Moses
The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with the Glory of the Lord
The Lord’s glory fills the completed tabernacle, confirming that the holy God will dwell among and guide His redeemed people through ordered worship, consecrated priesthood, and His visible presence.
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The Lord’s glory fills the completed tabernacle, confirming that the holy God will dwell among and guide His redeemed people through ordered worship, consecrated priesthood, and His visible presence.
Exodus 40 argues that the goal of redemption is the Lord dwelling among His people. The tabernacle is set up and consecrated according to divine command. The priests are washed, clothed, and anointed for ministry. Moses obeys in every detail. Then the cloud covers the tent and the glory of the Lord fills it. God’s presence is graciously near, yet still holy, since even Moses cannot enter when the glory fills the tabernacle. The chapter closes with divine presence guiding Israel in all their journeys.
Israel, the covenant people redeemed from Egypt, restored after the golden calf rebellion, and now receiving the visible confirmation that the Lord will dwell among them.
At Mount Sinai, after the tabernacle structure, furnishings, courtyard, altar, basin, priestly garments, anointing oil, and incense have been completed and inspected.
The Lord’s glory fills the completed tabernacle, confirming that the holy God will dwell among and guide His redeemed people through ordered worship, consecrated priesthood, and His visible presence.
Moses
Israel, the covenant people redeemed from Egypt, restored after the golden calf rebellion, and now receiving the visible confirmation that the Lord will dwell among them.
At Mount Sinai, after the tabernacle structure, furnishings, courtyard, altar, basin, priestly garments, anointing oil, and incense have been completed and inspected.
- Israel has moved through redemption, covenant, rebellion, intercession, covenant renewal, construction, and inspection. The final question is whether the Lord will truly dwell among a people who recently broke covenant.
Ancient sanctuary dedication involved setting up sacred space, placing holy objects, consecrating priests, and marking divine presence. In Exodus 40, the Lord Himself commands the arrangement, Moses obeys, and the cloud of glory fills the tabernacle.
Exodus 40 completes the book of Exodus. The Lord who revealed Himself at the burning bush, judged Egypt, redeemed Israel, made covenant at Sinai, and renewed covenant after rebellion now fills the tabernacle with His glory and dwells among His people.
The chapter moves from the Lord’s command to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, to the placement of the ark, veil, table, lampstand, incense altar, altar of burnt offering, basin, courtyard, and entrance curtain, to the anointing and consecration of the tabernacle and priests, to Moses’ careful obedience, and finally to the cloud covering the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. The book closes with the cloud guiding Israel through all their travels.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Exodus 40 clarifies the gospel by showing that God saves His people in order to dwell with them. Deliverance from Egypt was not the final goal. The final movement of Exodus is the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. Yet the tabernacle also shows that sinners need sacrifice, cleansing, priesthood, and mediated access. Christ fulfills all of this. He is God with us, the true tabernacle, the sacrifice, the cleanser, the priest, and the one through whom God’s people will finally dwell with Him forever.
The Lord commands the setup, arrangement, anointing, and priestly consecration of the tabernacle.
Moses sets up every part of the tabernacle and arranges the furnishings just as the Lord commanded.
The cloud and glory fill the tabernacle, and the cloud becomes Israel’s guide through all their travels.
- 1-8: The Lord commands Moses to set up the tabernacle and arrange its sacred objects.
- 9-11: The tabernacle, furnishings, altar, utensils, basin, and stand are to be anointed and consecrated.
- 12-15: Aaron and his sons are to be washed, clothed, anointed, and consecrated for priestly ministry.
- 16-33: Moses sets up the tabernacle, places the furnishings, offers sacrifices, establishes washing, sets up the courtyard, and finishes the work.
- 34-35: The cloud covers the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle.
- 36-38: The Israelites follow the cloud by day and fire by night throughout all their travels.
Pastoral Entry
קוּם (qum) is the Hebrew verb for rising — one of the most common verbs in the OT (628 occurrences), covering the physical act of standing up, the establishing of covenants and kings, the arising of enemies, and the resurrection of the dead. What the word carries through all its uses is the movement from prostration or rest to active, upright engagement. When YHWH is called to qum (Ps 3:7, 7:6, 44:26), it is the call for him to move from apparent inactivity to decisive action. When the dead are said to qum (Isa 26:19, Dan 12:2), the word that governs ordinary waking is the word that governs resurrection.
Psalm 3 is the great qum Psalm. David is surrounded by enemies who say, 'there is no salvation for him in God' (v. 2). His response is to lie down and sleep, confident that YHWH sustains him (vv. 5-6). Then comes verse 7: 'Arise (qumah), O YHWH! Save me, O my God!' The divine qumah is the turning point: when YHWH rises, the enemies are struck, their jaws broken. The Psalter's prayer vocabulary is dense with qumah petitions — the people call YHWH to qum against their enemies, to qum on their behalf, to qum and not be still. The qumah of YHWH is the hinge of deliverance.
The Hiphil stem (hiqim, to raise up, to establish) carries the covenant-establishment and messianic-promise uses of qum. Second Samuel 7:12 — 'I will raise up (hiqim) your offspring after you' — is the Davidic covenant promise, with hiqim as the verb of divine action. Deuteronomy 18:18 uses hiqim for the prophet like Moses: 'I will raise up (hiqim) for them a prophet from among their brothers.' Peter quotes this in Acts 3:22 as fulfilled in Jesus. The divine hiqim establishes what cannot be established by human effort.
Isaiah 26:19 and Daniel 12:2 bring qum to its most eschatological use. Isaiah 26:19: 'Your dead shall live; their bodies shall arise (yaqumu). You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!' The qum of resurrection is the same verb as the morning qum of getting out of bed — the bodily, physical rising from death. Daniel 12:2: 'Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake (yaqitzu) — some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.' The awakening and the qum together form the OT's clearest resurrection text.
For the preacher, קוּם (qum) is the word that connects the morning alarm to the resurrection trumpet: the same movement — from lying down to standing upright — governs both.
Sense to set up, establish, raise
Definition To raise, establish, or set something in place.
References Exodus 40:2, 17-18
Lexicon to set up, establish, raise
Why it matters The tabernacle is formally erected according to the Lord’s command.
Pastoral Entry
מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) is YHWH's dwelling place among his people: the tent that moved with Israel in the wilderness, the structure that YHWH commanded Moses to build so that he might dwell in Israel's midst (Exod 25:8). The local Hebrew index currently counts about 139 occurrences and is the architectural center of the Mosaic covenant — the place where YHWH met with his people, where the priests ministered, where the blood was sprinkled, and where the divine glory took up residence.
The word comes from שָׁכַן (shakan, H7931), the verb meaning to dwell or tabernacle. From this same root comes the later theological concept of the shekinah — the divine glory-presence. The mishkan is the structure; the shekinah is the presence that fills it. When YHWH's glory fills the completed mishkan (Exod 40:34-35), the connection between the word and the presence is made visible: the mishkan is the place where YHWH chooses to shakan, to dwell, to settle his presence among Israel.
Exodus 25:8 gives the mishkan its theological foundation: 'And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell (veshakhanti) in their midst.' The command is not primarily about the structure — it is about the purpose. The mishkan exists so that YHWH can dwell in Israel's midst. All the detailed instruction of Exodus 25-31 (the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar, the curtains, the frames, the court) is the provision for a single theological reality: YHWH's presence in the camp.
Exodus 40:34-35 gives the mishkan its completion-theology: 'Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of YHWH filled the mishkan. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of YHWH filled the mishkan.' The completion of the mishkan is not a construction milestone — it is a divine arrival. YHWH actually takes up residence. The cloud (the sign of YHWH's presence throughout the exodus, Exod 13:21-22) now settles on and in the mishkan. The shekinah fills the structure built for the divine yashav (H3427).
Psalm 84:1-2 gives the mishkan its devotional expression: 'How lovely is your dwelling place (mishkenot), O YHWH of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of YHWH; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.' The psalmist's longing for YHWH's mishkan (in its Zion-temple form) is the devotional response to the divine dwelling: not just the structure but the presence within it that draws the soul.
Psalm 46:4 gives the mishkan its eschatological dimension: 'There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High (mishkenot elyon).' The mishkan-of-the-Most-High is not a tent any longer but the city of God — pointing forward to the river that flows from the throne in Revelation 22:1-2.
For the preacher, מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) gives the congregation the theological grammar for understanding where God lives and why the Incarnation (John 1:14) and the church (Eph 2:22) and the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:3) are all part of one continuous story: YHWH has always been moving toward a mishkan in the midst of his people.
Sense dwelling place, tabernacle
Definition The dwelling place of the LORD among Israel.
References Exodus 40:2, 5, 9, 17-19, 21, 28-29, 33-36, 38
Lexicon dwelling place, tabernacle
Why it matters The completed tabernacle is erected and filled with the Lord’s glory.
Sense tent of meeting
Definition The appointed tent where the LORD meets with His people through mediation.
References Exodus 40:2, 6-7, 12, 22, 24, 26, 29-30, 32, 34-35
Lexicon tent of meeting
Why it matters The tent of meeting is covered by the cloud and filled with the glory of the Lord.
Sense ark of the testimony/covenant law
Definition The sacred chest containing the covenant testimony.
References Exodus 40:3, 5, 20-21
Lexicon ark of the testimony/covenant law
Why it matters The ark is placed in the Most Holy Place and shielded by the veil.
Sense veil, curtain
Definition The curtain separating the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place.
References Exodus 40:3, 21, 26
Lexicon veil, curtain
Why it matters The veil shields the ark and marks restricted access to the Lord’s holy presence.
Sense to cover, screen, shield
Definition To cover, screen, or protect.
References Exodus 40:3, 21
Lexicon to cover, screen, shield
Why it matters The ark is shielded by the curtain, preserving the holiness of the Most Holy Place.
Sense table
Definition The table in the Holy Place holding the bread of the Presence.
References Exodus 40:4, 22-23
Lexicon table
Why it matters The table is placed and arranged before the Lord.
Sense lampstand
Definition The lampstand in the Holy Place.
References Exodus 40:4, 24-25
Lexicon lampstand
Why it matters The lampstand is placed opposite the table and its lamps are set before the Lord.
Sense gold altar, altar of incense
Definition The gold altar for incense before the veil.
References Exodus 40:5, 26-27
Lexicon gold altar, altar of incense
Why it matters The gold altar is placed before the curtain and incense is burned on it.
Sense altar of burnt offering
Definition The bronze altar for burnt offerings in the courtyard.
References Exodus 40:6, 10, 29
Lexicon altar of burnt offering
Why it matters The altar stands before the tent entrance and is used for burnt and grain offerings.
Sense basin, laver
Definition The basin used for washing before priestly service.
References Exodus 40:7, 11, 30-32
Lexicon basin, laver
Why it matters The basin is filled with water for Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons to wash before entering or serving.
Pastoral Entry
חָצֵר (chatser) is the court — the enclosed space of YHWH's house where his people gathered for worship, festival, prayer, and the offering of sacrifice. The local Hebrew index currently counts about 190 H2691 uses, with representative anchors in the tabernacle and temple courts: the sacred enclosures where Israel met YHWH not in the innermost sanctuary (reserved for the priests) but in the open courts where the congregation stood before him.
