to Dwell Among Them"), preparing the way for the visible manifestation of His glory (the Shekinah) that immediately follows in the chapter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set up (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** This primitive root (שׂוּם) signifies to 'put' or 'place,' often with the implication of establishing or ordaining. In this context, it highlights Moses' deliberate and precise action of erecting the hanging, completing the Tabernacle's structure according to God's exact specifications. It underscores the intentionality and divine authority behind every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction.
* **Hanging (Hebrew, _mâçâk'_):** This term (מָסָךְ) refers specifically to a screen, curtain, or covering that functions as an entrance. Distinct from the inner veil (_parokhet_) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, the _mâçâk_ served as the outer entrance to the Tabernacle tent itself. Its construction from fine twined linen with blue, purple, and scarlet embroidery, supported by five gold-overlaid pillars, signified both the beauty and the sacredness of the space it guarded, regulating access to God's dwelling.
* **Door (Hebrew, _pethach'_):** This word (פֶּתַח) denotes an opening or entrance. In this context, it emphasizes that the "hanging" was not merely a barrier but the divinely appointed and sole legitimate point of entry into the sacred space of the Tabernacle. It underscored the controlled and sacred nature of approaching God, signifying that access was not casual but prescribed.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** This term (מִשְׁכָּן) literally means "dwelling place" or "residence." It highlights the fundamental purpose of the entire structure: to be the earthly abode where God would dwell among His people. The completion of every component, including this final entrance hanging, was essential for the Tabernacle to become a suitable and holy dwelling for the manifest glory of the Lord, symbolizing His immanent presence amidst Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set up":** This phrase emphasizes Moses' direct, personal involvement and his meticulous obedience to God's detailed instructions. Throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory"), the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" underscores the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design and Moses' faithful execution of every single detail, down to this final element. His act of "setting up" signifies the culmination of the entire construction process.
* **"the hanging":** This refers to the _mâçâk_, the intricately woven screen that served as the primary entrance to the Tabernacle's Holy Place. Its rich colors and fine materials indicated the holiness of the space it guarded. Its placement was not merely functional but symbolic, establishing a visible boundary between the common wilderness and the sacred space where God's presence would manifest.
* **"[at] the door of the tabernacle":** This specifies the precise location of the hanging. It was positioned at the very opening of the tent, serving as the sole point of entry for those authorized to approach. Its presence completed the physical structure of the Tabernacle, making it ready to receive the divine glory. The "door" here is not a solid, rigid structure but a flexible curtain, signifying both separation and the possibility of entry through the prescribed means.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Culmination** as a key literary device, marking the final act in the extensive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction. This single, seemingly simple action completes a monumental divine project, signaling readiness for the next, even more significant event: the filling of the Tabernacle with God's glory. **Symbolism** is also profoundly present; the "hanging" itself symbolizes both divine separation and divine access. It is a barrier that protects the holiness of God's dwelling, yet it is also the designated "door" through which authorized individuals (priests) could enter. This dual function foreshadows the tension between God's transcendent holiness and His immanent desire to dwell with humanity. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of this final act, consistent with the entire Tabernacle narrative, highlights the **Theme of Obedience**, emphasizing Moses' faithful adherence to every divine command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:28 speaks volumes about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The setting up of the final "hanging" not only completes a physical structure but also finalizes the conditions for divine-human encounter under the Old Covenant. It underscores God's holiness, requiring a specific, divinely ordained approach, yet simultaneously reveals His desire for immanent presence among His people. The "door" signifies both a barrier and a pathway, teaching Israel that while God is approachable, He is not to be approached casually or irreverently. This meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction, culminating in the placement of its entrance, emphasizes that God's presence is ordered, intentional, and covenantal, establishing a sacred space for worship, atonement, and communion.

