Exodus 40:9

KJV

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and anoint {H4886} the tabernacle {H4908}, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow {H6942} it, and all the vessels {H3627} thereof: and it shall be holy {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it -consecrate it with all its furnishings; then it will be holy.

Berean Standard Bible

Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the furniture thereof: and it shall be holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:9 marks the climactic moment of the Tabernacle's consecration, transforming it and its contents from ordinary materials into sacred objects exclusively dedicated to God's service. Moses is commanded to apply the specially prepared anointing oil to every part of the sanctuary and its vessels, an act that formally sets them apart as holy. This crucial ceremony was indispensable for the Tabernacle to become the divinely appointed earthly dwelling place where the Lord's glorious presence would reside among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of the detailed instructions and meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, bringing the Book of Exodus to its grand finale. Following God's precise architectural blueprints given on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") (chapters 25-31) and the subsequent faithful execution of those plans by the Israelites under Bezalel and Oholiab (chapters 35-39), chapter 40 describes the final assembly and dedication. The anointing ceremony, as commanded in [Exodus 40:9](/exodus/40-9 "Exodus 40:9 - Anointing the Tabernacle"), is the essential ritual that formally consecrates the Tabernacle, preparing it for the glorious indwelling of the Lord. This act directly precedes the dramatic moment in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle") where the cloud covers the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle, signifying God's acceptance and presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Anointing with oil was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, signifying dedication, appointment, or honor for various purposes, including the installation of kings, priests, or the consecration of cultic objects. However, the anointing oil for the Israelite Tabernacle and its priests was uniquely sacred. [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil") specifies its exclusive composition: a precise blend of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil, strictly forbidden for common use or imitation. This exclusivity underscored its sacred purpose—to transform common materials into objects set apart for divine interaction. The act of anointing, therefore, was not merely ceremonial but a tangible declaration of separation from the profane and dedication to the holy, establishing a consecrated space where a holy God could dwell among an otherwise unholy people, mediating His presence through prescribed rituals.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and beyond. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Presence**. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and its anointing emphasize God's absolute purity and His desire, yet also His demands, for a consecrated space to dwell among His people. This act also highlights the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, as Moses faithfully executes every detail precisely as God instructed, culminating in this final act of dedication. Furthermore, it reinforces the concept of **Separation and Consecration**, where common objects are transformed into sacred vessels fit for divine service, foreshadowing later calls for personal holiness. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Indwelling**, as the anointing prepares the Tabernacle for the glorious filling of God's presence, establishing the central place of worship for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anoint (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** This primitive root means "to rub with oil," specifically to anoint. By implication, it signifies to consecrate or set apart for a sacred purpose. In this context, it is the physical application of the holy oil to the Tabernacle and its contents, ritually dedicating them to God. This act confers a sacred status, making the anointed object fit for divine use and presence.
* **Hallow (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This primitive root means "to be clean (ceremonially or morally)" or, causatively, "to make, pronounce, or observe as clean/holy." It implies a transformative act of setting something apart from the common or profane and dedicating it entirely to God. The act of hallowing is not merely a human declaration but a divine pronouncement, as God Himself declares the anointed objects holy.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** Derived from `qâdash`, this noun refers to a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, sanctity. When something is declared "holy," it is separated from the ordinary and dedicated exclusively to God's service. It reflects God's own perfect and transcendent nature, implying purity, reverence, and inviolability, making the object suitable for interaction with the divine.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy_):** This word encompasses "any apparatus," including implements, utensils, or vessels. In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to all the various tools and furnishings used in the sacred service—bowls, spoons, censers, lampstands, altars, and other implements. The inclusion of "all the vessels thereof" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the consecration, ensuring that every item used in God's worship is also set apart and made sacred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take the anointing oil,"**: This initial command underscores the specific and divinely prescribed nature of the oil to be used. It is not just any oil, but the "anointing oil," a sacred compound whose precise ingredients and purpose were commanded by God in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - The Holy Anointing Oil"). This emphasizes the importance of meticulous obedience to God's instructions in matters of worship and consecration.
* **"and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein,"**: This clause specifies the comprehensive scope of the anointing. It includes the entire physical structure of the Tabernacle itself—the tent, its coverings, frames, and pillars—as well as everything contained within its sacred precincts, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. This all-encompassing anointing signifies that every component of God's earthly dwelling place must be set apart for His exclusive use.
* **"and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof:"**: This clause reiterates and expands upon the profound purpose of the anointing: to "hallow" or make holy. The physical act of anointing results in a spiritual state of consecration. The explicit mention of "all the vessels thereof" ensures that every implement and utensil used in the Tabernacle service, down to the smallest detail, is also dedicated and rendered sacred, fit for the holy tasks performed in God's presence.
* **"and it shall be holy."**: This conclusive declaration pronounces the ultimate outcome and divine decree resulting from the anointing and hallowing process. Once anointed and hallowed according to God's precise commands, the Tabernacle and its entire contents are declared "holy"—meaning they are irrevocably set apart, consecrated, and made fit for the presence and service of the Almighty God. This state of holiness is not merely ceremonial but intrinsic to its function as the sacred dwelling place of God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 40:9 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Repetition** of the concept of "holy" (through "hallow it" and "it shall be holy") powerfully emphasizes the paramount importance of consecration and the absolute necessity of a set-apart space for God's dwelling. This repetition underscores the divine nature of the transformation from common to sacred. **Symbolism** is central, with the "anointing oil" serving as a potent symbol of divine presence, purification, and the impartation of sacredness. The oil visually and tangibly represents the act of setting apart, making the invisible spiritual reality manifest. The entire Tabernacle itself functions as a grand **symbol** of God's desire to dwell among His people, and its anointing symbolizes the necessary purification and dedication required for such a holy presence. The verse also functions as a **Divine Command**, expressed through direct, imperative instructions to Moses ("thou shalt take," "anoint," "hallow"), highlighting God's sovereign authority and the imperative of human obedience in establishing His worship according to His terms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:9 encapsulates profound theological truths concerning God's inherent holiness, His gracious desire for communion with humanity, and the divinely ordained means by which such communion can occur. The meticulous consecration of the Tabernacle underscores that God is utterly transcendent and separate from creation, dwelling in unapproachable light, yet He graciously chooses to dwell among His people. However, His presence demands holiness, thus the precise anointing and hallowing were indispensable acts to prepare a space fitting for His pure and unblemished character. This act of setting apart, transforming the common into the sacred, reveals God's initiative in establishing a covenant relationship and providing a pathway for worship and atonement. It teaches that access to God is not casual but requires divine appointment, purification, and adherence to His holy standards.