Psalm 84:10 gives chatser its definitive statement of value: 'For a day in your courts (chatsereycha) is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.' The psalmist would take one day in YHWH's courts over a thousand days anywhere else, and the lowest position in YHWH's courts over a life of ease in any other dwelling. The chatser has a quality of presence that nothing outside can match: YHWH is there.
Psalm 84:2 gives chatser its longing: 'My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts (chatserot) of YHWH; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.' The longing is specifically for the chatser — not just for an abstract divine encounter but for the specific space of YHWH's house, where YHWH's living presence is. The conjunction of soul-longing (soul, nephesh, longs) with body-longing (heart and flesh sing) makes this the whole-person desire for the whole-place of YHWH's courts.
Psalm 100:4 gives chatser its entrance-command: 'Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts (chatserotav) with praise!' The worshiper does not simply arrive at YHWH's chatser — they enter it with a deliberate posture: praise. The chatser is not a waiting room but a place of active worship.
Psalm 92:13 gives chatser its flourishing-image: 'They are planted in the house of YHWH; they flourish in the courts (chatserot) of our God.' The chatser is where the righteous flourish — like trees planted in the right soil. To be in the chatser of YHWH is not merely to attend; it is to be rooted in the place where YHWH's life flows.
Exodus 27:9 gives chatser its architectural specification: 'You shall make the court (chatser) of the tabernacle.' The court of the tabernacle was 100 cubits long and 50 wide, enclosed by linen curtains hung on bronze pillars (Exod 27:9-19) — the outer boundary of YHWH's dwelling. The altar of burnt offering stood in the chatser (Exod 40:29): the first thing one encountered on entering YHWH's chatser was the place of sacrifice.
For the preacher, חָצֵר (chatser) gives the congregation the question Psalm 84:10 poses: how do you value a day in YHWH's courts? The psalmist's comparison — one day in the chatser versus a thousand anywhere else — is the test of where one's heart lives.
Sense courtyard, enclosure
Definition The enclosed court surrounding the tabernacle and altar.
References Exodus 40:8, 33
Lexicon courtyard, enclosure
Why it matters The courtyard establishes the holy boundary around the tabernacle and altar.
Sense anointing oil
Definition Sacred oil used to consecrate the tabernacle, furnishings, and priests.
References Exodus 40:9-15
Lexicon anointing oil
Why it matters The anointing oil sets apart the dwelling, furnishings, altar, basin, and priests for holy service.
Pastoral Entry
מָשַׁח (mashach) means to anoint — to rub or smear with oil as an act of consecration and commissioning. Its significance in the OT is not primarily the oil but what the oil signifies: the marking-out of a person for a specific role, and the pouring of the Spirit of YHWH upon the one so marked. The noun mashiach (H4899 — anointed one, Messiah) is derived from this verb, and carries the word's full weight into eschatological hope.
First Samuel 16:12-13 is the definitive anointing narrative: 'Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him (David) in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord (ruach YHWH) rushed upon David from that day forward.' The structure of the event is determinative for all subsequent anointing theology: mashach (the oil applied to the person) is followed immediately by the rush of the ruach (Spirit). The oil does not contain the Spirit — but the anointing is the sign and occasion of the Spirit's coming. This is why mashiach (the anointed one) is always implicitly a Spirit-bearing figure: the one marked with oil is the one on whom the ruach has come.
Isaiah 61:1 gives mashach its prophetic-messianic form: 'The Spirit of YHWH is upon me, because YHWH has anointed me (meshachani) to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.' The speaker of Isaiah 61 is a prophetic figure — possibly the Servant of Isaiah 42-53 in his Spirit-anointed mission. The mashach here is the divine commissioning of a specific saving-and-liberating mission. Luke 4:18-21 quotes this passage as the text of Jesus's inaugural sermon in Nazareth: 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.' Jesus applies Isaiah 61:1's mashach to himself: he is the one YHWH has anointed to bring good news, bind the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty.
Psalm 2:2 gives mashach its royal-messianic form: 'The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against YHWH and against his mashiach (anointed one).' The mashiach of Psalm 2 is the Davidic king who is YHWH's son (v. 7: 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you') and the heir of the nations (v. 8: 'Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage'). Psalm 2 is the royal psalm that opens the entire Psalter's messianic trajectory. Acts 4:25-26 and 13:33 apply it to Jesus explicitly.
For the preacher, מָשַׁח (mashach) gives the congregation the word that names what the Messiah is: the one anointed by YHWH for a specific mission, marked by the Spirit, and sent to accomplish what no human effort could achieve. The anointed one is not self-appointed but YHWH-appointed; the Spirit is not self-generated but poured from above.
Sense to anoint
Definition To anoint or consecrate with oil.
References Exodus 40:9-15
Lexicon to anoint
Why it matters Anointing marks objects and priests as set apart for the Lord.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Pastoral Entry
קָדַשׁ is the verb at the heart of the Bible's holiness vocabulary. It names the act — and sometimes the state — of being set apart from the common for the holy: drawn out of ordinary use, ordinary life, or ordinary status and placed under the claim and character of God. BDB reaches for the phrase 'clean ceremonially or morally,' but that framing undersells the word. Cleanness is what sin removes; קָדַשׁ is what God enacts. The two senses must be held together without collapsing into each other.
The verb moves in multiple directions. In its simple stem, it can describe something or someone becoming holy — acquiring the status of what is set apart. In its causative forms, it is usually God who does the setting apart: He sanctifies the Sabbath, the firstborn, the priests, the tabernacle, his Name, his people. But Israel is also called to sanctify themselves, to consecrate others for service, to treat God as holy in their midst. The same root drives both the divine action and the human response.
This is pastorally significant. קָדַשׁ is not primarily a moral achievement word. It is a separation and consecration word. Before the Israelite was required to behave differently, they were declared to belong differently. God sets apart before He commands. The Sabbath is sanctified at creation before Israel exists. The firstborn are claimed at the exodus before the law is given at Sinai. The priests are consecrated before they can offer. This ordering — belonging before obedience, consecration before conduct — runs through the whole verbal pattern and gives the pastoral teacher something essential to say: holiness begins with God's act of setting apart, not with the creature's act of cleaning up.
The word is also relational. When God sanctifies his Name before the nations (Ezek.36.23), it is not a private divine transaction. It is God's public vindication of who He is in the world. When Isaiah calls Israel to sanctify the Lord of hosts (Isa.8.13), he is calling them to treat God as what He actually is — the holy One — in the way they fear, trust, and orient their lives. קָדַשׁ therefore describes movement: the movement of a person, a day, a name, or a community into the sphere where God's holiness defines everything.
Sense to consecrate, make holy
Definition To set apart as holy to the LORD.
References Exodus 40:9-13
Lexicon to consecrate, make holy
Why it matters The tabernacle, furnishings, altar, basin, and priests must be consecrated for holy use.
Pastoral Entry
קֹדֶשׁ is the Old Testament's primary word for holiness — the quality, space, or status that belongs uniquely to God and to whatever or whoever He claims for Himself. Its root sense is separation, apartness, a being-cut-off-from the ordinary order. But to leave it there is to mistake the boundary fence for the garden it encloses. קֹדֶשׁ is not merely a word of exclusion; it is a word of presence. The ground at the burning bush is holy because God is there. The tabernacle's innermost chamber is the Most Holy Place because God dwells there. The Sabbath day is holy because God set it apart. The nation Israel is holy because God called them out from the nations to live near Him. In every case the holiness comes from outside — from God — and settles on what He touches.
This is why קֹדֶשׁ spans so wide a range of referents in the Old Testament: places, persons, times, objects, garments, oil, water, food. Holiness is not a moral disposition that creatures manufacture; it is the radiating reality of God's own being, extending to whatever He claims, consecrates, or inhabits. The Psalms move with this instinct: to worship before God in holy splendor is to approach the luminous weight of His presence, not simply to observe a ritual code. Isaiah's vision of the thrice-holy God is the word at full volume — the כָּבוֹד that fills the temple is the overflow of קֹדֶשׁ itself.
For the pastor and teacher, the crucial distinction is between קֹדֶשׁ as a status declared by God and קֹדֶשׁ as a life shaped in response to God. Both are present in the Old Testament. Leviticus grounds the summons — 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy' — in who God already is. The command does not produce holiness from human effort; it calls God's people to live in alignment with the holiness they have already been given. This tension — declared and demanded, received and pursued — is not a contradiction. It is the very shape of covenant life with a holy God.
Sense holy, sacred, set apart
Definition Set apart for the LORD.
References Exodus 40:9-10
Lexicon holy, sacred, set apart
Why it matters The tabernacle and its furnishings become holy through consecration.
Pastoral Entry
קֹדֶשׁ is the Old Testament's primary word for holiness — the quality, space, or status that belongs uniquely to God and to whatever or whoever He claims for Himself. Its root sense is separation, apartness, a being-cut-off-from the ordinary order. But to leave it there is to mistake the boundary fence for the garden it encloses. קֹדֶשׁ is not merely a word of exclusion; it is a word of presence. The ground at the burning bush is holy because God is there. The tabernacle's innermost chamber is the Most Holy Place because God dwells there. The Sabbath day is holy because God set it apart. The nation Israel is holy because God called them out from the nations to live near Him. In every case the holiness comes from outside — from God — and settles on what He touches.
This is why קֹדֶשׁ spans so wide a range of referents in the Old Testament: places, persons, times, objects, garments, oil, water, food. Holiness is not a moral disposition that creatures manufacture; it is the radiating reality of God's own being, extending to whatever He claims, consecrates, or inhabits. The Psalms move with this instinct: to worship before God in holy splendor is to approach the luminous weight of His presence, not simply to observe a ritual code. Isaiah's vision of the thrice-holy God is the word at full volume — the כָּבוֹד that fills the temple is the overflow of קֹדֶשׁ itself.
For the pastor and teacher, the crucial distinction is between קֹדֶשׁ as a status declared by God and קֹדֶשׁ as a life shaped in response to God. Both are present in the Old Testament. Leviticus grounds the summons — 'You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy' — in who God already is. The command does not produce holiness from human effort; it calls God's people to live in alignment with the holiness they have already been given. This tension — declared and demanded, received and pursued — is not a contradiction. It is the very shape of covenant life with a holy God.
Sense most holy, holy of holies
Definition Most holy or supremely consecrated.
References Exodus 40:10
Lexicon most holy, holy of holies
Why it matters The altar is consecrated as most holy, emphasizing the weight of sacrificial approach.
Sense to wash
Definition To wash or bathe.
References Exodus 40:12, 30-32
Lexicon to wash
Why it matters Aaron and his sons must be washed before priestly consecration and service.
Sense sacred garments, holy garments
Definition Garments set apart for priestly ministry.
References Exodus 40:13
Lexicon sacred garments, holy garments
Why it matters Aaron is clothed in the sacred garments before being anointed for priestly service.
Sense to serve as priest
Definition To minister or serve in priestly office.
References Exodus 40:13, 15
Lexicon to serve as priest
Why it matters Aaron and his sons are consecrated to serve the Lord as priests.
Sense priesthood
Definition The office or service of priests.
