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Commentary on Exodus 40 verses 1–15
The materials and furniture of the tabernacle had been viewed severally and approved, and now they must be put together. 1. God here directs Moses to set up the tabernacle and the utensils of it in their places. Though the work of the tabernacle was finished, and every thing ready for rearing, and the people, no doubt, were very desirous to see it up, yet Moses will not erect it till he has express orders for doing so. It is good to see God going before us in every step, Psa 37:23. The time for doing this is fixed to the first day of the first month (Exo 40:2), which wanted but fourteen days of a year since they came out of Egypt; and a good year's work there was done in it. Probably the work was made ready but just at the end of the year, so that the appointing of this day gave no delay, or next to none, to this good work. We must not put off any necessary duty under pretence of waiting for some remarkable day; the present season is the most convenient. But the tabernacle happening to be set up on the first day of the first month intimates that it is good to begin the year with some good work. Let him that is the first have the first; and let the things of his kingdom be first sought. In Hezekiah's time we find they began to sanctify the temple on the first day of the first month, Ch2 29:17. The new moon (which by their computation was the first day of every month) was observed by them with some solemnity; and therefore this first new moon of the year was thus made remarkable. Note, When a new year begins, we should think of serving God more and better than we did the year before. Moses is particularly ordered to set up the tabernacle itself first, in which God would dwell and would be served (Exo 40:2), then to put the ark in its place, and draw the veil before it (Exo 40:3), then to fix the table, and the candlestick, and the altar of incense, without the veil (Exo 40:4, Exo 40:5), and to fix the hanging of the door before the door. Then in the court he must place the altar of burnt offering, and the laver (Exo 40:6, Exo 40:7); and, lastly, he must set up the curtains of the court, and a hanging for a court-gate. And all this would be easily done in one day, many hands no doubt being employed in it under the direction of Moses. 2. He directs Moses, when he had set up the tabernacle and all the furniture of it, to consecrate it and them, by anointing them with the oil which was prepared for the purpose, Exo 30:25, etc. It was there ordered that this should be done; here it was ordered that it should be done now, Exo 40:9-11. Observe, Every thing was sanctified when it was put in its proper place, and not till then, for till then it was not fit for the use to which it was to be sanctified. As every thing is beautiful in its season, so is every thing in its place. 3. He directs him to consecrate Aaron and his sons. When the goods were brought into God's house, they were marked first, and then servants were hired to bear the vessels of the Lord; and those must be clean who were put into that office, Exo 40:12-15. The law which was now ordered to be put in execution we had before, ch. 29. Thus in the visible church, which is God's tabernacle among men, it is requisite that there be ministers to keep the charge of the sanctuary, and that they receive the anointing.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 40:5 meticulously details the final placement of two critical furnishings within the newly consecrated Tabernacle: the golden Altar of Incense and the hanging that served as the entrance to the sacred Tent of Meeting. This verse signifies the completion of the inner arrangements of the Holy Place and the establishment of the divinely ordained boundaries for access, preparing the Tabernacle for the indwelling glory of God and setting the stage for Israel's prescribed system of worship and communion with their holy God.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Exodus chapter 40 serves as the climactic conclusion to the extensive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, meticulously detailed from Exodus 25 through Exodus 39. This final chapter recounts the actual erection and furnishing of the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus, precisely as commanded by God. Verses 1-4 outline the initial setup of the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the table of showbread, and the lampstand, establishing the core elements of the sanctuary. Verse 5 then specifically focuses on the placement of the Altar of Incense within the Holy Place and the installation of the hanging that marked the Tabernacle's entrance, completing the internal arrangement and the enclosure of the sacred space. This systematic, inside-out completion of the sanctuary is immediately followed by instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver in the outer court in Exodus 40:6-8, demonstrating a divine order and meticulous adherence to God's blueprint before the consecration of the Tabernacle and its priests. The entire chapter underscores the profound importance of divine obedience and the sanctity of the Tabernacle as the tangible dwelling place of God among His people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical setting for Exodus 40 is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Having received the Law and the covenant at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were now formally constituted as God's chosen people, and the Tabernacle was to be the tangible manifestation of God's promise to "let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were common, often viewed as the abodes of deities, but the Israelite Tabernacle was unique in its portability, reflecting their nomadic journey and God's dynamic, accompanying presence. The precise, divinely revealed instructions for its construction and arrangement, including the specific placement of the Altar of Incense and the door hanging, emphasized the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the regulated, reverent approach required for His presence. This sacred structure served as the theological and physical center of Israel's worship, national identity, and communal life throughout their wilderness wanderings, a constant visual and spiritual reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate, yet holy, communion with His people.
