Êxodo 40
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Êxodo 40
Cole - In the first month in the second year, on the first day. It is one year after the exodus (Ex 12:2) and nine months after Israel’s arrival at Sinai (Ex 19:1). When we take out the period spent by Moses on the mountain, this does not allow overmuch time for the manufacture of the various objects, if all dates are factual and not symbolic. (Exodus-TOTC) SUMMARY OF Exodus 40:17–33 contains 9 subsections each concluding with just as the LORD had commanded Moses (see Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32) DESCRIPTION OF MOSES' ACTIONS INSTRUCTION DESCRIBED INSTRUCTION FULFILLED Moses erected the tabernacle Ex 40:2 Ex 40:17-19 Ark of Testimony placed and veil set up Ex 40:3 Ex 40:20-21 Table of Bread of Presence placed Ex 40:4a Ex 40:22-23 Placed the Lampstand Ex 40:4b Ex 40:24-25 Placed Gold Altar of Incense Ex 40:5a Ex 40:26-27 Set up Veil for Doorway of Tabernacle Ex 40:5b Ex 40:28 Set up Altar of Burnt Offering Ex 40:6 Ex 40:29 Set up the Laver for washing Ex 40:7 Ex 40:30-32 Erected the Outer Court Ex 40:8 Ex 40:33 James Smith - THE TABERNACLE OF GOD EXODUS 40:17–35 Let us think of— I. The Meaning of It. Everything here is typical of things spiritual. Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, speaks of them as “The shadow of heavenly things,” “The patterns of things in the heavens,” “The figures of the true” Those blind to spiritual things can see neither beauty nor meaning in this wonderful arrangement. It was God’s own picture to His people of “good things to come.” Open Thou mine eyes to behold wonderful things here in Thy Tabernacle. II. The Purpose of It. It was to be a sanctuary for God, that He might dwell among them (Ex 25:8). God so loved His people, whom He had redeemed, and delivered from the bondage of Egypt, that He desired a place for Himself, that His presence might abide with them. Does He not still desire to abide in every soul whom He hath saved by His grace? Then let us make Him a sanctuary in our own hearts, that He may dwell with us. “Ye are the temple of God.” III. The Time of its Setting Up. “In the first month, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was reared up” (Exodus 40:17). Is it not significant that this House of God was to be set up on “New Year’s day?” Does not this indicate that it was to be a new beginning for them? They were to begin the year with God in their midst—as a Pilgrim with them. The only new start worth making is to begin with God. If He is with us, then certainly prosperity in the highest sense will follow. IV. The Structure of It. The manner of its get-up was simple, yet everything had to be made and set in order according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mount. The sockets, which formed the foundation (Exodus 40:18), were of solid silver, made from “atonement money” (Exod 38), so that these golden boards actually stood upon that which represented “Redemption”—the price of souls. Like this Tabernacle in the wilderness, the “Church of God” has no other standing than on that which has been paid (the blood of Christ) as a ransom for the soul. These boards, built upon the sockets of “Ransom,” and “fitly knit together,” and strengthened by the “bars thereof”—as encircling arms of power—represent our standing in Christ, and our union one with another within the everlasting arms of Divine strength and faithfulness. V. The Contents of It. The Tabernacle was divided into three parts: “The Holiest of all,” “The Holy Place,” and the “Court.” In the “Holiest” was put the Ark which contained the law, the lid of which formed the “Mercy-seat,” where God promised to meet with them (Exodus 40:20, 21). Christ has covered the broken law, and formed a mercy-seat for us. Then, in the “Holy Place” there was the Table with its bread, meaning fellowship with God in Christ. The Candlestick, with its branches (Exodus 40:24), which speaks of testimony in the power of Christ. The Golden Altar (Exodus 40:26, 27), with its sweet incense, speaking of acceptable prayer in the Name of Christ. Then outside the door of the Holy Place stood the “Altar of burnt-offering”—the place of sacrifice, indicating that the first need of the people in their approach to God was Atonement (Exodus 40:29). The altar points to the Cross of Christ. Between the Altar of Sacrifice and the door of Communion, they set the Laver (Exodus 40:30), with its water for cleansing, teaching the need of the Holy Spirit’s cleansing by the Word of Christ. There must be Substitution before true fellowship with God. VI. The Glory of It. “The glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34). The glory of it was the manifest presence of God. As it was with the Tabernacle, so was it with the life and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was crowned with a supernatural manifestation. He showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs (Acts 1:3). When the glory of His Holy Presence is seen, then men feel like Moses, “Not able to enter in” without atoning blood. Exodus 40:18 Moses erected the tabernacle and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and inserted its bars and erected its pillars. Moses erected the tabernacle Ex 40:2 Ex 26:15-30 Ex 36:20-34 Lev 26:11 Eze 37:27,28 Joh 1:14 Ga 4:4 1Pe 1:5 Rev 21:3 laid its sockets Isa 33:24 Mt 16:18 1Ti 3:15 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The Tabernacle (Source: ESV.org) Cassuto - Moses’ name occurs expressly, as the subject