References Exodus 40:15
Lexicon priesthood
Why it matters The anointing establishes Aaron’s sons in priestly service throughout their generations.
Sense generations
Definition Successive generations.
References Exodus 40:15
Lexicon generations
Why it matters The priesthood continues through Aaron’s line across generations.
Pastoral Entry
צָוָה is the Hebrew verb that runs like a spine through the Old Testament's portrait of God. It is what God does when He speaks with authority and intent — He commands, He charges, He constitutes what must be. This is not the word for suggestion, invitation, or advice. When צָוָה appears, the one speaking is the one with ultimate right to determine how things will be, and the one hearing is accountable to respond. Its most common nominal form, מִצְוָה (mitzvah), is the word Israel used for every one of those binding declarations given at Sinai and beyond.
But to hear צָוָה only as a legal word is to miss its relational weight. The first occurrence in Genesis 2 is God charging the man in the garden — not yet a lawgiver to a rebellious people, but a Creator setting the shape of life for his creature. That first command comes before transgression, before Sinai, before a legal code. It comes from the mouth of the one who made everything and knows how it all is meant to work. God commands because He is Creator and King, not merely because covenant needs regulations.
In the Mosaic material, this verb saturates every layer of Torah. The Lord commanded Moses; Moses commanded Israel; Israel is charged to keep, observe, and do what was commanded. The repeated rhythm is covenantal: God speaks, Moses mediates, the people are entrusted with a life-giving word. Deuteronomy especially drives this home — the commandments are not a burden laid on a slave but a gift given to a people who know the One who gave them. Keeping what God commands is itself described as life, blessing, and flourishing.
Pastorally, this word opens a window onto the character of the God who commands. He does not command arbitrarily or cruelly. He commands because He is faithful, because He knows what is good, and because the shape of life He commands is the shape of life that actually works under His reign. The pastoral challenge is to recover the emotional and relational register of this word — not obligation without love, but a Maker and Covenant Lord who speaks precisely because He cares about how His people live.
Sense to command
Definition To command or give authoritative instruction.
References Exodus 40:16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32
Lexicon to command
Why it matters Moses repeatedly acts just as the Lord commanded, marking faithful obedience.
Sense second year
Definition The second year after the Exodus departure.
References Exodus 40:17
Lexicon second year
Why it matters The tabernacle is erected nearly a year after Israel left Egypt.
Sense atonement cover, mercy seat
Definition The gold cover of the ark associated with atonement and divine meeting.
References Exodus 40:20
Lexicon atonement cover, mercy seat
Why it matters The atonement cover is placed above the covenant law in the ark.
Pastoral Entry
לֶחֶם (lechem) is the Hebrew word for bread and food — the most fundamental human provision — and in its most theologically charged uses, the sign of YHWH's providential care and the pointer to the word of YHWH as humanity's true food. The local Hebrew index currently counts about 299 occurrences, from the curse of Genesis 3:19 ('by the sweat of your face you shall eat lechem') to the wilderness manna (Exod 16) to Deuteronomy 8:3's pivotal declaration that 'man does not live by lechem alone' to Amos's prophecy of a famine not of lechem but of YHWH's words (Amos 8:11). Lechem is the physical provision that points beyond itself to the One who provides it, and beyond provision to the word that sustains life at a deeper level than food.
Genesis 3:19 gives lechem its first theological weight: 'by the sweat of your face you shall eat lechem, until you return to the ground.' Before the fall, provision was untroubled (Gen 2:9, every tree pleasant to the sight and good for food). After the fall, lechem is earned through painful toil — the ground resists, thorns and thistles grow, and bread is the hard-won product of fallen labor. Every meal in a fallen world is thus a reminder of both human dignity (we are made to eat, to receive provision) and human fallenness (provision now costs us).
Exodus 16 gives lechem its miraculous-provision center: the manna, which YHWH calls 'lechem from heaven' (v. 4). Israel complains that they left behind the fleshpots and 'ate lechem to the full' in Egypt (v. 3) — they remember provision under slavery as abundance. YHWH's response is to rain lechem from heaven: a daily, supernatural provision that lasts exactly as long as needed (double on the sixth day, none on the seventh), that cannot be stored or hoarded (the extra rots, v. 20), and that teaches dependence. The manna-lechem is the school of daily provision: 'that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not' (v. 4).
Deuteronomy 8:3 gives lechem its most theologically defining use: 'And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by lechem alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of YHWH.' The manna-lechem teaches the lesson that lechem itself cannot teach: human life depends on YHWH's word at a more fundamental level than it depends on physical food. This is the verse Jesus quotes when tempted in the wilderness after forty days of fasting (Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4) — the one who is himself the Word made flesh refuses to turn stones to bread precisely because he knows that YHWH's word is the deeper lechem.
Isaiah 55:2 gives lechem its invitation-theology: 'Why do you spend your money for what is not lechem, and your labor for what does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food (deshen, fatness).' YHWH's invitation to the hungry is to come to the lechem that truly satisfies, which is his word and his covenant. The contrast between 'what is not lechem' (idols, false securities, empty pursuits) and the 'good thing' (tov) of YHWH's provision is the structural theology of Isaiah 55.
For the preacher, לֶחֶם (lechem) gives the physical the theological: every meal is a gift of the Creator-Provider; every hunger is an opportunity to learn that YHWH's word is more fundamental than food; every satisfaction is a foretaste of the feast YHWH will provide in the end.
Sense bread
Definition Bread arranged before the LORD on the table.
References Exodus 40:23
Lexicon bread
Why it matters The bread signifies continual provision and presence before the Lord.
Sense lamps
Definition Lamps that give light from the lampstand.
References Exodus 40:25
Lexicon lamps
Why it matters The lamps are set before the Lord in the Holy Place.
Sense fragrant incense
Definition Sacred incense burned before the LORD.
References Exodus 40:27
Lexicon fragrant incense
Why it matters Moses burns fragrant incense on the gold altar before the veil.
Pastoral Entry
עֹלָה is the Hebrew noun for the burnt offering — but the etymology reveals something the English word 'burnt offering' obscures. עֹלָה derives from the verb עָלָה (to go up, to ascend), and BDB's most basic definition is 'what goes up' — the offering that ascends in smoke from the altar toward heaven. The burnt offering is the ascent offering: the entire animal is consumed by fire and goes up to God; nothing is retained for the worshipper or the priest.
This totality distinguishes the עֹלָה from other sacrifices. The peace offering (שֶׁלֶם) was shared between God, priest, and worshipper. The sin offering (חַטָּאָה, H2403) addressed specific transgressions. But the עֹלָה is the total consecration: the entire animal ascending, nothing held back. עֹלָה is locally indexed at about 289 occurrences in the OT and is the most frequently mentioned sacrifice in the Pentateuch.
It is the sacrifice of Noah after the flood (Gen 8:20), the sacrifice Abraham intends on Mount Moriah (Gen 22:2-13), the sacrifice that begins the Sinai covenant (Exod 20:24), the twice-daily Tamid offering that marked the regular temple calendar (Exod 29:38-42), and the sacrifice Israel offers at the beginning of major covenant events throughout the OT. The NT application of עֹלָה is christological through the book of Hebrews: Hebrews 10:5-10 cites Psalm 40:6-8 ('sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me...
I have come to do your will, O God') and applies it to Christ as the one whose עֹלָה-like self-offering accomplishes what the animal sacrifices could not. The עֹלָה theology is totality: nothing held back, everything ascending, the worshipper's entire self committed in the ascending sacrifice.
Sense burnt offering
Definition An offering burned on the altar before the LORD.
References Exodus 40:29
Lexicon burnt offering
Why it matters Moses offers burnt offerings on the altar after setting it up.
Sense grain offering, tribute offering
Definition An offering of grain or tribute presented to the LORD.
References Exodus 40:29
Lexicon grain offering, tribute offering
Why it matters Moses offers grain offerings with the burnt offerings as the altar begins its function.
Sense to finish, complete
Definition To complete or finish a work.
References Exodus 40:33
Lexicon to finish, complete
Why it matters Moses finishes the work, and the Lord’s glory fills the tabernacle.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense cloud
Definition The cloud associated with the LORD’s visible presence and guidance.
References Exodus 40:34-38
Lexicon cloud
Why it matters The cloud covers the tent of meeting and guides Israel through their travels.
Pastoral Entry
כָּסָה (kasah) is the Hebrew word for covering — the act of placing something over that which is hidden, clothed, overwhelmed, or protected. In Scripture it spans from the flood covering the mountains (Gen 7:19) to YHWH's glory covering the tabernacle (Exod 40:34) to the most theologically profound use: the covering of sin (Ps 32:1, 85:2). The kasah of sin is one of the OT's central atonement images: to have one's sin covered is to have it hidden from YHWH's judgment-sight — which is not evasion but forgiveness, the legitimate covering that YHWH himself performs.
Psalm 32:1 gives kasah its forgiveness form: 'Blessed (ashrei) is he whose transgression is forgiven (nesui pesha), whose sin (chataah) is covered (kesui).' The two parallel verbs — nasa (to lift up/forgive) and kasah (to cover) — are the two great atonement-images of the Psalter. The sin is either lifted off (nasa) or covered over (kasah): in either case it no longer stands before YHWH as an accusation. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 4:7-8 to establish that Abraham's righteousness was imputed apart from works: 'Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.'
Psalm 85:2 gives kasah its historical-restoration form: 'You have forgiven (nasata) the iniquity (avon) of your people; you have covered (kissita) all their sin (chattatam). Selah.' The psalm is a post-exilic meditation on YHWH's restoration: he has restored the fortunes of Jacob (v. 1), covered all their sin (v. 2), withdrawn his wrath (v. 3). The kasah of all their sin is the comprehensive covering — not some sins, not most sins, but kol (all).
Proverbs 10:12 gives kasah its love-covering form: 'Hatred stirs up strife, but love (ahavah) covers (tekasse) all offenses (pesha).' Love performs the kasah that YHWH performs in Psalm 32 — it covers rather than exposes, it protects rather than publicizes. This is not the covering of injustice (which Neh 4:5 refuses) but the covering of interpersonal offense within relationship: love does not broadcast the failures of the beloved but covers them with the gift of ongoing loyalty. Peter cites this in 1 Peter 4:8: 'love covers a multitude of sins.'
Exodus 40:34 gives kasah its theophany form: 'Then the cloud covered (vayekhas) the tent of meeting and the glory of YHWH filled (vayimale) the tabernacle.' The cloud-kasah over the tabernacle is the divine covering of the covenant meeting-space: YHWH's presence (represented by the cloud and the glory/kavod) settles over and into the prepared sanctuary. The kasah here is not the covering of sin but the covering of the human space by divine presence.
For the preacher, כָּסָה (kasah) gives the congregation the grammar of both divine covering and human covering: YHWH covers sin with forgiveness (Ps 32:1, 85:2); love covers offense with loyalty (Prov 10:12); and the glory covers the sanctuary with presence (Exod 40:34).
Sense to cover
Definition To cover or conceal.
References Exodus 40:34
Lexicon to cover
Why it matters The cloud covers the tent of meeting as the Lord’s glory fills the tabernacle.
