What does Exodus 40:3 mean?
ESV: And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.
NIV: Place the ark of the covenant law in it and shield the ark with the curtain.
NASB: You shall place the ark of the testimony there, and you shall screen off the ark with the veil.
CSB: Put the ark of the testimony there and screen off the ark with the curtain.
NLT: Place the Ark of the Covenant inside, and install the inner curtain to enclose the Ark within the Most Holy Place.
KJV: And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.
NKJV: You shall put in it the ark of the Testimony, and partition off the ark with the veil.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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.
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).
Book Summary:
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.
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