Exodus 40:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark.

NIV: He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.

NASB: Then he took the testimony and put it into the ark, and attached the poles to the ark, and put the atoning cover on top of the ark.

CSB: Moses took the testimony and placed it in the ark, and attached the poles to the ark. He set the mercy seat on top of the ark.

NLT: He took the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant and placed them inside the Ark. Then he attached the carrying poles to the Ark, and he set the Ark’s cover — the place of atonement — on top of it.

KJV: And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

NKJV: He took the Testimony and put it into the ark, inserted the poles through the rings of the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.

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.

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.

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 11/2/2025 1:59:12 AM