Pastoral Entry
כָּבוֹד is the Hebrew word most closely translated as glory, but the English word does not carry the full freight. The root meaning is weight, heaviness, something that presses down because of its sheer substance. In its human dimension, kabod describes the honor, reputation, and splendor that belongs to a person of standing: the wealth of a king, the dignity of a noble family, the visible manifestation of power and worth. But it is in its divine dimension that the word becomes one of the most theologically loaded in the entire Hebrew Bible.
The kabod of the Lord is not merely a quality He possesses. It is His active, visible, weighty self-disclosure. When God's glory fills the tabernacle, the priests cannot stand to minister. When His glory passes before Moses on the mountain, Moses must be shielded in the rock. When His glory fills the temple at Solomon's dedication, the whole house is consumed with cloud and fire. This is not metaphor. It is what happens when the weight of God's presence enters a space where human beings are present. Kabod describes the radiant, manifest, concrete reality of the living God making Himself known, and what that encounter actually costs those who stand near it.
The theological arc of kabod runs through departure and return. In 1 Samuel 4, when the ark is captured, the dying wife of Phinehas names her newborn Ichabod: the glory has departed. The name is a wound, a recognition that Israel without God's presence is not Israel at all. Ezekiel then carries this logic to its most devastating expression: in chapters 8 through 11, the kabod of the Lord rises from the cherubim, moves to the threshold of the temple, pauses at the east gate, and finally departs the city. The departure is measured and sorrowful. God does not leave in anger without warning. He leaves stage by stage, grieved by what He has seen in the sanctuary. And then, in chapters 43 and 44, the glory returns, streaming from the east, filling the restored temple, the voice of God like the sound of many waters. The return is the whole hope of the prophet.
For the New Testament, the glory of God finds its fullest and most unexpected expression in a manger and on a cross. John 1:14 uses the Greek word δόξα, the LXX translation of kabod: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory. The tent-language is deliberate. He tabernacled among us, and the kabod that filled the desert sanctuary now filled a human body. At the transfiguration, the disciples see it briefly on a mountain. At the cross, what looks like loss is the glorification of the Son. The word that began as weight carries through the entire canon to land in the person of Jesus Christ.
Sense glory, weight, honor
Definition The weighty manifested splendor of the LORD’s presence.
References Exodus 40:34-35
Lexicon glory, weight, honor
Why it matters The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle, confirming His dwelling among Israel.
Sense to fill
Definition To fill or make full.
References Exodus 40:34-35
Lexicon to fill
Why it matters The Lord’s glory fills the tabernacle so fully that Moses cannot enter.
Sense to dwell, settle, abide
Definition To dwell, settle, or abide.
References Exodus 40:35
Lexicon to dwell, settle, abide
Why it matters The cloud settles on the tabernacle, signaling the Lord’s dwelling presence.
Sense to set out, journey
Definition To pull up, set out, or begin a journey.
References Exodus 40:36-37
Lexicon to set out, journey
Why it matters Israel sets out only when the cloud lifts from the tabernacle.
Pastoral Entry
עָלָה is the Hebrew verb for ascent — for going up, climbing, rising, mounting, and being lifted. Its range is vast: it describes a man climbing a mountain, a people going up to worship, a king marching out to war, smoke rising from an altar, a nation coming up out of Egypt, the sun breaking over the horizon, a thought coming up in the heart, and a burnt offering being presented before God. In 894 occurrences it moves through nearly every terrain of Israelite life, which means that when the Old Testament thinks about movement, orientation, or direction toward God, this verb is almost always present.
What makes עָלָה theologically rich is that spatial ascent in the Old Testament is rarely only spatial. To go up is to draw near to God. The sanctuary sits on the mountain. Jerusalem is always approached from below. The temple mount is elevated. To ascend is to move toward the Holy — not as an abstract spiritual exercise, but as an embodied, directional act of worship. Israel went up to the three great festivals. The Psalms of Ascent (מַעֲלוֹת, Psalms 120–134) gave the pilgrim people words for the journey. Ascent was not merely geography; it was theology made physical.
At the same time, the verb carries genuine cultic weight through its use in sacrificial contexts. When עָלָה describes the burnt offering (עֹלָה), it points to what goes up completely — the whole animal consumed, ascending in smoke, rising toward God. The same verbal root underlies both the pilgrimage and the offering. Both involve movement upward, both involve cost, and both involve coming before the living God.
Pastorally, עָלָה is a word that refuses to let Israel — or the church — treat nearness to God as a passive, horizontal, or costless thing. There is a direction to worship, a journey to approach, an orientation to holiness. The preacher who sits with this verb long enough will find it challenging cheap familiarity with God while also welcoming the weary traveler who is still on the road, still ascending, still on their way to the mountain.
Sense to go up, lift, ascend
Definition To go up or be lifted.
References Exodus 40:36-37
Lexicon to go up, lift, ascend
Why it matters The lifting of the cloud signals when Israel is to move.
Pastoral Entry
אֵשׁ (esh) is the Hebrew word for fire, currently indexed about 378 times in the local Hebrew index. Fire in the OT is not merely a physical phenomenon; it is consistently the medium of divine presence, divine judgment, and divine purification. The three functions are related: the same fire that represents God's presence burns up what does not belong before him, and refines what does. The theological trajectory of esh runs from the burning bush of Exodus 3 to the fire of Hebrews 12:29 ('our God is a consuming fire').
Deuteronomy 4:24 is the foundational theological statement: 'For the Lord your God is a consuming esh (esh okhelet), a jealous God.' The fire is not a secondary attribute of God; it is a description of what God himself is in relation to everything that opposes him and competes for loyalty to him. The jealousy and the consuming fire are the same thing: God's total commitment to his own glory and to his people's exclusive devotion means that whatever rivals him will be consumed. This is not cruelty; it is the natural result of the infinite standing next to the finite, the holy next to the unholy.
Exodus 3:2-4 gives fire its most memorable OT role: the burning bush. 'The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of esh (labbat-esh) out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.' The burning-but-not-consumed bush is the visual paradox of divine fire: the esh of God's presence is consuming, yet when God chooses to be present to his people, his fire does not destroy them. The bush burns but is not burned up — divine fire without destruction. This is the OT's picture of God's covenantal self-limitation: he is the consuming fire who chooses to be present without consuming.
First Kings 18:38 uses esh for the divine confirmation of Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal: 'Then the fire (esh) of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.' The esh YHWH (fire of the Lord) falls from heaven and consumes not only the sacrifice but the altar, the stones, and the water — total consumption, leaving no ambiguity. The fire is the divine response to Elijah's prayer and the proof that YHWH, not Baal, is God.
For the preacher, אֵשׁ (esh) is the word that insists God cannot be approached casually: he is fire, and the approach to him requires the mediation of the sacrifice he provides.
Sense fire
Definition Fire associated with the LORD’s visible presence by night.
References Exodus 40:38
Lexicon fire
Why it matters Fire in the cloud gives visible assurance of the Lord’s presence at night.
Sense journeys, stages of travel
Definition Journeys or stages of travel.
References Exodus 40:36, 38
Lexicon journeys, stages of travel
Why it matters The Lord’s cloud and fire guide Israel throughout all their journeys.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
| v.14 | H7126קָרַבHiphil · Imperfect · Indicative/jussive |
| v.15 | H4886מָשַׁחQal · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.16 | H6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · IndicativeH6213עָשָׂהQal · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.17 | H6965קוּםHophal · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.19 | H6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.2 | H6965קוּםHiphil · Imperfect · Indicative/jussive |
| v.21 | H6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.23 | H6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.25 | H6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.27 | H6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.29 | H7760שׂוּםQal · Perfect · IndicativeH6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.32 | H7364רָחַץQal · Imperfect · Indicative/jussiveH6680צָוָהPiel · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.34 | H4390מָלֵאQal · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.35 | H3201יָכֹלQal · Perfect · IndicativeH7931שָׁכַןQal · Perfect · IndicativeH4390מָלֵאQal · Perfect · Indicative |
| v.36 | H5265נָסַעQal · Imperfect · Indicative/jussive |
| v.37 | H5927עָלָהNiphal · Imperfect · Indicative/jussiveH5265נָסַעQal · Imperfect · Indicative/jussive |
| v.38 | H1961הָיָהQal · Imperfect · Indicative/jussive |
Aspect in Hebrew is grammatical form, not tense. Perfect = completed action; Imperfect = incomplete/ongoing. Stem modifies action type (Qal=simple, Niphal=passive, Piel=intensive).
Morphology: OSHB WLC (Open Scriptures, CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible TEHMC (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0)
Theological Argument
Exodus 40 argues that the goal of redemption is the Lord dwelling among His people. The tabernacle is set up and consecrated according to divine command. The priests are washed, clothed, and anointed for ministry. Moses obeys in every detail. Then the cloud covers the tent and the glory of the Lord fills it. God’s presence is graciously near, yet still holy, since even Moses cannot enter when the glory fills the tabernacle. The chapter closes with divine presence guiding Israel in all their journeys.
From divine command, to obedient setup, to consecration, to priestly preparation, to completed work, to glory filling, to wilderness guidance.
- 1.The LORD Himself determines the arrangement and consecration of His dwelling.
- 2.Moses’ obedience brings the completed tabernacle into ordered function.
- 3.The glory of the LORD confirms His dwelling among Israel.
- 4.The LORD’s presence not only dwells but guides His people through all their travels.
Theological Focus
- Tabernacle erected
- Tent of meeting
- Ark of the covenant law
- Atonement cover
- Veil
- Table and bread
- Lampstand and lamps
- Incense altar
- Altar of burnt offering
- Basin
- Courtyard
- Anointing oil
- Consecration
- Priestly washing
- Priestly anointing
- Moses’ obedience
- Glory of the Lord
- Cloud
- Fire
- Divine guidance
- God dwelling with His people
- Redemption unto dwelling
- Obedience according to command
- Holy arrangement
- Consecrated space
- Consecrated priesthood
- Sacrifice and cleansing
- Glory and holiness
- Presence and guidance
- Completion
- Visible assurance
- Divine Presence
- Holiness
- Obedience
- Priesthood
- Sacrifice
- Cleansing
- Guidance
- Christological Fulfillment
Theological Themes
The book’s movement from Egypt to tabernacle shows that the Lord redeems His people so He may dwell among them.
Moses repeatedly does everything just as the Lord commanded him.
Every object is placed according to the Lord’s order, teaching reverent approach.
The tabernacle and all its furnishings are anointed and set apart as holy.
Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, anointed, and consecrated for priestly ministry.
The altar and basin stand between the people and the tent, showing the need for sacrifice and washing.
The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle so powerfully that Moses cannot enter.
The cloud and fire show that the Lord dwells with and leads His people.
Moses finishes the work, and the Lord fills the dwelling, confirming the work’s purpose.
All Israel sees the cloud by day and fire by night, confirming the Lord’s continuing presence.
Covenant Significance
Exodus 40 is the covenant climax of the book. The Lord has redeemed Israel, entered covenant with them, renewed covenant after rebellion, and now fills the tabernacle with His glory. The tabernacle becomes the center of Israel’s worship and guidance. The Lord’s presence is restored and confirmed, but it remains holy and mediated. The cloud over the tabernacle becomes the visible sign that the covenant God dwells among and leads His people.
