The book of Exodus concludes with a powerful and significant event—the setting up of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among ...
The book of Exodus concludes with a powerful and significant event—the setting up of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among His people. Exodus 40 describes the final assembly of the Tabernacle, the dedication of its furnishings, and the anointing of Aaron and his sons for priestly service. The chapter emphasizes obedience to God's instructions, the sanctity of worship, and the manifestation of His glorious presence.
In Exodus 40, Moses follows God's command to set up the Tabernacle exactly as instructed. Every part, from the Ark of the Covenant to the altar of burnt offering, is placed in its designated position. After the completion of the Tabernacle, a remarkable event occurs—the cloud of God's glory descends upon it, signifying His presence among the Israelites. This event marks a turning point, confirming that God will lead His people as they journey toward the Promised Land.
The significance of Exodus 40 extends beyond Israel’s wilderness experience. It illustrates God’s desire to dwell among His people, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate dwelling place of God among men (John 1:14). This chapter teaches the importance of obedience, holiness, and divine guidance, principles that remain relevant for believers today.
1. Setting Up the Tabernacle According to God’s Command
God’s Instructions to Moses
Exodus 40 begins with God giving Moses precise instructions for setting up the Tabernacle. The Lord commands him:
"On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation." (Exodus 40:2, KJV)
This verse marks a new beginning for Israel. The Tabernacle was to be assembled at the start of the new year, signifying a fresh chapter in their journey. Every detail had been carefully crafted, and now, the time had come to establish it as the central place of worship.
The Placement of Sacred Items
God provides a step-by-step order for arranging the Tabernacle’s furnishings:
- The Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 40:3) – Placed in the Holy of Holies and covered by the veil.
- The Table of Showbread (Exodus 40:4) – Positioned outside the veil with the loaves set in order.
- The Golden Candlestick (Exodus 40:4) – Placed opposite the table to provide light.
- The Altar of Incense (Exodus 40:5) – Set before the veil, symbolizing the prayers of the people.
- The Door of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:6) – An entryway ensuring separation between the sacred and common.
- The Brazen Altar (Exodus 40:6) – Positioned outside the tent for sacrificial offerings.
- The Laver (Exodus 40:7) – Set between the altar and the tent for priestly purification.
Each piece carried spiritual significance, pointing toward the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence.
Moses’ Obedience in Completing the Work
Moses faithfully follows God’s instructions:
"Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he." (Exodus 40:16, KJV)
His obedience sets an example for believers. God's work must be carried out with precision and devotion, reflecting His perfect nature.
2. Consecration of the Tabernacle and the Priests
Anointing the Tabernacle and Its Vessels
Once the Tabernacle is fully assembled, God commands Moses to anoint everything within it:
"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." (Exodus 40:9, KJV)
This anointing signifies God’s sanctification of the Tabernacle, setting it apart as a holy place. The oil, often representing the Holy Spirit, symbolizes God’s presence and consecration for divine service.
Aaron and His Sons Are Anointed
God also instructs Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood:
"And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water." (Exodus 40:12, KJV)
This act represents purification and dedication for priestly service. The priesthood was a sacred calling, requiring holiness and obedience. The anointing oil was poured upon Aaron’s head (Psalm 133:2), marking him as God’s chosen high priest.
Significance for Christians Today
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart, believers today are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). We are to live consecrated lives, filled with the Holy Spirit and dedicated to worship.
3. The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle
God’s Presence Descends in a Cloud
After Moses completes the work, a dramatic event unfolds:
"Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34, KJV)
This cloud was the Shekinah glory, a visible manifestation of God’s presence. It demonstrated that God had accepted the Tabernacle and would dwell among His people.
Moses Could Not Enter
The intensity of God's presence was overwhelming:
"And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:35, KJV)
This moment underscores God’s holiness. His presence is so glorious that even Moses, His chosen servant, could not enter. It reminds us of the reverence and awe we should have when approaching God.
Divine Guidance Through the Cloud and Fire
The chapter concludes with a description of how God would guide Israel:
"For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." (Exodus 40:38, KJV)
God’s faithful presence assured Israel that He was leading them. The cloud signified protection, guidance, and divine assurance, just as His Spirit leads believers today.
Conclusion
Exodus 40 is a powerful chapter that highlights the completion of the Tabernacle, the anointing of the priesthood, and the manifestation of God's glory. It teaches the importance of obedience, holiness, and divine presence.
Through the Tabernacle’s construction and consecration, we see a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who became the true dwelling place of God (John 1:14). The anointing of Aaron reminds us that all believers are called to be set apart for God’s service. And the glory cloud signifies that God desires to dwell with His people, guiding them through life’s journey.
Just as Israel was led by the cloud and fire, we, too, must rely on God’s presence and direction. When we walk in obedience and seek His holiness, we will experience His guidance and favor in every aspect of our lives.
FAQs on Exodus 40 Commentary: The Completion of the Tabernacle and God's Glorious Presence
1. What is the significance of the Tabernacle’s completion in Exodus 40, and how does it relate to God's presence?
The completion of the Tabernacle in Exodus 40 is a pivotal moment in Israel’s history because it marks the fulfillment of God's command to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle was not just a tent; it was a carefully designed and sacred space where God's presence would be manifest in a visible and tangible way.
