Exodus 40:16

¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

Thus did {H6213} Moses {H4872}: according to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} him, so did {H6213} he.

Moshe did this - he acted in accordance with everything ADONAI had ordered him to do.

Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

Thus did Moses: according to all that Jehovah commanded him, so did he.

Commentary

Exodus 40:16 (KJV): "¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he."

Context

This verse concludes the description of Moses setting up the Tabernacle and arranging all its furnishings and elements, as detailed in the preceding verses of Exodus chapter 40. It follows the lengthy sections providing God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction (Exodus 25-31) and the account of the Israelites actually building it according to those specifications (Exodus 35-39). This verse specifically highlights the final step: Moses' personal execution of the setup, emphasizing his perfect adherence to God's blueprint.

Key Themes

  • Obedience: The central theme is Moses' complete and precise obedience to God's specific instructions regarding the Tabernacle's setup.
  • Faithfulness: This verse underscores Moses' faithfulness in carrying out the immense task exactly as commanded, demonstrating trust in God's plan and authority.
  • Divine Authority: The phrase "all that the LORD commanded him" reinforces that the design and process were not Moses' invention but originated entirely from God.
  • Completion: It marks the successful completion of the Tabernacle project, ready for God's presence to dwell among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he" is a recurring refrain throughout Exodus, especially in chapters 39 and 40, summarizing the completion of various parts of the Tabernacle and its setup. The Hebrew phrase, כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֹתוֹ כֵּן עָשָׂה (ka'asher tzivah Yahweh oto ken asah), literally means "as Yahweh commanded him, so he did." The repetition strongly emphasizes the exactness and totality of the obedience. It wasn't just a general effort, but a precise fulfillment of "all" that was commanded.

Reflection and Application

Moses' example in Exodus 40:16 serves as a powerful model of obedience for believers today. Just as Moses meticulously followed God's detailed instructions for the physical Tabernacle, we are called to follow God's commands found in His Word. Our service and worship are acceptable to God not based on our own ideas or efforts alone, but on our willingness to act "according to all that the LORD commanded." This verse reminds us that faithfulness involves diligent attention to God's will and executing it precisely. It challenges us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only."

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 40:17 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first [day] of the month, [that] the tabernacle was reared up.

  • Exodus 40:32 (3 votes)

    When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

  • Exodus 39:42 (2 votes)

    According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

  • Exodus 39:43 (2 votes)

    And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

  • Isaiah 8:20 (2 votes)

    To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

  • Deuteronomy 12:32 (2 votes)

    What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.