- Covenant dwelling - The tabernacle is erected as the Lord’s dwelling among His redeemed people.
- Covenant testimony - The ark of the covenant law is placed and shielded in the Most Holy Place.
- Covenant consecration - The tabernacle, furnishings, altar, basin, and priests are anointed and set apart.
- Covenant mediation - Aaron and his sons are prepared for priestly service before the Lord.
- Covenant presence - The cloud and glory fill the tabernacle, confirming the Lord’s presence.
- Covenant guidance - The cloud directs Israel’s movements throughout their travels.
- Exodus 25:8 - The Lord commanded Israel to make a sanctuary so He might dwell among them.
- Exodus 29:45-46 - The Lord declared that He brought Israel out of Egypt so He might dwell among them.
- Exodus 33:14-17 - Moses pleaded for the Lord’s presence to go with Israel, and the Lord promised His presence.
- Leviticus 9:23-24 - The glory of the Lord later appears when priestly worship begins.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 - The glory cloud later fills Solomon’s temple, echoing the tabernacle filling.
Canonical Connections
Exodus 40 fulfills the tabernacle purpose and contributes to the whole biblical dwelling theme.
The glory fills the tabernacle and later fills the temple, pointing forward to the glory revealed in Christ.
Aaron and his sons are prepared for priestly ministry, which later begins in Leviticus.
The altar and basin prepare for the sacrificial and cleansing patterns fulfilled in Christ.
The Lord’s cloud and fire guide Israel through the wilderness.
The completion of the tabernacle echoes creation completion and anticipates new creation dwelling.
Cross References
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, with all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel, to king Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Yahweh’s covenant out of David’s city,...
It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled Yahweh’s house, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Yahweh’s glory filled Yahweh’s house.
It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled Yahweh’s house, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Yahweh’s glory filled Yahweh’s house. Then Solomon said,...
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and Yahweh’s glory filled the house. The priests could not enter into Yahweh’s house, because Yahweh’s glory filled...
Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, “This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you.
Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night,...
On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. Moses led the people out of the...
Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. Yahweh’s glory settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day he called to Moses out of the middle of the cloud. The appearance of Yahweh’s...
Yahweh’s glory went out from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went out, with the wheels beside them. Then they stood at...
Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looks toward the east. Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth was illuminated with his glory....
God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to mark seasons, days, and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth;” and it...
The heavens, the earth, and all their vast array were finished. On the seventh day God finished his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. God blessed the seventh day, and made it...
Thus Noah did. He did all that God commanded him.
For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this...
Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bull of the sin offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread; and assemble all the congregation at the...
On the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them;
On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony. At evening it was over the tabernacle, as it were the appearance of fire, until morning. So it was continually. The cloud...
He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. Yahweh said to Satan, “Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a...
Canon-Wide Connections
Cross-reference data: OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Exodus 40 clarifies the gospel by showing that God saves His people in order to dwell with them. Deliverance from Egypt was not the final goal. The final movement of Exodus is the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. Yet the tabernacle also shows that sinners need sacrifice, cleansing, priesthood, and mediated access. Christ fulfills all of this. He is God with us, the true tabernacle, the sacrifice, the cleanser, the priest, and the one through whom God’s people will finally dwell with Him forever.
- Salvation is unto presence - The Lord redeems Israel so He may dwell among them.
- God provides ordered access - The tabernacle arrangement teaches that sinners approach God by His provision.
- Priesthood is necessary - Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, and anointed for ministry.
- Glory confirms presence - The cloud and glory fill the tabernacle as the visible confirmation of the Lord’s dwelling.
- Guidance flows from presence - The cloud directs Israel’s journeys.
- Christ fulfills the tabernacle - In Christ, God dwells among His people and opens access through His finished work.
- Do not reduce Exodus to political liberation or moral improvement.
- Do not preach God’s presence without sacrifice, cleansing, and mediation.
- Do not present the tabernacle as an end in itself rather than a shadow pointing forward.
- Do not make divine guidance independent of divine presence.
- Do not treat God’s glory as sentimental warmth rather than holy majesty.
- Do not miss that Christ fulfills the tabernacle as God with us.
Primary Emphasis
Exodus 40 contributes to the biblical theology fulfilled in Christ by bringing the tabernacle theme to its Old Testament climax: God dwelling among His redeemed people. The tabernacle points forward to Christ, the Word who became flesh and made His dwelling among us. The consecrated priesthood points forward to Christ as the greater High Priest. The altar and basin point toward His sacrifice and cleansing.
The glory filling the tabernacle points toward the glory of God revealed in Christ and the final dwelling of God with His people in the new creation.
Chapter Contribution
Exodus 40 argues that the goal of redemption is the Lord dwelling among His people. The tabernacle is set up and consecrated according to divine command. The priests are washed, clothed, and anointed for ministry. Moses obeys in every detail. Then the cloud covers the tent and the glory of the Lord fills it. God’s presence is graciously near, yet still holy, since even Moses cannot enter when the glory fills the tabernacle. The chapter closes with divine presence guiding Israel in all their journeys.
The anointing oil marks objects and priests as consecrated for sacred service.
The altar and basin show sacrifice and washing as essential to priestly approach.
The consecrated tabernacle and priesthood point forward to Christ, the anointed mediator who consecrates his people.
The obediently erected tabernacle points forward to Christ, the true dwelling and mediator of God’s presence.
The tabernacle, furnishings, altar, basin, and priests must be set apart as holy for the Lord.
The filling of the tabernacle fulfills the Lord’s promise to dwell among the Israelites as their God.
The testimony is placed within the ark at the center of the Most Holy Place.
The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle with such weight that Moses cannot enter.
The tabernacle is set up as the appointed dwelling where the Lord will meet with his people.
The cloud and fire govern Israel’s journeys, directing when the people set out and when they remain.
The Lord’s presence is graciously near yet overwhelmingly holy, requiring mediated approach.
The veil, altar, basin, courtyard, and priestly consecration order Israel’s approach to holy presence.
The final goal of the dwelling theme is God’s eternal presence with his people in the new creation.
Moses repeatedly acts as the Lord commanded him, showing faithful execution of divine instruction.
Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, and anointed to serve the Lord as priests.
Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons begin the washing and offering patterns associated with sanctuary ministry.
The timing, arrangement, consecration, and ordination are commanded by the Lord.
Israel’s life is now centered around the Lord’s presence and ordered by his movement.
The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle and dwells among Israel.
The tabernacle, furnishings, altar, basin, and priests are consecrated for holy service.
Moses does everything just as the Lord commanded him.
The anointing oil sets apart the tabernacle and priesthood for the Lord.
Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, anointed, and consecrated for priestly service.
The altar of burnt offering is set up and used for burnt offerings and grain offerings.
The basin is set up for washing before entering the tent or approaching the altar.
The cloud and fire guide Israel in all their travels.
The tabernacle, priesthood, sacrifice, cleansing, glory, and presence are fulfilled in Christ.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Exodus 40 clarifies the gospel by showing that God saves His people in order to dwell with them. Deliverance from Egypt was not the final goal. The final movement of Exodus is the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. Yet the tabernacle also shows that sinners need sacrifice, cleansing, priesthood, and mediated access. Christ fulfills all of this. He is God with us, the true tabernacle, the sacrifice, the cleanser, the priest, and the one through whom God’s people will finally dwell with Him forever.
The holy Lord dwells among His redeemed people through the tabernacle He commanded, consecrated, filled with His glory, and used to guide them.
God’s people must understand that redemption is not merely rescue from bondage but life with God, ordered by His word, consecrated for His service, and guided by His presence.
Reverence, obedience, consecration, dependence, patience, gratitude, worship, and Christ-centered confidence.
- Measure your worship by the word of God rather than preference.
- Seek consecrated service, not merely religious activity.
- Draw near through Christ’s sacrifice and cleansing.
- Refuse to move ahead without the Lord’s leading.
- Let God’s presence, not visible success, become the center of your life and ministry.
- Remember that God’s nearness never makes Him common.
- Rejoice that in Christ, God has come to dwell with His people.
- The chapter warns against casual approach to God, self-appointed worship, service without consecration, movement without divine guidance, and assuming that God’s nearness removes His holiness.
- Treating the tabernacle setup as merely logistical. - The arrangement teaches holy access, covenant order, sacrifice, cleansing, mediation, and divine presence.
- Assuming anointing is symbolic decoration only. - The anointing consecrates the tabernacle, furnishings, altar, basin, and priests for holy service.
- Thinking priestly ministry is self-appointed. - Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, anointed, and consecrated according to the Lord’s command.
- Missing the weight of Moses’ repeated obedience. - The repeated phrase 'just as the Lord commanded' shows that faithful worship is measured by God’s word.
- Treating the glory filling as sentimental encouragement. - The glory is so holy and overwhelming that Moses cannot enter the tent.
- Separating the cloud from guidance. - The cloud not only signifies presence but governs Israel’s movements.
- Ending Exodus as though the story is complete. - Exodus ends with God dwelling among Israel, but the journey to the land and the need for priestly atonement continue.
- Is my life ordered around the presence of God or merely around activity?
- Do I approach worship according to God’s word or according to personal preference?
- Where do I need consecration rather than mere enthusiasm?
- Am I relying on Christ’s sacrifice and cleansing as the basis for drawing near?
- Have I become casual with the holiness of God because I know He is near?
- Do I move ahead without the Lord’s leading, or do I wait when He says wait?
- How does Christ as God with us deepen my gratitude for the tabernacle’s fulfillment?
- Preach redemption unto presence.
- Teach worship by divine order.
- Recover the seriousness of consecration.
- Hold nearness and holiness together.
- Teach guidance as submission.
- Connect tabernacle glory to Christ.
- Encourage obedience after failure.
What the Lord commanded in earlier chapters is now set up and finished.
The parts brought to Moses in Exodus 39 are now arranged into functioning sacred space.
The tabernacle and priests are set apart for the Lord’s holy service.
The order of approach teaches sacrifice, cleansing, and mediated access.
Moses finishes the work, and the Lord fills the tabernacle with His glory.
The glory-filled tabernacle becomes the center from which Israel travels under divine guidance.
God dwelling in the tabernacle prepares for God dwelling among us in the incarnate Son.
C.F. Keil & F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament (1861–91) — public domain
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
The chapter moves from the Lord’s command to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, to the placement of the ark, veil, table, lampstand, incense altar, altar of burnt offering, basin, courtyard, and entrance curtain, to the anointing and consecration of the tabernacle and priests, to Moses’ careful obedience, and finally to the cloud covering the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. The book closes with the cloud guiding Israel through all their travels.
Exodus 40 is the covenant climax of the book. The Lord has redeemed Israel, entered covenant with them, renewed covenant after rebellion, and now fills the tabernacle with His glory. The tabernacle becomes the center of Israel’s worship and guidance. The Lord’s presence is restored and confirmed, but it remains holy and mediated. The cloud over the tabernacle becomes the visible sign that the covenant God dwells among and leads His people.