* [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Priesthood and Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The anointing of the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:9 serves as a timeless reminder of the sacredness required in approaching God and the importance of consecration in our lives as believers. Just as every part of the Tabernacle was meticulously set apart for God's exclusive use, so too are we, as New Covenant believers, called to live lives of holiness and dedication. Our bodies are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit," implying that every facet of our being—our thoughts, words, actions, relationships, and even our possessions—should be consecrated to God's purposes. This does not imply a monastic retreat from the world, but rather living *in* the world with a distinct, set-apart character that reflects God's holiness. It challenges us to examine what we dedicate our time, talents, and resources to. Are we treating our lives as common or as holy vessels for God's glory? The call to be holy is a call to intentional living, to active purification from sin, and to a life empowered by the Spirit for service and worship that truly honors the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to intentionally "hallow" or set apart for God's exclusive use and glory?**
* **How does the concept of the Tabernacle's anointing inform your understanding of personal holiness and dedication in your daily Christian walk?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully as a "holy vessel" for God's purposes, reflecting His set-apart nature?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of anointing oil in the Bible, and why was it used on the Tabernacle?**

Answer: In the Bible, anointing oil held profound symbolic and practical significance, primarily representing divine appointment, consecration, and the impartation of holiness. For the Tabernacle, the use of a specially prepared "holy anointing oil" (as detailed in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil")) was crucial. Its application transformed the physical structure and its furnishings from common materials into sacred objects, set apart exclusively for God's presence and service. This act was not merely ceremonial; it was a divine command that ritually purified and dedicated the Tabernacle, making it a fit dwelling place for the Lord and a consecrated space where worship and atonement could occur according to God's holy standards.

**Why was the Tabernacle so important to ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Tabernacle was of paramount importance to ancient Israel because it served as the tangible dwelling place of God among His people. It was the physical manifestation of God's covenant presence, fulfilling His promise to "dwell among them" ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). As a portable sanctuary, it accompanied the Israelites through their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing God's continuous guidance and protection. It was the central place of worship, where sacrifices were offered, sins were atoned for, and God's will was revealed. The Tabernacle's intricate design and meticulous construction, culminating in its anointing and filling with God's glory ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")), underscored the holiness of God and the sacredness required to approach Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:9, with its profound emphasis on the anointing and hallowing of the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was a temporary, earthly dwelling place for God's presence, a shadow of the reality to come. Jesus, however, is the eternal, divine presence of God incarnate, the Word who [became flesh and dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), literally "tabernacled" (Greek: *eskēnōsen*) among humanity. Just as the Tabernacle was anointed to be holy and set apart, Jesus is the "Anointed One" (Messiah/Christ) par excellence, set apart by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit")). He declared His own body to be the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")), a temple not made with human hands, through which ultimate and permanent access to God is granted. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus not only fulfilled the Tabernacle's purpose of mediating God's presence and providing atonement but also inaugurated a new, living temple—His body, the Church. In Christ, believers become [living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones"), built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him. Thus, the Tabernacle's anointing foreshadowed the perfect and eternal consecration achieved in Christ, the ultimate dwelling place of God's glory, in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")).

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

Leviticus 8:10

And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that [was] therein, and sanctified them.

Numbers 7:1

¶ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Exodus 30:23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

Exodus 30:33

Whosoever compoundeth [any] like it, or whosoever putteth [any] of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.