of the verbs, once at the beginning (v. 18: And Moses erected) and once at the end (v. 33: So Moses finished). All the other verbs are impersonal in form (‘and laid’, ‘and set up’, ‘and raised up’, ‘and spread’, etc.), but the subject, even though not stated, is self-evident; it is always Moses. He directed the whole enterprise, and to him belongs the merit. Moses erected the tabernacle and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and inserted its bars and erected its pillars - This corresponds to Ex 40:2+. above. The details are described in Ex 26:15-30+ and Ex 36:20-34+. Exodus 40:19 He spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. He spread the tent: Ex 26:1-14 Ex 36:8-19 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries He spread the tent over the tabernacle - This corresponds to Ex 40:2+. above. This refers to the curtains of goats’ hair (see the 4 layers in the diagram above) and put the covering of the tent on top of it - Cassuto says "the covering of rams’ skins dyed red." Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Exodus 40:20 Then he took the testimony and put it into the ark, and attached the poles to the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark. took the testimony: Ex 16:34 Ex 25:16-21 Ex 31:18 Ps 40:8 Mt 3:15 the mercy seat Ex 40:3 Ex 37:6-9 Ro 3:25 10:4 Heb 4:16 10:19-21 1Jn 2:2 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pattern of the Tabernacle-Click to Enlarge Ark of the Covenant Related Passages: Exodus 34:1+ Now the LORD said to Moses, “Cut out for yourself two stone tablets like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered. Exodus 34:4+ So he cut out two stone tablets like the former ones, and Moses rose up early in the morning and went up to Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and he took two stone tablets in his hand. Exodus 34:28+ So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. Then he took the testimony and put it into the ark - This corresponds to Ex 40:3+ above.This refers to the 10 Commandments that had been rewritten on stone tablets by Moses. In Ex 25:16,21+ God instructed Moses "You shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you. 21 “You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you." and attached the poles to the ark - As instructed in Ex 25:14+ = "“You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark with them." And they were never to be removed. and put the mercy seat on top of the ark - Moses put the mercy seat, the kapporet, on top of the ark in accordance with Ex 25:21+ ( “You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you."). This is where God would descend to meet with man and where sin would be atoned for once each year with blood on the Day of Atonement. Exodus 40:21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up a veil for the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. he brought: Ex 40:3 Ex 26:33 Ex 35:12 screened off the ark: Heb 10:19,20 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ACCESS TO GOD IS RESTRICTED BY THE VEIL He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up a veil for the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony - This corresponds to Ex 40:3+ above. Moses put in place the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies which held the ark of the testimony. Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Exodus 40:22 Then he put the table in the tent of meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. Then he put the table: Joh 6:53-57 Eph 3:8 north: Ex 26:35 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pattern of the Tabernacle-Click to Enlarge Table with Bread of Presence TABLE WITH BREAD OF PRESENCE ON THE NORTH SIDE Related Passage: Exodus 26:35+ “You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and you shall put the table on the north side. Then he put the table in the tent of meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil - This corresponds to Ex 40:4a+ above. This would be the table that held the bread of the presence which would have been on the right side as one enters the holy place in the tabernacle. Outside the veil refers to the veil separating the holy place from the holy of holies. Exodus 40:23 He set the arrangement of bread in order on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Ex 40:4 Ex 25:30 Mt 12:4 Heb 9:2 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Table with Bread of Presence BREAD OF PRESENCE SET IN ORDER He set the arrangement of bread (bread of the Presence) in order on it before the LORD - This corresponds Ex 40:4a+ above. In Ex 25:30+ the LORD had commanded Moses "You shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Related Resources: What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)? | GotQuestions.org Exodus 40:24 Then he placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. Ex 25:31-35 Ex 37:17-24 Ps 119:105 Joh 1:1,5,9 8:12 Rev 1:20 2:5 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pattern of the Tabernacle-Click to Enlarge Lampstand with Lamps and you shall bring in the lampstand and mount its lamps - See commentary on the la Related Passage: Exodus 26:35+ “You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and you shall put the table on the north side. Then he placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle (the tabernacle being oriented with its opening curtains to the east Ex 27:13–16) - This corresponds Ex 40:4b+ above. Tent of meeting in this context is a synonym for the Tabernacle. The instructions for making the lampstand are found in Ex 25:31-35+ and the carrying out of those instructions in Ex 37:17-24. THOUGHT - Today we can take the light of the LORD with us wherever we go, because the psalmist says "Nun. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." (Ps 119:105+). Is this privilege we have today not another reason to motivate us to the Word of Truth that we might always have access to it? That is clearly a rhetorical question! Exodus 40:25 He lighted the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Ex 40:4 Ex 25:37 Rev 4:5 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Lampstand with Lamps and you shall bring in the lampstand and mount its lamps - See commentary on the la Related Passage: Exodus 25:37+ “Then you shall make its lamps seven in number; and they shall mount its lamps so as to shed light on the space in front of it. He lighted the lamps before the LORD - This corresponds to Ex 40:4b+ above. Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Exodus 40:26 Then he placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the veil; Ex 40:5 Ex 30:1-10 Mt 23:19 Joh 11:42 17:1-26 Heb 7:25 10:1 1Jn 2:1 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pattern of the Tabernacle-Click to Enlarge Altar of Incense Then he placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the veil - This corresponds to Ex 40:5+ above. This completes the placement of furnishings (table, lampstand, altar) for the Tabernacle proper (Holy Place and Holy of Holies). Exodus 40:27 and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries INCENSE BURNED FOR FIRST TIME and he burned fragrant incense on it - This was the first time incense was burned. It is interesting that in Ex 30:7 we read "Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps." But here Moses does the first burning of fragrant incense. As an aside if incense symbolizes prayer, is it not fitting that Moses would be the first to burn fragrant incense, for he had been lifting up "fragrant" prayers to Yahweh (1) to beseech Yahweh not to destroy Israel (Ex 32:11-14+) and (2) to go with Israel as they journeyed to the Promised Land (Ex 33:13-17+) . THOUGHT - IS PRAYER POWERFUL? That is a rhetorical question! May God's Spirit use this incredible truth to stimulate, provoke, urge, and motivate you to pray more often, modeling your prayers on those of Moses pattern. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Personal Testimony - This book has changed my view of prayer and motivated me to pray far more than I did before.) Douglas Stuart explains that "Earlier in Exodus no specific instruction to Moses required that he burn the incense at this point, so one may ask why he did it here. The answer is that he was functioning as God’s priest prior to the actual consecration of the Aaronic priests, which would take place in Lev 8. Eventually the priests would take over the assignment of burning the incense, but for now Moses alone was unquestionably qualified. Moses thus fulfilled the commands of Exod 30:1–9, again, “as the LORD commanded him,” followed by the erection of the entrance curtain on the east end of the tabernacle proper (Ex 26:36–37)." (Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Exodus 40:28 Then he set up the veil for the doorway of the tabernacle. Ex 40:5 Ex 26:36,37 Ex 38:9-19 Joh 14:6 10:9 Eph 2:18 Heb 10:19,20 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The Tabernacle (Source: ESV.org) Then he set up the veil for the doorway of the tabernacle - This corresponds to Ex 40:5+ above. This veil is not the inner veil but the outer veil of the Tabernacle (it is the veil the priest is standing before in the above diagram). See description of this doorway Ex 26:36,37+ and Ex 38:18, 19+. THOUGHT - There is only ONE WAY into the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of Yahweh, through the single entrance into the court to offer sacrifices on the bronze altar (cf the Cross and Lamb of God, Jn 1:29+, 1 Pe 2:24+, Isaiah 53:4-6, 11+, 1 Pe 3:18+, Mt 26:28, Heb 9:28+, 1 Jn 2:2+), then through the single outer and inner veils into the Holy of Holies, the latter only accessible once per year on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:9-21, 22+) by taking the blood of a sacrificial animal (cf 1 Pe 1:18,19+). Today there is a Great High Priest, Christ Jesus, (Heb 4:14) Who has has opened the veil that we might enter into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-22+, Ro 5:1,2+, Eph 2:18+). But just as there is only one way into the Holy of Holies, Jesus made the exclusive claim "I am the (ONLY) Way, and the Truth, and the Life; (ABSOLUTELY) no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6, Jn 10:7,8,9, Acts 4:12+) Have you gained access God so that you now can come boldly into the throne room of God (Hebrews 4:16+). Exodus 40:29 He set the altar of burnt offering before the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. set the altar of burnt offering: Ex 40:6 Ex 27:1-8 Ex 38:1-7 Mt 23:19 Ro 3:24-26 Heb 9:12 13:5,6,10 offered on it the burnt offering Ex 29:38-46 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pattern of the Tabernacle-Click to Enlarge Altar of Burnt Offering - Brazen Altar He set the altar of burnt offering before the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering - For the location see #1 on the Tabernacle schematic above. See discussion of construction of the bronze altar in Ex 27:1-8 (see also Ex 38:1-7+).This corresponds to Exodus 40:6+. A description of the perpetual daily sacrifices and their purpose is described in Ex 29:38-43+. Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Moses' perfect obedience. Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Exodus 40:30 He placed the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing. Ex 40:7 Ex 30:18-21 Ex 38:8 Eze 36:25 Heb 10:22 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pattern of the Tabernacle-Click to Enlarge Lave of Bronze He placed the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing - See #2 on the Tabernacle schematic above. This corresponds to Exodus 40:7+. See discussion of the bronze laver in Ex 30:18-21 (see also Ex 38:8+). THOUGHT - The bronze laver reminds us of the exhortation by the writer of Hebrews = "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb 10:22+) This begs the question have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb (listen to this song)? Paul alludes to washing in Titus 3:5-6+ He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." And again in Eph 5:26+ writing "so that He (CHRIST) might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word." Exodus 40:31 From it Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. washed: Ps 26:6 Ps 51:6 Ps 51:7 Joh 13:10 1Jn 1:7,9 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalm 51:7+ Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (cf Isaiah 1:18+). From it Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet - This is almost verbatim of what Moses stated in Ex 30:19+ except Moses is now added. Moses is added here because this was still before the formal commencement of the Levitical priesthood, and so Moses was functioning as the priest and needed to wash just as the other priests. Stuart writes that "A better translation of the Hebrew, one that would make clear that such a washing was in the future—not necessarily immediately upon the assembling of the tabernacle—would be “Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to wash their hands and feet from it.” (Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) THOUGHT - This recalls John's description of Jesus washing the disciple's feet in John 13:8-10 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” And now as "we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, (and) we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son (present tense - continually) cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7+). Exodus 40:32 When they entered the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. just as the LORD had commanded Moses: Ex 40:19 Ex 30:19,20 Ps 73:19 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries When they entered the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed - This corresponds to God's instructions in Exodus 40:12+ "Just as 40:12 was predicting what Moses would eventually do once the tabernacle was entirely set up, so the present paragraph also looked forward to Lev 8:1-36+, the upcoming consecration/ordination of Israel’s priests." (Stuart). So as with the previous passage, this passage also anticipates the future performance of these actions. This was described in Exodus 30:20+ and tells us the purpose of this washing = "When they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that (TERM OF PURPOSE) they will not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the LORD." Just as the LORD had commanded Moses - Repeated 7x - Ex 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32. Exodus 40:33 He erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court. Thus Moses finished the work. erected the court: Ex 40:8 Ex 27:9-16 Nu 1:50 Mt 16:8 1Co 12:12,28 Eph 4:11-13 Heb 9:6,7 hung up the veil: Joh 10:9 Jn 14:6 Eph 2:18 Heb 4:14-16 Moses: Ex 39:32 1Ki 6:9 Zec 4:9 Joh 4:34 17:4 2Ti 4:7 Heb 3:2-5 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries COURT WITH VEIL OVER GATEWAY He erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court - This corresponds to God's instructions in Exodus 40:8+. These are the last items to be assembled as originally described in Exodus 27:9-19+. Thus Moses finished the work - This fulfills Jehovah's original instruction in Ex 25:8+ "Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them (IN THERE MIDST - EXACTLY WHAT TRANSPIRED IN Ex 40:34)." Notice also that this time the text does not say Just as the LORD had commanded Moses for now Moses had accomplished completely what God had instructed him to construct. Of course as Stuart says Moses did not do it all by himself, for "it would seem impossible for a single person to do certain of the tasks associated with the setting up of the tabernacle, such as the erection of the large frames and the pulling of the lengthy curtains and coverings over the top of the frames. Likewise, how could Moses possibly put the ark in place by himself since the only proper way to transport it was with the two poles that had to be carried on either end?" (NAC-Ex) Some writers see a parallel with God's completion of Creation - "By the seventh day God completed (Ge 2:2 and Ex 40:33 use the same verb kalah) His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done." (Ge 2:2) THOUGHT - Would it be said of each of us when we fall asleep in Jesus (1 Th 4:14+), that we had finished the work which He had ordained for each of us to do, for indeed each believer is "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Eph 2:10+) Are you walking in His good works or your (eternally) worthless