Exodus 40 clarifies the gospel by showing that God saves His people in order to dwell with them. Deliverance from Egypt was not the final goal. The final movement of Exodus is the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. Yet the tabernacle also shows that sinners need sacrifice, cleansing, priesthood, and mediated access. Christ fulfills all of this. He is God with us, the true tabernacle, the sacrifice, the cleanser, the priest, and the one through whom God’s people will finally dwell with Him forever.
Reverence, obedience, consecration, dependence, patience, gratitude, worship, and Christ-centered confidence.
Focus Points
- Tabernacle erected
- Tent of meeting
- Ark of the covenant law
- Atonement cover
- Veil
- Table and bread
- Lampstand and lamps
- Incense altar
- Altar of burnt offering
- Basin
- Courtyard
- Anointing oil
- Consecration
- Priestly washing
- Priestly anointing
- Moses’ obedience
- Glory of the Lord
- Cloud
- Fire
- Divine guidance
- God dwelling with His people
- Redemption unto dwelling
- Obedience according to command
- Holy arrangement
- Consecrated space
- Consecrated priesthood
- Sacrifice and cleansing
- Glory and holiness
- Presence and guidance
- Completion
- Visible assurance
- Divine Presence
- Holiness
- Obedience
- Priesthood
- Sacrifice
- Cleansing
- Guidance
- Christological Fulfillment
Cross References
Passages
Chapter opening: Exodus 40:1-16
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:1-16 After the completion of all the works, the command was given by God to Moses to set up the dwelling of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month (see at Exo 19:1), sc. , in the second year of the Exodus (see Exo 40:17), and to put all the vessels, both of the dwelling and court, in the places appointed by God; also to furnish the table of shew-bread with its fitting out (ערכּו = לחם ערך Exo 40:23), i.
e. , to arrange the bread upon it in the manner prescribed (Exo 40:4 cf. Lev 24:6-7), and to put water in the laver of the court (Exo 40:7). After that he was to anoint the dwelling and everything in it, also the altar of burnt-offering and laver, with the anointing oil, and to sanctify them (Exo 40:9-11); and to consecrate Aaron and his sons before the door of the tabernacle, and clothe them, anoint them, and sanctify them as priests (Exo 40:12-15).
When we read here, however, that the dwelling and the vessels therein would be rendered “ holy ” through the anointing, but the altar of burnt-offering “ most holy, ” we are not to understand this as attributing a higher degree of holiness to the altar of burnt-offering than to the dwelling and its furniture; but the former is called “most holy” merely in the sense ascribed to it in Exo 30:10 namely, that every one who touched it was to become holy; in other words, the distinction has reference to the fact, that, standing as it did in the court, it was more exposed to contact from the people than the vessels in the dwelling, which no layman was allowed to enter. In this relative sense we find the same statement in Exo 30:29, with reference to the tabernacle and all the vessels therein, the dwelling as well as the court, that they would become most holy in consequence of the anointing (see the remarks on Exo 30:10).
It is stated provisionally, in Exo 40:16, that this command was fulfilled by Moses. But from the further history we find that the consecration of the priests did not take place contemporaneously with the erection of the tabernacle, but somewhat later, or not till after the promulgation of the laws of sacrifice (cf. Lev 8 and Lev 1:1.)
Exo 40:17-19 On the day mentioned in Exo 40:2 the dwelling and court were erected. As not quite nine months had elapsed between the arrival of the Israelites at Sinai, in the third month after the Exodus (Exo 19:1), and the first day of the second year, when the work was finished and handed over to Moses, the building, and all the work connected with it, had not occupied quite half a year; as we have to deduct from the nine months (or somewhat less) not only the eighty days which Moses spent upon Sinai (Exo 24:18; Exo 34:28), but the days of preparation for the giving of the law and conclusion of the covenant (Ex 19:1-24:11), and the interval between the first and second stay that Moses made upon the mountain (ch.
32 and 33). The erection of the dwelling commenced with the fixing of the sockets, into which the boards were placed and fastened with their bolts, and the setting up of the pillars for the curtains (Exo 40:18). “ He (Moses) then spread the tent over the dwelling, and laid the covering of the tent upon the top . ” By the “covering of the tent” we are to understand the two coverings, made of red rams’ skins and the skins of the sea-cow (Exo 26:14).
In analogy with this, את־האלל פּרשׂ denotes not only the roofing with the goats’ hair, but the spreading out of the inner cloth of mixed colours upon the wooden frame-work.
Exo 40:17-19 On the day mentioned in Exo 40:2 the dwelling and court were erected. As not quite nine months had elapsed between the arrival of the Israelites at Sinai, in the third month after the Exodus (Exo 19:1), and the first day of the second year, when the work was finished and handed over to Moses, the building, and all the work connected with it, had not occupied quite half a year; as we have to deduct from the nine months (or somewhat less) not only the eighty days which Moses spent upon Sinai (Exo 24:18; Exo 34:28), but the days of preparation for the giving of the law and conclusion of the covenant (Ex 19:1-24:11), and the interval between the first and second stay that Moses made upon the mountain (ch.
32 and 33). The erection of the dwelling commenced with the fixing of the sockets, into which the boards were placed and fastened with their bolts, and the setting up of the pillars for the curtains (Exo 40:18). “ He (Moses) then spread the tent over the dwelling, and laid the covering of the tent upon the top . ” By the “covering of the tent” we are to understand the two coverings, made of red rams’ skins and the skins of the sea-cow (Exo 26:14).
In analogy with this, את־האלל פּרשׂ denotes not only the roofing with the goats’ hair, but the spreading out of the inner cloth of mixed colours upon the wooden frame-work.
Exo 40:17-19 On the day mentioned in Exo 40:2 the dwelling and court were erected. As not quite nine months had elapsed between the arrival of the Israelites at Sinai, in the third month after the Exodus (Exo 19:1), and the first day of the second year, when the work was finished and handed over to Moses, the building, and all the work connected with it, had not occupied quite half a year; as we have to deduct from the nine months (or somewhat less) not only the eighty days which Moses spent upon Sinai (Exo 24:18; Exo 34:28), but the days of preparation for the giving of the law and conclusion of the covenant (Ex 19:1-24:11), and the interval between the first and second stay that Moses made upon the mountain (ch.
32 and 33). The erection of the dwelling commenced with the fixing of the sockets, into which the boards were placed and fastened with their bolts, and the setting up of the pillars for the curtains (Exo 40:18). “ He (Moses) then spread the tent over the dwelling, and laid the covering of the tent upon the top . ” By the “covering of the tent” we are to understand the two coverings, made of red rams’ skins and the skins of the sea-cow (Exo 26:14).
In analogy with this, את־האלל פּרשׂ denotes not only the roofing with the goats’ hair, but the spreading out of the inner cloth of mixed colours upon the wooden frame-work.
Exo 40:20-21 Arrangement of the ark . “He took and put the testimony into the ark. ” העדוּת does not mean “the revelation, so far as it existed already, viz. , with regard to the erection of the sanctuary and institution of the priesthood (ch. 25-31), and so forth,” as Knobel arbitrarily supposes, but “the testimony,” i. e. , the decalogue written upon the two tables of stone, or the tables of the covenant with the ten words; “the testimony,” therefore, is an abbreviated expression for “the tables of testimony” (Exo 31:18, see at Exo 25:16).
After the ark had been brought into the dwelling, he “hung the curtain” (vail, see at Exo 26:31; lit. , placed it upon the hooks of the pillars), “and so covered over the ark of the testimony,” since the ark, when placed in the back part of the dwelling, was covered or concealed from persons entering the dwelling or the holy place.
Exo 40:20-21 Arrangement of the ark . “He took and put the testimony into the ark. ” העדוּת does not mean “the revelation, so far as it existed already, viz. , with regard to the erection of the sanctuary and institution of the priesthood (ch. 25-31), and so forth,” as Knobel arbitrarily supposes, but “the testimony,” i. e. , the decalogue written upon the two tables of stone, or the tables of the covenant with the ten words; “the testimony,” therefore, is an abbreviated expression for “the tables of testimony” (Exo 31:18, see at Exo 25:16).
After the ark had been brought into the dwelling, he “hung the curtain” (vail, see at Exo 26:31; lit. , placed it upon the hooks of the pillars), “and so covered over the ark of the testimony,” since the ark, when placed in the back part of the dwelling, was covered or concealed from persons entering the dwelling or the holy place.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:22-28 Arrangement of the front room of the dwelling . The table was placed on the right side, towards the north, and the shew-bread was laid upon it. לחם ערך does not signify “a row of bread,” but the “position or placing of bread;” for, according to Lev 24:6-7, the twelve loaves of shew-bread were placed upon the table in two rows, corresponding to the size of the tables (two cubits long and one cubit broad).
The candlestick was placed upon the left side, opposite to the table, and the golden altar in front of the curtain, i. e. , midway between the two sides, but near the curtain in front of the most holy place (see at Exo 30:6). After these things had been placed, the curtain was hung in the door of the dwelling.
Exo 40:29-33 The altar of burnt-offering was then placed “ before the door of the dwelling of the tabernacle, ” and the laver “ between the tabernacle and the altar, ” from which it is evident that the altar was not placed close to the entrance to the dwelling, but at some distance off, though in a straight line with the door. The laver, which stood between the altar and the entrance to the dwelling, was probably placed more to the side; so that when the priests washed their hands and feet, before entering the dwelling or approaching the altar, there was no necessity for them to go round the altar, or to pass close by it, in order to get to the laver.
Last of all the court was erected round about the dwelling and the altar, by the setting up of the pillars, which enclosed the space round the dwelling and the altar with their drapery, and the hanging up of the curtain at the entrance to the court. There is no allusion to the anointing of these holy places and things, as commanded in Exo 40:9-11, in the account of their erection; for this did not take place till afterwards, viz.
, at the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Lev 8:10-11). It is stated, however, on the other hand, that as the vessels were arranged, Moses laid out the shew-bread upon the table (Exo 40:23), burned sweet incense upon the golden altar (Exo 40:27), and offered “the burnt-offering and meat-offering,” i. e. , the daily morning and evening sacrifice, upon the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42).
Consequently the sacrificial service was performed upon them before they had been anointed. Although this may appear surprising, there is no ground for rejecting a conclusion, which follows so naturally from the words of the text. The tabernacle and its furniture were not made holy things for the first time by the anointing; this simply sanctified them for the use of the nation, i.
e. , for the service which the priests were to perform in connection with them on behalf of the congregation (see at Lev 8:10-11). They were made holy things and holy vessels by the fact that they were built, prepared, and set up, according to the instructions given by Jehovah; and still more by the fact, that after the tabernacle had been erected as a dwelling, the “glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exo 40:34).
But the glory of the Lord entered the dwelling before the consecration of the priests, and the accompanying anointing of the tabernacle and its vessels; for, according to Lev 1:1. , it was from the tabernacle that Jehovah spake to Moses, when He gave him the laws of sacrifice, which were promulgated before the consecration of the priests, and were carried out in connection with it.
But when the glory of the Lord had found a dwelling-place in the tabernacle, Moses was not required to offer continually the sacrifice prescribed for every morning and evening, and by means of this sacrifice to place the congregation in spiritual fellowship with its God, until Aaron and his sons had been consecrated for this service.
