Exodus 40
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 3 Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. 4 Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps. 5 Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 6 Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 7 And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8 Set up the surrounding courtyard and hang the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. 9 Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy. 10 Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy. 11 Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them. 12 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 13 And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. 14 Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. 15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations." 16 Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him. 17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. 18 When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. 19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him. 20 Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark. 21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him. 22 Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. 23 He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him. 24 He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle 25 and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him. 26 Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, 27 and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him. 28 Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29 He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him. 30 He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing; 31 and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet. 32 They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 33 And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work. 34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. 37 If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.
Study Notes — Exodus 40
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 40
- Themes from Exodus 40
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 40
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (Exodus 40:1-2). Moses carefully follows God's instructions, setting up the tabernacle and its furnishings, anointing and consecrating the priests, and finally, the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). The chapter emphasizes the significance of the tabernacle as a place of worship and the presence of God among the Israelites. The detailed description of the tabernacle's setup and the priestly consecration underscores the importance of obedience and ritual purity in Israel's relationship with God.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 40 concludes the narrative of the tabernacle's construction, which began in Exodus 25. This chapter is situated within the larger context of the Exodus narrative, which describes the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. The tabernacle's completion marks a significant milestone in Israel's history, as it provides a centralized place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The chapter also looks forward to the Israelites' future, as they will use the tabernacle in their worship and communion with God, and ultimately, to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill the tabernacle's symbolism as the ultimate dwelling place of God among men.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Exodus 40, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and reverence in our worship and service to God. We should strive to approach God with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing His presence and glory in our lives. Just as the Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God's service, we too are called to be a holy people, consecrated to God and living in obedience to His will.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 40 describes the completion and dedication of the tabernacle, which was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship and service to God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the significance of the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among men. The tabernacle's completion and dedication, as described in Exodus 40:1-38, mark a significant milestone in Israel's history, as they look forward to their future in the Promised Land.
Voices from the Church
“The tabernacle was a type of Christ, and the glory of the Lord filling it was a symbol of the glory of God that would be revealed in Christ. As we consider the tabernacle, we are reminded of the beauty and glory of Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The consecration of the priests and the tabernacle emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and obedience in our relationship with God. As we approach God, we must do so with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and our own sinfulness. We must strive to be a holy people, set apart for God's service, and living in obedience to His will.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Setup of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-8) — Moses sets up the tabernacle according to God's instructions, emphasizing the importance of obedience and attention to detail in worship and service to God.
- The Consecration of the Priests (Exodus 40:9-15) — The consecration of the priests highlights their crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service.
- The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:16-38) — The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signifies God's approval and presence, marking the tabernacle as a sacred space for worship and communion with God.
- The Significance of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-38) — The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of worship and communion with God in their daily lives.
- The Completion of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-38) — The completion of the tabernacle marks a significant milestone in Israel's history, as they look forward to their future in the Promised Land, with the tabernacle as a central place of worship and communion with God.
Core Doctrines
- The Presence of God
- Exodus 40 teaches us about the significance of God's presence among His people, emphasizing the importance of worship and communion with God in our daily lives. The tabernacle, as a symbol of God's dwelling place, represents the heart of Israel's worship and relationship with God.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Moses' careful setup of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests. Obedience is crucial in our relationship with God, as it reflects our reverence and awe for His holiness and our desire to please Him.
- The Role of the Priests
- The consecration of the priests in Exodus 40 underscores their crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. The priests' role in the tabernacle's rituals and sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.
- The Foreshadowing of Christ
- The tabernacle and its furnishings foreshadow the coming of Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among men. The tabernacle's design and the rituals performed within it point to the sacrificial death of Christ, which would provide a new and living way for humanity to approach God.
Lessons from Exodus 40
- The Importance of Obedience — Exodus 40 teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Moses' careful setup of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests. Obedience is crucial in our relationship with God, as it reflects our reverence and awe for His holiness and our desire to please Him.
- The Significance of the Tabernacle — The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of worship and communion with God in their daily lives. The tabernacle's design and furnishings point to the sacrificial death of Christ, which would provide a new and living way for humanity to approach God.
- The Role of the Priests — The consecration of the priests in Exodus 40 underscores their crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. The priests' role in the tabernacle's rituals and sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.
- The Glory of the Lord — The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signifies God's approval and presence, marking the tabernacle as a sacred space for worship and communion with God. This event prefigures the glory of God that would be revealed in Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men.
- The Completion of the Tabernacle — The completion of the tabernacle marks a significant milestone in Israel's history, as they look forward to their future in the Promised Land, with the tabernacle as a central place of worship and communion with God.
Themes from Exodus 40
- The Presence of God — Exodus 40 teaches us about the significance of God's presence among His people, emphasizing the importance of worship and communion with God in our daily lives. The tabernacle, as a symbol of God's dwelling place, represents the heart of Israel's worship and relationship with God.
- Obedience and Reverence — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Moses' careful setup of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests. Obedience is crucial in our relationship with God, as it reflects our reverence and awe for His holiness and our desire to please Him.
- The Foreshadowing of Christ — The tabernacle and its furnishings foreshadow the coming of Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among men. The tabernacle's design and the rituals performed within it point to the sacrificial death of Christ, which would provide a new and living way for humanity to approach God.
- The Importance of Ritual Purity — The consecration of the priests in Exodus 40 underscores their crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. The priests' role in the tabernacle's rituals and sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.
