The Tabernacle Erected And Arranged
July 5, 2021
Commentary
Moses’ obedience to God’s command is a key theme of the final chapter of Exodus. The people provided all the resources and labor but only the Lord’s servant Moses was authorized to erect the tabernacle and prepare it for the Lord’s entry. This chapter brings us to a certain climax, as the tabernacle is completed, and yet at the same time the reader is prepared for the continuation of the story in the following book of Leviticus. The anointing of the priesthood comes in (Lev. Chap’s 8-9).
This chapter can be divided into three parts.
1. Divine instructions given to Moses concerning the arranging of the tabernacle and its furnishings, along with the anointing of the holy things (vv. 1-16).
2. A description of the way Moses carefully carried out God’s commands in setting up and sanctifying the tabernacle (vv. 17-33).
3. The glory of God descending upon the tabernacle in the form of the cloud (vv. 34-38).
These first 17 verses of this chapter are divided into two sections:
1. The proper arrangement of the furnishings of the temple (vv. 1-8). God commanded that the tabernacle be set up about a year after the Exodus and eight and a half months after Israel’s arrival at Sinai. A place for everything and everything in its proper place. The building of the tabernacle took less than six months.
2. Instructions are given for anointing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the high priest (vv. 9-17). The predominant terms “anoint” and “consecrate"are brought to light, which results in the object becoming holy (vv. 12-13). Do the same with Aaron and his sons.
Application
God allows people to participate with Him in carrying out His will. My task is not just to sit and watch God work, but to give my best effort when work needs to be done.
Exodus 40:1– 16 (NET)
1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses: 2 “On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting. 3 You are to place the ark of the testimony in it and shield the ark with the special curtain. 4 You are to bring in the table and set out the things that belong on it; then you are to bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 You are to put the gold altar for incense in front of the ark of the testimony and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 6 You are to put the altar for the burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting. 7 You are to put the large basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it. 8 You are to set up the courtyard around it and put the curtain at the gate of the courtyard. 9 And take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and sanctify it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. 10 Then you are to anoint the altar for the burnt offering with all its utensils; you are to sanctify the altar, and it will be the most holy altar. 11 You must also anoint the large basin and its pedestal, and you are to sanctify it.
12 “You are to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 13 Then you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments and anoint him and sanctify him so that he may minister as my priest. 14 You are to bring his sons and clothe them with tunics 15 and anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may minister as my priests; their anointing will make them a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations.” 16 This is what Moses did, according to all the Lord had commanded him—so he did.
Illustration: John Huss Prepared For Being Burned at The Stake
We are told that when John Huss was arrested and informed that he would be burned to death for his faith, he purposely practiced holding his hand over fire to prepare for his final test. He burned himself in preparation. He wanted to be faithful to the end. (Moody Monthly, April, 1990, p. 76)