Exo 40:29-33 The altar of burnt-offering was then placed “ before the door of the dwelling of the tabernacle, ” and the laver “ between the tabernacle and the altar, ” from which it is evident that the altar was not placed close to the entrance to the dwelling, but at some distance off, though in a straight line with the door. The laver, which stood between the altar and the entrance to the dwelling, was probably placed more to the side; so that when the priests washed their hands and feet, before entering the dwelling or approaching the altar, there was no necessity for them to go round the altar, or to pass close by it, in order to get to the laver.
Last of all the court was erected round about the dwelling and the altar, by the setting up of the pillars, which enclosed the space round the dwelling and the altar with their drapery, and the hanging up of the curtain at the entrance to the court. There is no allusion to the anointing of these holy places and things, as commanded in Exo 40:9-11, in the account of their erection; for this did not take place till afterwards, viz.
, at the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Lev 8:10-11). It is stated, however, on the other hand, that as the vessels were arranged, Moses laid out the shew-bread upon the table (Exo 40:23), burned sweet incense upon the golden altar (Exo 40:27), and offered “the burnt-offering and meat-offering,” i. e. , the daily morning and evening sacrifice, upon the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42).
Consequently the sacrificial service was performed upon them before they had been anointed. Although this may appear surprising, there is no ground for rejecting a conclusion, which follows so naturally from the words of the text. The tabernacle and its furniture were not made holy things for the first time by the anointing; this simply sanctified them for the use of the nation, i.
e. , for the service which the priests were to perform in connection with them on behalf of the congregation (see at Lev 8:10-11). They were made holy things and holy vessels by the fact that they were built, prepared, and set up, according to the instructions given by Jehovah; and still more by the fact, that after the tabernacle had been erected as a dwelling, the “glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exo 40:34).
But the glory of the Lord entered the dwelling before the consecration of the priests, and the accompanying anointing of the tabernacle and its vessels; for, according to Lev 1:1. , it was from the tabernacle that Jehovah spake to Moses, when He gave him the laws of sacrifice, which were promulgated before the consecration of the priests, and were carried out in connection with it.
But when the glory of the Lord had found a dwelling-place in the tabernacle, Moses was not required to offer continually the sacrifice prescribed for every morning and evening, and by means of this sacrifice to place the congregation in spiritual fellowship with its God, until Aaron and his sons had been consecrated for this service.
Exo 40:29-33 The altar of burnt-offering was then placed “ before the door of the dwelling of the tabernacle, ” and the laver “ between the tabernacle and the altar, ” from which it is evident that the altar was not placed close to the entrance to the dwelling, but at some distance off, though in a straight line with the door. The laver, which stood between the altar and the entrance to the dwelling, was probably placed more to the side; so that when the priests washed their hands and feet, before entering the dwelling or approaching the altar, there was no necessity for them to go round the altar, or to pass close by it, in order to get to the laver.
Last of all the court was erected round about the dwelling and the altar, by the setting up of the pillars, which enclosed the space round the dwelling and the altar with their drapery, and the hanging up of the curtain at the entrance to the court. There is no allusion to the anointing of these holy places and things, as commanded in Exo 40:9-11, in the account of their erection; for this did not take place till afterwards, viz.
, at the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Lev 8:10-11). It is stated, however, on the other hand, that as the vessels were arranged, Moses laid out the shew-bread upon the table (Exo 40:23), burned sweet incense upon the golden altar (Exo 40:27), and offered “the burnt-offering and meat-offering,” i. e. , the daily morning and evening sacrifice, upon the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42).
Consequently the sacrificial service was performed upon them before they had been anointed. Although this may appear surprising, there is no ground for rejecting a conclusion, which follows so naturally from the words of the text. The tabernacle and its furniture were not made holy things for the first time by the anointing; this simply sanctified them for the use of the nation, i.
e. , for the service which the priests were to perform in connection with them on behalf of the congregation (see at Lev 8:10-11). They were made holy things and holy vessels by the fact that they were built, prepared, and set up, according to the instructions given by Jehovah; and still more by the fact, that after the tabernacle had been erected as a dwelling, the “glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exo 40:34).
But the glory of the Lord entered the dwelling before the consecration of the priests, and the accompanying anointing of the tabernacle and its vessels; for, according to Lev 1:1. , it was from the tabernacle that Jehovah spake to Moses, when He gave him the laws of sacrifice, which were promulgated before the consecration of the priests, and were carried out in connection with it.
But when the glory of the Lord had found a dwelling-place in the tabernacle, Moses was not required to offer continually the sacrifice prescribed for every morning and evening, and by means of this sacrifice to place the congregation in spiritual fellowship with its God, until Aaron and his sons had been consecrated for this service.
Exo 40:29-33 The altar of burnt-offering was then placed “ before the door of the dwelling of the tabernacle, ” and the laver “ between the tabernacle and the altar, ” from which it is evident that the altar was not placed close to the entrance to the dwelling, but at some distance off, though in a straight line with the door. The laver, which stood between the altar and the entrance to the dwelling, was probably placed more to the side; so that when the priests washed their hands and feet, before entering the dwelling or approaching the altar, there was no necessity for them to go round the altar, or to pass close by it, in order to get to the laver.
Last of all the court was erected round about the dwelling and the altar, by the setting up of the pillars, which enclosed the space round the dwelling and the altar with their drapery, and the hanging up of the curtain at the entrance to the court. There is no allusion to the anointing of these holy places and things, as commanded in Exo 40:9-11, in the account of their erection; for this did not take place till afterwards, viz.
, at the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Lev 8:10-11). It is stated, however, on the other hand, that as the vessels were arranged, Moses laid out the shew-bread upon the table (Exo 40:23), burned sweet incense upon the golden altar (Exo 40:27), and offered “the burnt-offering and meat-offering,” i. e. , the daily morning and evening sacrifice, upon the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42).
Consequently the sacrificial service was performed upon them before they had been anointed. Although this may appear surprising, there is no ground for rejecting a conclusion, which follows so naturally from the words of the text. The tabernacle and its furniture were not made holy things for the first time by the anointing; this simply sanctified them for the use of the nation, i.
e. , for the service which the priests were to perform in connection with them on behalf of the congregation (see at Lev 8:10-11). They were made holy things and holy vessels by the fact that they were built, prepared, and set up, according to the instructions given by Jehovah; and still more by the fact, that after the tabernacle had been erected as a dwelling, the “glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exo 40:34).
But the glory of the Lord entered the dwelling before the consecration of the priests, and the accompanying anointing of the tabernacle and its vessels; for, according to Lev 1:1. , it was from the tabernacle that Jehovah spake to Moses, when He gave him the laws of sacrifice, which were promulgated before the consecration of the priests, and were carried out in connection with it.
But when the glory of the Lord had found a dwelling-place in the tabernacle, Moses was not required to offer continually the sacrifice prescribed for every morning and evening, and by means of this sacrifice to place the congregation in spiritual fellowship with its God, until Aaron and his sons had been consecrated for this service.
Exo 40:29-33 The altar of burnt-offering was then placed “ before the door of the dwelling of the tabernacle, ” and the laver “ between the tabernacle and the altar, ” from which it is evident that the altar was not placed close to the entrance to the dwelling, but at some distance off, though in a straight line with the door. The laver, which stood between the altar and the entrance to the dwelling, was probably placed more to the side; so that when the priests washed their hands and feet, before entering the dwelling or approaching the altar, there was no necessity for them to go round the altar, or to pass close by it, in order to get to the laver.
Last of all the court was erected round about the dwelling and the altar, by the setting up of the pillars, which enclosed the space round the dwelling and the altar with their drapery, and the hanging up of the curtain at the entrance to the court. There is no allusion to the anointing of these holy places and things, as commanded in Exo 40:9-11, in the account of their erection; for this did not take place till afterwards, viz.
, at the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Lev 8:10-11). It is stated, however, on the other hand, that as the vessels were arranged, Moses laid out the shew-bread upon the table (Exo 40:23), burned sweet incense upon the golden altar (Exo 40:27), and offered “the burnt-offering and meat-offering,” i. e. , the daily morning and evening sacrifice, upon the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42).
Consequently the sacrificial service was performed upon them before they had been anointed. Although this may appear surprising, there is no ground for rejecting a conclusion, which follows so naturally from the words of the text. The tabernacle and its furniture were not made holy things for the first time by the anointing; this simply sanctified them for the use of the nation, i.
e. , for the service which the priests were to perform in connection with them on behalf of the congregation (see at Lev 8:10-11). They were made holy things and holy vessels by the fact that they were built, prepared, and set up, according to the instructions given by Jehovah; and still more by the fact, that after the tabernacle had been erected as a dwelling, the “glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exo 40:34).
But the glory of the Lord entered the dwelling before the consecration of the priests, and the accompanying anointing of the tabernacle and its vessels; for, according to Lev 1:1. , it was from the tabernacle that Jehovah spake to Moses, when He gave him the laws of sacrifice, which were promulgated before the consecration of the priests, and were carried out in connection with it.
But when the glory of the Lord had found a dwelling-place in the tabernacle, Moses was not required to offer continually the sacrifice prescribed for every morning and evening, and by means of this sacrifice to place the congregation in spiritual fellowship with its God, until Aaron and his sons had been consecrated for this service.
Exo 40:34-38 When the sanctuary, that had been built for the Lord for a dwelling in Israel, had been set up with all its apparatus, “ the cloud covering the tabernacle, and the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, ” so that Moses was unable to enter. The cloud, in which Jehovah had hitherto been present with His people, and guided and protected them upon their journeying (see at Exo 13:21-22), now came down upon the tabernacle and filled the dwelling with the gracious presence of the Lord.
So long as this cloud rested upon the tabernacle the children of Israel remained encamped; but when it ascended, they broke up the encampment to proceed onwards. This sign was Jehovah’s command for encamping or going forward “throughout all their journeys” (Exo 40:36-38). This statement is repeated still more elaborately in Num 9:15-23. The mode in which the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, or in which Jehovah manifested His presence within it, is not described; but the glory of Jehovah filling the dwelling is clearly distinguished from the cloud coming down upon the tabernacle.
It is obvious, however, from Lev 16:2, and 1Ki 8:10-11, that in the dwelling the glory of God was also manifested in a cloud. At the dedication of the temple (1Ki 8:10-11) the expression “the cloud filled the house of Jehovah” is used interchangeably with “the glory of Jehovah filled the house of Jehovah. ” To consecrate the sanctuary, which had been finished and erected as His dwelling, and to give to the people a visible proof that He had chosen it for His dwelling, Jehovah filled the dwelling in both its parts with the cloud which shadowed forth His presence, so that Moses was unable to enter it.
This cloud afterwards drew back into the most holy place, to dwell there, above the outspread wings of the cherubim of the ark of the covenant; so that Moses and (at a later period) the priests were able to enter the holy place and perform the required service there, without seeing the sign of the gracious presence of God, which was hidden by the curtain of the most holy place. So long as the Israelites were on their journey to Canaan, the presence of Jehovah was manifested outwardly and visibly by the cloud, which settled upon the ark, and rose up from it when they were to travel onward.