- The Glory of the Lord — The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signifies God's approval and presence, marking the tabernacle as a sacred space for worship and communion with God. This event prefigures the glory of God that would be revealed in Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the tabernacle represent in Exodus 40, and how does it relate to our worship and service to God today?
- How does the consecration of the priests in Exodus 40 emphasize the importance of ritual purity and obedience in our relationship with God?
- What does the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signify, and how does it relate to the presence of God in our lives today?
- How does Exodus 40 highlight the significance of obedience and reverence in our worship and service to God?
- What does the completion of the tabernacle mark in Israel's history, and how does it look forward to the coming of Christ?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Setup of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-8)
| 40:1 | God instructs Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. |
| 40:2 | Moses sets up the tabernacle according to God's instructions, highlighting the significance of attention to detail in worship and service to God. |
2. The Consecration of the Priests (Exodus 40:9-15)
| 40:9 | Moses consecrates the priests, emphasizing their crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites and the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. |
| 40:10 | The priests are anointed and consecrated, foreshadowing the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. |
3. The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:16-38)
| 40:16 | Moses completes the setup of the tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord fills it, signifying God's approval and presence. |
| 40:17 | The tabernacle is set up on the first day of the first month, marking a significant milestone in Israel's history and looking forward to their future in the Promised Land. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tabernacle in Exodus 40?
The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of worship and communion with God in their daily lives. The tabernacle's design and furnishings point to the sacrificial death of Christ, which would provide a new and living way for humanity to approach God (Exodus 40:1-38).
What does the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signify?
The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signifies God's approval and presence, marking the tabernacle as a sacred space for worship and communion with God (Exodus 40:34-38). This event prefigures the glory of God that would be revealed in Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men.
What is the role of the priests in Exodus 40?
The priests play a crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. The priests' role in the tabernacle's rituals and sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins (Exodus 40:9-15).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 40:1 → Hebrews 8:5 | The tabernacle is a copy of the heavenly things, emphasizing the significance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. |
| 2 | Exodus 40:9 → Leviticus 8:12 | The consecration of the priests in Exodus 40 is similar to the consecration of the priests in Leviticus 8, highlighting the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. |
| 3 | Exodus 40:16 → Numbers 9:15 | The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle is similar to the glory of the Lord that would fill the tabernacle in the wilderness, signifying God's approval and presence. |
| 4 | Exodus 40:17 → Deuteronomy 1:3 | The setup of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month marks a significant milestone in Israel's history, looking forward to their future in the Promised Land. |
| 5 | Exodus 40:34 → 1 Kings 8:11 | The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle is similar to the glory of the Lord that would fill the temple in Jerusalem, signifying God's approval and presence. |
| 6 | Exodus 40:1 → John 1:14 | The tabernacle is a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, foreshadowing the coming of Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among men. |
| 7 | Exodus 40:9 → Hebrews 7:27 | The consecration of the priests in Exodus 40 foreshadows the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. |
| 8 | Exodus 40:16 → Revelation 21:3 | The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle is similar to the glory of the Lord that would fill the new heaven and the new earth, signifying God's approval and presence. |
| 9 | Exodus 40:17 → Acts 7:44 | The setup of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month marks a significant milestone in Israel's history, looking forward to their future in the Promised Land and the coming of Christ. |
| 10 | Exodus 40:34 → 2 Corinthians 5:1 | The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle is similar to the glory of the Lord that would fill the heavenly tabernacle, signifying God's approval and presence. |
Sermons on Exodus 40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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Getting Alone - Abandonment (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgetting and never doing certain things. He criticizes the idea that preaching alone can reach the nations, pointing out |
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The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp |
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The Gospel of a New Beginning by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a clever young man who made a mistake and ended up in prison. The preacher emphasizes that in nature, breaking the laws results in |
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(Exodus) Exodus 40:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and how it opens in gloom in the brickyards of Egypt but closes in glory. The presence of the Lord is seen in the tabernac |
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The Shaping of Godly Character by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of the conference, which is the shaping of godly character. He expresses his burden for the Jewish believers in New York City and pr |
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(Exodus) Exodus 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to study and teach the word of God. He explains that studying the Bible has been a rewarding expe |
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The Glory of God - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reflecting the glory of God in our family relationships. He highlights how Jesus commends sincerity but condemns hypocrisy. |
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A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |
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A Willing Heart by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the tenor of God's words rather than just the literal meaning. He highlights the commandment of not cooking a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 40
In Exodus 40, we see the completion of the tabernacle, which is a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Moses' careful setup of the tabernacle and the consecration of the priests. The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signifies God's approval and presence, marking the tabernacle as a sacred space for worship and communion with God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the significance of the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among men. The tabernacle's design and furnishings point to the sacrificial death of Christ, which would provide a new and living way for humanity to approach God. In the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle, we see a glimpse of the glory of God that would be revealed in Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among men (Exodus 40:1-38, John 1:14, Hebrews 9:11). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Attention to Detail
Moses' careful adherence to God's instructions in setting up the tabernacle highlights the importance of obedience and attention to detail in worship and service to God. This attention to detail reflects the reverence and awe with which the Israelites approached God's presence.
The Significance of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of worship and communion with God in their daily lives. The tabernacle's design and furnishings point to the sacrificial death of Christ, who would provide a new and living way for humanity to approach God.
The Role of the Priests
The consecration of the priests underscores their crucial role in mediating between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and obedience in their service. The priests' role in the tabernacle's rituals and sacrifices foreshadows the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.