Exodus 40:19

And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.

And he spread abroad {H6566} the tent {H168} over the tabernacle {H4908}, and put {H7760} the covering {H4372} of the tent {H168} above {H4605} upon it; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

He spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent above it, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.

And he spread the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 40:19

Exodus 40:19 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Exodus, concluding the detailed narrative of the Tabernacle's construction and erection. Following chapters dedicated to the divine blueprints for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31) and the meticulous account of its building by skilled craftsmen under Bezaleel and Aholiab (Exodus 35-39), Chapter 40 describes Moses's personal assembly of each component. This verse specifically details the final step of covering the Tabernacle, creating the protective outer layers for the sacred dwelling place, all done precisely "as the LORD commanded Moses."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Blueprint and Human Obedience: The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" is a recurring refrain throughout Exodus 40, appearing seven times. This constant repetition underscores the paramount importance of absolute and meticulous obedience to God's specific instructions. Moses did not deviate, adding or subtracting nothing, providing a powerful demonstration of human obedience to divine instruction.
  • God's Dwelling Among His People: The completion of the Tabernacle signified that God's presence, previously manifested at Mount Sinai, was now ready to dwell in the midst of His people in the wilderness. It was a tangible symbol of His covenant relationship with Israel, providing a central point for worship and interaction with the divine.
  • Order and Detail in Worship: The exhaustive detail in God's commands for the Tabernacle, from its dimensions to the materials and the order of assembly, highlights His nature as a God of order. It teaches that true worship and service are not arbitrary but require careful attention to God's revealed will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "tabernacle" is mishkan (ืžึดืฉึฐืื›ึธึผืŸ), which literally means "dwelling place." This emphasizes its primary purpose as the abode for God's glory among His people. The "tent" (ohel, ืึนื”ึถืœ) refers to the entire tent structure, while "the covering of the tent" (mikseh ha'ohel, ืžึดื›ึฐืกึตื” ื”ึธืึนื”ึถืœ) specifically denotes the outermost layer, likely made of durable animal skins (e.g., badger skins or porpoise skins, depending on interpretation of tachash) designed to protect the sacred structure from the elements of the wilderness.

Practical Application

Exodus 40:19, and indeed the entire Tabernacle narrative, offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Importance of Obedience: Just as Moses diligently followed every divine command, we are called to obey God's Word in all areas of our lives. Our obedience is not merely about rules but about demonstrating our trust and love for God.
  • God's Desire for Proximity: The Tabernacle foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity, first in Jesus Christ, who 'tabernacled' among us, and then through the Holy Spirit indwelling believers. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
  • Worship with Reverence and Order: The meticulous care taken in building the Tabernacle reminds us that our worship and service to God should be offered with reverence, intentionality, and according to His revealed principles, not merely our own preferences.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 36:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

  • Exodus 36:19 (2 votes)

    And he made a covering for the tent [of] rams' skins dyed red, and a covering [of] badgers' skins above [that].

  • Exodus 26:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

  • Exodus 26:14 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make a covering for the tent [of] rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above [of] badgers' skins.