With the completion of this building and its divine consecration, Israel had now received a real pledge of the permanence of the covenant of grace, which Jehovah had concluded with it; a sanctuary which perfectly corresponded to the existing circumstances of its religious development, and kept constantly before it the end of its calling from God. For although God dwelt in the tabernacle in the midst of His people, and the Israelites might appear before Him, to pray for and receive the covenant blessings that were promised them, they were still forbidden to go directly to God’s throne of grace.
The barrier, which sin had erected between the holy God and the unholy nation, was not yet taken away. To this end the law was given, which could only increase their consciousness of sin and unworthiness before God. But as this barrier had already been broken through by the promise of the Lord, that He would meet the people in His glory before the door of the tabernacle at the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:42-43); so the entrance of the chosen people into the dwelling of God was effected mediatorially by the service of the sanctified priests in the holy place, which also prefigured their eventual reception into the house of the Lord.
And even the curtain, which still hid the glory of God from the chosen priests and sanctified mediators of the nation, was to be lifted at least once a year by the anointed priest, who had been called by God to be the representative of the whole congregation. On the day of atonement the high priest was to sprinkle the blood of atonement in front of the throne of grace, to make expiation for the children of Israel because of all their sin (Lev 16), and to prefigure the perfect atonement through the blood of the eternal Mediator, through which the way to the throne of grace is opened to all believers, that they may go into the house of God and abide there for ever, and for ever see God.
Exo 40:34-38 When the sanctuary, that had been built for the Lord for a dwelling in Israel, had been set up with all its apparatus, “ the cloud covering the tabernacle, and the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, ” so that Moses was unable to enter. The cloud, in which Jehovah had hitherto been present with His people, and guided and protected them upon their journeying (see at Exo 13:21-22), now came down upon the tabernacle and filled the dwelling with the gracious presence of the Lord.
So long as this cloud rested upon the tabernacle the children of Israel remained encamped; but when it ascended, they broke up the encampment to proceed onwards. This sign was Jehovah’s command for encamping or going forward “throughout all their journeys” (Exo 40:36-38). This statement is repeated still more elaborately in Num 9:15-23. The mode in which the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, or in which Jehovah manifested His presence within it, is not described; but the glory of Jehovah filling the dwelling is clearly distinguished from the cloud coming down upon the tabernacle.
It is obvious, however, from Lev 16:2, and 1Ki 8:10-11, that in the dwelling the glory of God was also manifested in a cloud. At the dedication of the temple (1Ki 8:10-11) the expression “the cloud filled the house of Jehovah” is used interchangeably with “the glory of Jehovah filled the house of Jehovah. ” To consecrate the sanctuary, which had been finished and erected as His dwelling, and to give to the people a visible proof that He had chosen it for His dwelling, Jehovah filled the dwelling in both its parts with the cloud which shadowed forth His presence, so that Moses was unable to enter it.
This cloud afterwards drew back into the most holy place, to dwell there, above the outspread wings of the cherubim of the ark of the covenant; so that Moses and (at a later period) the priests were able to enter the holy place and perform the required service there, without seeing the sign of the gracious presence of God, which was hidden by the curtain of the most holy place. So long as the Israelites were on their journey to Canaan, the presence of Jehovah was manifested outwardly and visibly by the cloud, which settled upon the ark, and rose up from it when they were to travel onward.
With the completion of this building and its divine consecration, Israel had now received a real pledge of the permanence of the covenant of grace, which Jehovah had concluded with it; a sanctuary which perfectly corresponded to the existing circumstances of its religious development, and kept constantly before it the end of its calling from God. For although God dwelt in the tabernacle in the midst of His people, and the Israelites might appear before Him, to pray for and receive the covenant blessings that were promised them, they were still forbidden to go directly to God’s throne of grace.
The barrier, which sin had erected between the holy God and the unholy nation, was not yet taken away. To this end the law was given, which could only increase their consciousness of sin and unworthiness before God. But as this barrier had already been broken through by the promise of the Lord, that He would meet the people in His glory before the door of the tabernacle at the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:42-43); so the entrance of the chosen people into the dwelling of God was effected mediatorially by the service of the sanctified priests in the holy place, which also prefigured their eventual reception into the house of the Lord.
And even the curtain, which still hid the glory of God from the chosen priests and sanctified mediators of the nation, was to be lifted at least once a year by the anointed priest, who had been called by God to be the representative of the whole congregation. On the day of atonement the high priest was to sprinkle the blood of atonement in front of the throne of grace, to make expiation for the children of Israel because of all their sin (Lev 16), and to prefigure the perfect atonement through the blood of the eternal Mediator, through which the way to the throne of grace is opened to all believers, that they may go into the house of God and abide there for ever, and for ever see God.
Exo 40:34-38 When the sanctuary, that had been built for the Lord for a dwelling in Israel, had been set up with all its apparatus, “ the cloud covering the tabernacle, and the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, ” so that Moses was unable to enter. The cloud, in which Jehovah had hitherto been present with His people, and guided and protected them upon their journeying (see at Exo 13:21-22), now came down upon the tabernacle and filled the dwelling with the gracious presence of the Lord.
So long as this cloud rested upon the tabernacle the children of Israel remained encamped; but when it ascended, they broke up the encampment to proceed onwards. This sign was Jehovah’s command for encamping or going forward “throughout all their journeys” (Exo 40:36-38). This statement is repeated still more elaborately in Num 9:15-23. The mode in which the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, or in which Jehovah manifested His presence within it, is not described; but the glory of Jehovah filling the dwelling is clearly distinguished from the cloud coming down upon the tabernacle.
It is obvious, however, from Lev 16:2, and 1Ki 8:10-11, that in the dwelling the glory of God was also manifested in a cloud. At the dedication of the temple (1Ki 8:10-11) the expression “the cloud filled the house of Jehovah” is used interchangeably with “the glory of Jehovah filled the house of Jehovah. ” To consecrate the sanctuary, which had been finished and erected as His dwelling, and to give to the people a visible proof that He had chosen it for His dwelling, Jehovah filled the dwelling in both its parts with the cloud which shadowed forth His presence, so that Moses was unable to enter it.
This cloud afterwards drew back into the most holy place, to dwell there, above the outspread wings of the cherubim of the ark of the covenant; so that Moses and (at a later period) the priests were able to enter the holy place and perform the required service there, without seeing the sign of the gracious presence of God, which was hidden by the curtain of the most holy place. So long as the Israelites were on their journey to Canaan, the presence of Jehovah was manifested outwardly and visibly by the cloud, which settled upon the ark, and rose up from it when they were to travel onward.
With the completion of this building and its divine consecration, Israel had now received a real pledge of the permanence of the covenant of grace, which Jehovah had concluded with it; a sanctuary which perfectly corresponded to the existing circumstances of its religious development, and kept constantly before it the end of its calling from God. For although God dwelt in the tabernacle in the midst of His people, and the Israelites might appear before Him, to pray for and receive the covenant blessings that were promised them, they were still forbidden to go directly to God’s throne of grace.
The barrier, which sin had erected between the holy God and the unholy nation, was not yet taken away. To this end the law was given, which could only increase their consciousness of sin and unworthiness before God. But as this barrier had already been broken through by the promise of the Lord, that He would meet the people in His glory before the door of the tabernacle at the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:42-43); so the entrance of the chosen people into the dwelling of God was effected mediatorially by the service of the sanctified priests in the holy place, which also prefigured their eventual reception into the house of the Lord.
And even the curtain, which still hid the glory of God from the chosen priests and sanctified mediators of the nation, was to be lifted at least once a year by the anointed priest, who had been called by God to be the representative of the whole congregation. On the day of atonement the high priest was to sprinkle the blood of atonement in front of the throne of grace, to make expiation for the children of Israel because of all their sin (Lev 16), and to prefigure the perfect atonement through the blood of the eternal Mediator, through which the way to the throne of grace is opened to all believers, that they may go into the house of God and abide there for ever, and for ever see God.
Exo 40:34-38 When the sanctuary, that had been built for the Lord for a dwelling in Israel, had been set up with all its apparatus, “ the cloud covering the tabernacle, and the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, ” so that Moses was unable to enter. The cloud, in which Jehovah had hitherto been present with His people, and guided and protected them upon their journeying (see at Exo 13:21-22), now came down upon the tabernacle and filled the dwelling with the gracious presence of the Lord.
So long as this cloud rested upon the tabernacle the children of Israel remained encamped; but when it ascended, they broke up the encampment to proceed onwards. This sign was Jehovah’s command for encamping or going forward “throughout all their journeys” (Exo 40:36-38). This statement is repeated still more elaborately in Num 9:15-23. The mode in which the glory of Jehovah filled the dwelling, or in which Jehovah manifested His presence within it, is not described; but the glory of Jehovah filling the dwelling is clearly distinguished from the cloud coming down upon the tabernacle.
It is obvious, however, from Lev 16:2, and 1Ki 8:10-11, that in the dwelling the glory of God was also manifested in a cloud. At the dedication of the temple (1Ki 8:10-11) the expression “the cloud filled the house of Jehovah” is used interchangeably with “the glory of Jehovah filled the house of Jehovah. ” To consecrate the sanctuary, which had been finished and erected as His dwelling, and to give to the people a visible proof that He had chosen it for His dwelling, Jehovah filled the dwelling in both its parts with the cloud which shadowed forth His presence, so that Moses was unable to enter it.
This cloud afterwards drew back into the most holy place, to dwell there, above the outspread wings of the cherubim of the ark of the covenant; so that Moses and (at a later period) the priests were able to enter the holy place and perform the required service there, without seeing the sign of the gracious presence of God, which was hidden by the curtain of the most holy place. So long as the Israelites were on their journey to Canaan, the presence of Jehovah was manifested outwardly and visibly by the cloud, which settled upon the ark, and rose up from it when they were to travel onward.
With the completion of this building and its divine consecration, Israel had now received a real pledge of the permanence of the covenant of grace, which Jehovah had concluded with it; a sanctuary which perfectly corresponded to the existing circumstances of its religious development, and kept constantly before it the end of its calling from God. For although God dwelt in the tabernacle in the midst of His people, and the Israelites might appear before Him, to pray for and receive the covenant blessings that were promised them, they were still forbidden to go directly to God’s throne of grace.
The barrier, which sin had erected between the holy God and the unholy nation, was not yet taken away. To this end the law was given, which could only increase their consciousness of sin and unworthiness before God. But as this barrier had already been broken through by the promise of the Lord, that He would meet the people in His glory before the door of the tabernacle at the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:42-43); so the entrance of the chosen people into the dwelling of God was effected mediatorially by the service of the sanctified priests in the holy place, which also prefigured their eventual reception into the house of the Lord.
And even the curtain, which still hid the glory of God from the chosen priests and sanctified mediators of the nation, was to be lifted at least once a year by the anointed priest, who had been called by God to be the representative of the whole congregation. On the day of atonement the high priest was to sprinkle the blood of atonement in front of the throne of grace, to make expiation for the children of Israel because of all their sin (Lev 16), and to prefigure the perfect atonement through the blood of the eternal Mediator, through which the way to the throne of grace is opened to all believers, that they may go into the house of God and abide there for ever, and for ever see God.