Bible Commentaries
Exodus 40

Verses 1-38

In this final movement in the Book of Exodus we find the same constant repetition of the necessity of obeying the divine plan. In the first fifteen verses of the chapter we have an account of the specific command of God concerned with setting up the Tabernacle, anointing it in order, and sanctifying the priests and clothing them in their robes.

In this setting up, everything proceeds from the center outward. First, the Tabernacle was reared, the Ark placed, and the veil hung. Then the table of shewbread was set in its place and the lamps were lighted. That being done, the golden altar was brought in and the door of the Holy Place erected.

In the court the brazen altar was set, then the laver, while around the whole were hung the curtains of the court, and finally the outer gate was erected.

Then all were anointed with the holy oil. The priest was arrayed and anointed and his sons likewise. Everything was ready. Once more it is declared in general terms, "Thus did Moses: according to all that Jehovah commanded him, so did he." That statement is emphasized by the repetition of the words, "as the Lord commanded Moses" no less than seven times.

All being completed, the final declaration fills the soul with awe. The great verity, of which everything was but symbolic, was made real in the consciousness of the people as the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. So great was that glory that Moses was not able to enter the Tent of meeting.

Thus in the march of history the nation is seen organized around the presence and power of Jehovah. The record closes with the simple statement that they went onward with their journeys, guided ever by the presence of God manifested thus at the center of their life and worship.