When the Tabernacle was fully set up according to God’s instructions, a cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord filled the entire structure (Exodus 40:34). This cloud was a manifestation of God’s presence, known as the Shekinah glory. It was a sign that God had accepted the Tabernacle as His dwelling place and that He would guide the Israelites in their journey to the Promised Land.
For believers today, the Tabernacle foreshadows Jesus Christ, who became the true dwelling place of God among men (John 1:14). Through Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical building but is now within the hearts of those who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 3:16). The completion of the Tabernacle represents God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His desire to be intimately involved in the lives of His people.
2. Why did Moses follow God’s instructions so precisely when setting up the Tabernacle, and what does this teach us about obedience?
In Exodus 40, we see that Moses obeyed every command exactly as God instructed. The chapter repeatedly states that Moses did everything "as the Lord commanded him" (Exodus 40:16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). This repetition highlights the importance of total obedience when carrying out God's will.
Moses' faithfulness in following God’s precise instructions demonstrates that God cares about details in worship and service. The Tabernacle was a sacred space where Israel would meet with God, and any deviation from His commands would have serious consequences. This principle is seen again later in Leviticus 10, when Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were struck dead for offering “strange fire” that was not according to God’s command.
For Christians today, Moses’ example teaches us that obedience to God's Word brings His presence and blessings. God desires that His people obey Him fully, not partially. Jesus reinforced this when He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). Just as Moses followed every detail of God’s instructions, believers should strive to walk in complete obedience to God’s Word.
3. Why was the anointing of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests necessary?
In Exodus 40:9-15, God commands Moses to anoint the Tabernacle, its furniture, and the priests with anointing oil. This anointing was not just a symbolic act but a spiritual consecration, setting them apart for holy service.
Anointing the Tabernacle and Its Furnishings
- The anointing of the Ark, altar, laver, and all the furniture meant that these objects were dedicated exclusively for God’s purposes.
- The anointing sanctified these items, making them holy and acceptable for worship.
Anointing Aaron and His Sons
- The priests had to be set apart before they could serve before God.
- The anointing oil, often associated with the Holy Spirit, represented God’s empowerment for their sacred duties.
The anointing of the priests foreshadowed Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). It also symbolizes believers today, who are anointed with the Holy Spirit to serve God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart, Christians are called to live holy and consecrated lives for God's glory.
4. What is the significance of the cloud and fire that covered the Tabernacle, and how does it apply to believers today?
One of the most striking aspects of Exodus 40 is the cloud by day and fire by night that rested upon the Tabernacle:
"For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." (Exodus 40:38, KJV)
This cloud was the visible representation of God’s presence, signifying:
- Divine approval – God accepted the Tabernacle as His dwelling.
- Divine protection – The cloud provided shade in the desert, while the fire gave warmth and illumination at night.
- Divine guidance – When the cloud moved, the Israelites moved; when it stopped, they remained in place.
For believers today, this event illustrates how God leads His people:
- The cloud and fire foreshadow the Holy Spirit, who now dwells in believers (John 16:13).
- Just as Israel followed the cloud, we must follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
- God’s presence in the Tabernacle reminds us that He is always with us (Matthew 28:20).
Ultimately, the cloud and fire symbolize God’s faithfulness to His people, reassuring us that He will lead and sustain us through every challenge.
5. How does Exodus 40 point to Jesus Christ and the New Testament fulfillment of God’s presence?
Exodus 40 is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant:
The Tabernacle as God’s Dwelling
- The Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence rested among His people.
- In the New Testament, Jesus became the true Tabernacle: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14, KJV).
- The Greek word for “dwelt” (σκηνόω, skēnoō) literally means “to tabernacle” or “to pitch a tent”. Jesus became the living Tabernacle of God’s presence.
The Anointed High Priest
- Aaron was anointed as Israel’s high priest.
- Jesus is our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), interceding for us before the Father.
The Cloud and Fire as the Holy Spirit
- The cloud and fire guided Israel; the Holy Spirit now guides believers (John 16:13).
- The Holy Spirit dwells within us, just as God’s presence filled the Tabernacle.
The Call to Holiness
- The priests had to be consecrated for service; believers today are called to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Just as the Tabernacle was set apart for God, our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Exodus 40 ultimately reveals God’s eternal desire to dwell with His people. From the Tabernacle to Jesus Christ to the indwelling Holy Spirit, God continually seeks to be near those who love Him. One day, this will be fully realized in Revelation 21:3, where God Himself will dwell with His people forever.
Exodus 40 is a profound conclusion to the book of Exodus. It reminds us of God’s holiness, the importance of obedience, and His desire to dwell among His people. Through Jesus Christ, we now have access to God’s presence at all times, and His Spirit leads us just as the cloud and fire guided Israel. By studying this chapter, we can better understand God’s faithfulness, His call to holiness, and the ultimate fulfillment of His presence through Christ.
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