1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
3 And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.
4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.
5 And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
6 And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
8 And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.
9 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.
10 And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.
11 And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.
12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.
13 And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
14 And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:
15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.
17 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.
18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
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.
20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.
22 And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail.
23 And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.
24 And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.
25 And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.
26 And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:
27 And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.
28 And he set up the hanging [at] the door of the tabernacle.
29 And he put the altar of burnt offering [by] the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.
30 And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash [withal].
31 And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
32 When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.
33 And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
35 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.
36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:
37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
38 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.
Overview of Exodus Chapter 40
Exodus Chapter 40 marks the conclusion of the Book of Exodus. This chapter focuses on the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction and dedication of the Tabernacle, the priestly garments, and the anointing of the priests. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the establishment of His presence among the Israelites.
Key Themes
- Divine Presence: The chapter illustrates the significance of God’s presence among His people through the Tabernacle.
- Obedience: The meticulous instructions highlight the importance of following God’s directives precisely.
- Holiness: The anointing of the Tabernacle and the priests underscores the theme of holiness in worship and service.
Structure of the Chapter
- Instructions for the Tabernacle (Verses 1-15):
- God commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month.
- Details on the placement of the Ark of the Covenant, the veil, and other furnishings are provided.
- The anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings is mandated to consecrate them.
- Consecration of the Priests (Verses 12-15):
- Moses is instructed to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tabernacle.
- The priests are to be washed with water and dressed in their sacred garments.
- They are anointed to serve as priests, signifying their set-apart status.
- Setting Up the Tabernacle (Verses 16-33):
- Moses follows God’s commands to set up the Tabernacle and its components.
- Each item is placed in its designated location, emphasizing order and divine instruction.
- The final act involves the covering of the Tabernacle and the setting of the courtyard.
- God’s Glory Fills the Tabernacle (Verses 34-38):
- Upon completion, the cloud covers the Tent of Meeting, signifying God’s glory.
- The Israelites are guided by the cloud during their travels, indicating God’s continual presence.
Theological Significance
This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites, showcasing God’s desire to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle becomes a physical representation of God’s presence and a central place of worship. The meticulous instructions reflect the seriousness of approaching God and the need for holiness in worship.
Conclusion
Exodus Chapter 40 encapsulates the themes of divine presence, obedience, and holiness that permeate the Book of Exodus. The establishment of the Tabernacle and the consecration of the priests set the stage for the Israelites’ worship and their relationship with God as they journey through the wilderness.