Key Themes: Exodus 40:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of Divine Presence and Dwelling, as the Tabernacle's completion signifies God's readiness to dwell among His people, fulfilling His covenant promise. The meticulous detail in this verse, like the entire Tabernacle account, highlights the theme of Divine Order and Obedience, emphasizing that access to and communion with a holy God must occur on His terms, according to His precise instructions (Exodus 39:32). The placement of the Altar of Incense "before the ark of the testimony" underscores the theme of Intercession and Worship, portraying prayer as a vital and continuous offering ascending to God's presence. Finally, the "hanging of the door" reinforces the theme of Holiness and Separation, establishing a clear boundary between the sacred and the common, and signifying that access to God's presence is not casual but requires a divinely appointed pathway and priestly mediation, a concept deeply explored in later books like Leviticus and Hebrews.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in Exodus 40:5, and indeed throughout the entire Tabernacle narrative, is Symbolism. Each element mentioned—the Altar of Incense, the Ark of the Testimony, and the hanging of the door—is imbued with profound theological meaning. The Altar of Incense symbolizes the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, a fragrant offering of devotion, praise, and intercession. Its golden material and its placement before the Ark underscore the preciousness and efficacy of prayer in God's presence. The Ark of the Testimony functions as a potent symbol of God's covenant presence, His absolute holiness, and the divine law He has given to His people. The phrase "before the ark of the testimony" utilizes Synecdoche, where the Ark, as a part, represents the whole of God's immediate, indwelling presence, indicating that the incense (prayers) was offered directly to Him. The hanging of the door symbolizes regulated access and the sacred boundary between the profane and the holy, emphasizing that approach to God is not casual or arbitrary but requires a divinely ordained pathway and a reverent posture. Together, these meticulously placed elements form a cohesive symbolic system designed to instruct Israel about the nature of God, the pathway to communion with Him, and the profound sanctity of His dwelling place.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:5 powerfully reinforces the foundational themes of divine order, the sanctity of God's presence, and the prescribed means of approaching Him. The meticulous placement of the Altar of Incense directly before the Ark of the Testimony highlights that prayer and intercession are not peripheral but central to communion with a holy God, serving as a continuous, pleasing aroma before Him. The completion of the Tabernacle's structure, marked by the hanging of the door, teaches that access to God is not arbitrary but is granted according to His divine will and through specific, sacred channels, emphasizing His holiness and the need for reverent mediation. This intricate system of worship, with its carefully designated spaces and rituals, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect access provided through Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the Tabernacle's purpose by making true and continuous communion with God possible for all believers.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:5, in its profound and meticulous detail, calls us to consider the immense privilege and sacredness of our access to God. Just as the Altar of Incense was positioned directly before the Ark, symbolizing prayers ascending into God's very presence, so too are our prayers meant to be a constant, fragrant offering before Him. This verse encourages us to approach God with reverence, intentionality, and a deep appreciation for the pathway He has graciously provided. It reminds us that our worship is not merely a ritualistic exercise but a sacred encounter, and our prayers are not just words but a vital means of intimate communion with the Creator of the universe. In a world that often trivializes the sacred and promotes casual approaches to spiritual matters, this passage reorients our hearts to the awe-inspiring reality of God's holy presence and the profound honor of drawing near to Him through the new and living way established by Christ. It challenges us to cultivate a prayer life that reflects this sacred privilege, offering our petitions, praises, and intercessions with humility and faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of placing the Altar of Incense "before the ark of the testimony"?
Answer: The placement of the Altar of Incense "before the ark of the testimony" was profoundly significant, symbolizing the direct ascent of prayers into God's immediate presence. The Ark of the Testimony, located in the Most Holy Place behind the veil, represented the very dwelling place of God and the tangible manifestation of His covenant with Israel (Exodus 25:10-22). By positioning the Altar of Incense in the Holy Place directly in front of this veil, it conveyed that the daily burning of incense—symbolizing the prayers and intercessions of the people—was ascending directly to God's throne. This arrangement underscored the continuous nature of communion with a holy God and highlighted prayer as the primary means by which His people could symbolically draw near to Him, emphasizing its vital role in maintaining their relationship with the divine.
What was the purpose of the "hanging of the door to the tabernacle"?
Answer: The "hanging of the door to the tabernacle" served as the primary entrance curtain for the Tabernacle structure itself, separating the common outer court from the sacred Holy Place. Its purpose was multifaceted: it completed the physical enclosure of the sacred space, clearly defining the boundary between the profane and the holy. More importantly, it regulated access to the Tabernacle. Entry was not open to everyone but was strictly restricted to the priests, and even for them, it required adherence to specific rituals and a reverent approach. This hanging symbolized the sanctity of God's dwelling and the principle that access to His presence is not casual but is granted according to His divine order and through prescribed means (Exodus 27:16). It served as a constant visual reminder of God's holiness and the necessary separation between Him and sinful humanity, highlighting the need for a divinely appointed mediator and pathway.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:5, with its detailed focus on the Altar of Incense and the regulated access to God's dwelling, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The daily burning of incense, symbolizing the prayers of God's people ascending as a pleasing aroma, powerfully foreshadows Christ's perfect and continuous intercession on our behalf. He is our great High Priest, who "always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25), presenting our prayers to God in a way that is always acceptable because of His own perfect sacrifice. Moreover, the Altar of Incense's placement "before the ark of the testimony" pointed to the inherent need for a mediator to approach God's holy presence, a need perfectly and eternally met in Christ, who declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). The "hanging of the door to the tabernacle," along with the inner veil (Exodus 26:31-33), symbolized a significant barrier to God's immediate presence, a barrier that was dramatically and supernaturally torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's death on the cross (Matthew 27:51). This profound event signified that His atoning sacrifice provided direct, unhindered, and permanent access for all believers into the "Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19). Thus, the meticulous arrangements of Exodus 40:5 ultimately point to Christ as the one who perfectly mediates our prayers, grants us direct and confident access to God, and is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, making true communion possible.