Exodus 40 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 40 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Israel has completed all the components needed to build the Lord's sanctuary (Exodus 39:42–43). The moment has finally come to set up the tabernacle and its courtyard for the first time. Much of this information has already been described in Exodus. Repeating the details reflects an intense desire to follow the Lord's will with precision.

God tells Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the Israelite new year (Exodus 12:1–2). Here, the Lord calls the main building "the tabernacle of the tent of meeting." A "tabernacle" is a large tent-like building. The tent of meeting, until now, has been a separate place outside the Israelite camp (Exodus 33:7–11). Now that the work is done, this meeting place is relocated to the tabernacle (Exodus 40:1–2).

The tabernacle complex (Exodus 27:9–19) is a rectangular courtyard marked by hanging sheets of linen. The courtyard's linen-covered entrance is on a short side of the rectangle, facing east. Just inside the entryway is a bronze-covered altar for burnt sacrifices (Exodus 27:1–8). Further in is a large ceremonial washbasin (Exodus 30:17–21). The tabernacle itself (Exodus 26) is a rectangular box divided into two rooms. This sits at the western end of the courtyard. The innermost room is marked off by a veil (Exodus 26:33). In this space is the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–22). In the outer room are a ceremonial table (Exodus 25:23–30), lampstand (Exodus 25:31–40), and incense altar (Exodus 30:1–10). Each is arranged according to the Lord's instructions (Exodus 40:3–8).

Moses is told to use a specially-blended anointing oil (Exodus 30:22–33) to consecrate every part of the tabernacle system. Aaron will serve as high priest (Exodus 29:4–7). His sons will be the first of an inherited priesthood (Exodus 40:9–15).

Following the pattern of Exodus, Moses' obedience is described in detail. Each point of the Lord's decree is repeated with some additional notes. Everything is completed according to God's design (Exodus 40:16–33).

Once the tabernacle is complete and consecrated, God's visible cloud appears. This seems to be the same one that guided Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21–22). It is likely also the one which appeared when Moses was meeting the Lord outside Israel's camp (Exodus 33:7–11). Now that the Lord's sanctuary is operational, so are its restrictions. These apply even to Moses. When the cloud stays, the people stay. When it moves, the Israelites break camp to follow it towards the Promised Land (Exodus 40:34–38).

Exodus 40:1–33 records God's command for Israel to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) and all its components. God gave instructions about these to Moses (Exodus 25—31) and the Israelites followed them exactly (Exodus 35—39). Moses supervises as the entire design is put into place. The passage mirrors a pattern in Exodus, where God delivers instructions which are repeated in detail as they are obeyed.

Exodus 40:34–38 describes what happened when Israel finally completed the tabernacle (Exodus 40:33). God's glory comes down to the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) in the form of a cloud. This cloud guides Israel by indicating when it is time to move on from their current camp. The cloud seems to be the same which guided Israel when they left Egyptian slavery (Exodus 13:21–22).

Chapter Summary:

Moses assembles the tabernacle according to the instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). This process is careful and methodical. Moses also consecrates Aaron and his sons into a permanent, hereditary priesthood. When building and ceremonies are complete, God brings down a cloud as His glory fills the tabernacle building. This cloud will guide Israel as they move towards the Promised Land.

Chapter Context:

Israel has completed all components needed to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 35—39). When the work is finished and everything is in place, God's glory comes down in a cloud that guides the nation. The story of Israel's wandering continues in the book of Numbers, while the book of Leviticus records copious details from God's conversations with Moses (Exodus 24:18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 12/23/2025 3:39:25 PM