Bible Commentaries
Exodus 40

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The tabernacle being all finished, is now, at the command of God, to be set up in its place: then consecrated: Aaron and his sons to be sanctified. The command is executed. And the Lord gives the symbol of his taking possession of it by the token of a cloud covering it. These are the contents of this Chapter, with which the Book of Exodus concludes.

Verses 1-2

Numbers 7:1 . It was just one year, wanting only 14 days, from the time of the people's coming out of Egypt, to the consecration of the tabernacle. Memorable providences demand suitable memorandums. 2 Chronicles 29:17 .

Verses 3-11

Observe the order which the Lord appoints in placing the furniture of the tabernacle. 1 Corinthians 14:40 .

Verses 12-15

Exodus 28:41 ; Numbers 25:13 .

Verse 16

Deuteronomy 4:2 .

Verses 17-29

Observe the expedition Moses used, and that every article was brought into immediate use.

Verses 30-34

Was not this the token of the Redeemer's presence? John 1:14 .

Verse 35

2 Chronicles 5:14 ; John 1:18 .

Verses 36-38

Numbers 9:15-23 . Precious tokens these of the divine presence, and of the divine favour. Isaiah 4:5-6 . But how much more precious, since the Lord Jesus came and tabernacled among his people, in the likeness of our flesh? John 1:14 ; Galatians 4:14 . The pillar of cloud moving before them was a delightful testimony of what the people were to do, and a sure guide for them to follow. But how much greater our privileges, who are under the leadings and teachings of the Holy Ghost. Romans 8:14 . How solemn must have been this entry of the Shechinah, the glory of the Lord, into the court, and through the court, towards the altar and mercy-seat. But Reader! how sweet that scripture, Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into heaven itself, there to appear in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 9:24 .

Verse 38

REFLECTIONS

Reader! before we take our leave of this precious book of Exodus, pause once more, and remark with me in what a multitude of instances Moses wrote of Christ. Blessed book of God I would say, mayest thou be my constant guide under the teachings of the Holy Ghost, to lead my soul unto Jesus: and do thou, Almighty Teacher, be frequently taking of the things of Jesus that are in it to show unto me.

In this tabernacle let me behold a type of my adored Redeemer, founded in the eternal counsels anti purposes of God my Father, and reared up in his glorious work of redemption, for the everlasting salvation of his people. In him all the holy furniture, the altar, ark, mercy-seat, show-bread, anointing oil, and incense, have their completion, for in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell. And may I not consider this sanctuary opened for divine worship, as a resemblance also of the gospel tabernacle, the church of the living God, which he hath pitched among men. Here may my soul he frequently found waiting at the throne, and seeking for communion by means of his blood and righteousness, which are the laver, light, and purification of ail gospel worship. And here, Lord, may I find my solace, and my joy, rejoicing in the manifestations of thy presence and favour, until I have forever done with the worship of my God and Saviour in the shadow of ordinances, and am sat down at the fountain head of divine and everlasting realities, in the temple that is above. Hasten Lord in thine own time these felicities, that the enjoyment of Jehovah, in his threefold character of persons, may be my portion, with all the church of the firstborn forever, and ever. Amen.