* [Leviticus 26:11-12](/leviticus/26-11-12 "Leviticus 26:11-12 - God's Covenant Promise to Dwell Among His People")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings of Obedience to God's Commands")
* [Hebrews 9:1-8](/hebrews/9-1-8 "Hebrews 9:1-8 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary and its Limitations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous completion of the Tabernacle, culminating in the setting up of its entrance hanging, serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people, yet also of His absolute holiness. Moses' faithful and precise obedience, down to the very last detail, challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to God's commands. The "door" to the Tabernacle, while providing access, also imposed boundaries, teaching reverence and the necessity of approaching God on His terms. In our contemporary lives, this prompts us to reflect on how we perceive and respect the sacred. Do we approach God with the reverence His holiness demands, or do we treat His presence casually? The Tabernacle's design, with its layers of separation and specific access points, continually points us to the profound truth that while God desires intimacy, He remains utterly holy. This should inspire both awe and gratitude for the means of access He has provided.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' meticulous obedience in setting up the Tabernacle challenge my own approach to God's commands and my spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways do I recognize and respect the holiness of God in my daily life, and how does this influence my worship and conduct?**
* **Considering the "door" to the Tabernacle, what does it mean for me that Jesus is now "the Way" to the Father, and how should this transform my understanding of access to God?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the "hanging" at the door of the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The "hanging" (Hebrew: _mâçâk_) at the door of the Tabernacle served several critical purposes. Primarily, it functioned as the primary entrance screen for the Tabernacle tent, controlling access to the Holy Place. It was not merely decorative but a functional barrier that delineated sacred space from the common ground of the wilderness camp. Its presence signified the holiness of God's dwelling and the need for a divinely prescribed approach. Unlike the inner "veil" (_parokhet_) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place ([Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil for the Holy of Holies")), the _mâçâk_ was the outermost point of entry for priests to perform their daily duties within the Tabernacle. Its intricate design and costly materials also underscored the glory and majesty of the God who resided within.

**How does the Tabernacle's completion in Exodus 40 relate to God's presence?**

Answer: The completion of the Tabernacle, including the final act of setting up the entrance hanging in [Exodus 40:28](/exodus/40-28 "Exodus 40:28 - The Hanging at the Tabernacle Door"), was the essential prerequisite for God's manifest presence to descend and dwell among His people. The entire construction process, from the initial instructions to the final assembly, was undertaken "as the LORD commanded Moses" ([Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Exodus 40:16 - Moses' Obedience")). Once every detail was meticulously fulfilled, the Tabernacle became a fit and holy dwelling place. Immediately following the completion of the structure, the glory of the Lord (the cloud) filled the Tabernacle, signifying God's acceptance and His faithful fulfillment of His promise to be "Immanuel" (God with us) ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle")). Thus, the completion of the Tabernacle was the necessary condition for the visible manifestation of God's presence among Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "hanging at the door of the tabernacle" in Exodus 40:28, while a physical barrier and a symbol of restricted access under the Old Covenant, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Tabernacle, with its various components and limited entry points, served as a shadow of the heavenly realities and a pointer to the ultimate way to God. Jesus himself declared, "[I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door to Salvation")," and "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way to the Father")." Where the Tabernacle's hanging served as a physical, material barrier, Jesus became the living, spiritual "door" and "way," providing direct and unhindered access to God. The tearing of the temple veil (which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, akin to the Tabernacle's inner veil) at the moment of Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")) powerfully symbolized the abolition of all barriers to God's presence through His atoning sacrifice. No longer is access limited by a physical curtain or a priestly intermediary; through Christ's shed blood, believers now have "[boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Flesh")" ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Flesh")). Jesus, the true Tabernacle ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), has opened the way to the Father, fulfilling the Tabernacle's purpose and making intimate communion with God possible for all who believe.

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 40:5

And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:36

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

Exodus 26:37

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Exodus 38:9

¶ And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court [were of] fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

Exodus 38:19

And their pillars [were] four, and their sockets [of] brass four; their hooks [of] silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets [of] silver.

John 10:9

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.