works? (Jn 15:16NET = "go and bear fruit, fruit that remains") Jesus declared "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5) "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (Jn 15:8) And "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit (SPEAKS OF CHRIST'S CRUCIFIXION BUT PRINCIPLE OF DEATH TO SELF APPLICABLE TO BELIEVERS)." (Jn 12:24) Dearly beloved, can I ask you, "How does your (His) garden grow?" Cassuto has an interesting comment - The Tabernacle is a kind of miniature Sinai, which can be transported from place to place, in order to accompany the children of Israel in their wanderings and to serve as a palpable token of the Divine Presence in their midst throughout their journeyings. Just as the Lord had revealed Himself to them on Mount Sinai in the awe-inspiring theophany of the third month, even so He manifests Himself to them now, and will reveal Himself in the future, in the sanctuary that they have made to Him. James Smith - CONSECRATION AND ITS RESULTS. Exodus 40:33-38. The Tabernacle is a type of the body of Christ (Heb. 9:11), the sacrifices prefigure His shed blood. In that it was the habitation of God, it is also a figure of our body which is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 6:19+). In these verses we have a golden chain of holy connections. I. There was the Yielding up of all to God. "They reared up... and set up. So Moses finished the work" (Exodus 40:33). Everything made and prepared for the Tabernacle was now set in its place. Putting every vessel and hanging in their places just meant the giving up of all to God. Many things had been in their own hands for preparation. Now all was handed over as belonging to the Lord. This is the first step to a consecrated life. Yield to Him what is His own. "Yourselves, ye are not your own." "Present yourselves" (Rom. 12:1+). II. The Claiming of all by God. "The cloud covered the tent" (Exodus 40:34). This cloud was the symbol of Jehovah's presence. When it covered or rested on the tent it was the assurance to Israel that what had been offered was now accepted and sealed for His use. God demands our all— for what have we that we have not received?—and when our all is sealed to Him our all is accepted by Him, and the seal of the Spirit's presence is as surely given, although we may not yet be conscious of it. "He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him," (2Ti 1:12+) and also able to use it (Ro 6:13+). III. The Filling. "The glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34). The order is perfect: surrender, acceptance, possession. The disciples were completely surrendered to the will of God when they waited in the upper room, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. The Tabernacle was filled before it was used. Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. "I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord" (Micah 3:8). The filling of the tent with the glory was the consecration of it on the divine side. We can give—or yield—God alone can consecrate by the filling. To be filled with the Holy Ghost is to be consecrated in the truest and fullest sense. "Be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18+). IV. The Result which Followed the Filling. 1. THE EXCLUSION OF MAN. "Moses was not able to enter because the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" (Exodus 40:35). Man's place is outside when God comes in. Self must stand back when the Holy Spirit fills. There is no room or place for the energy of the flesh when the power of the Holy Ghost possesses us. When Christ is enthroned within, then it is "Not I, but Christ" (Gal. 2:20+). When we see His glory, then we cry, "Woe is me!" 2. THE DIVINE LEADING. The cloud which filled the house became their guide. "When the cloud was taken up, then they went onward" (Exodus 40:36). The same Spirit who fills our souls is to guide us in all the ways and will of God. There is a very vital connection between the filling and the leading (see Mt. 3:16+; Mt 4:1+). The cloud was to the tent what the holy anointing is to be to us (1 John 2:27+), an abiding, filling, guiding, separating presence. "He leadeth me, O blessed thought!" 3. WITNESS-BEARING. "The cloud of the Lord was... in the sight of all the house of Israel" (Exodus 40:38). The tent was called "the Tabernacle of Witness." It was a witness to the presence, power, and holiness of God. "Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord. But we, like the Tabernacle, are no witness till we are filled. A house, or heart, destitute of Christ can never be a witness to Him. A withered branch bears a poor testimony to the fullness of the vine. It is God Himself in us, by the Holy Spirit, that beareth witness. "The Spirit of My Father," Jesus said, "speaketh in you" (Matt. 10:20+). The early disciples of Christ were filled with the Holy Ghost before they became witnesses for Him (Acts 1:8+). The branch must be filled with sap before the character of the tree can be manifested in fruit. Charles Simeon - ERECTING OF THE TABERNACLE Exodus 40:33-34 "And so Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." A union of many hands and much zeal must of necessity expedite any work that is undertaken. So it proved in the constructing of the tabernacle; the whole of which, notwithstanding the exquisite skill and workmanship with which every part of it was formed, was in about the space of seven months completely finished, so as to be capable of being all erected, and brought into use in one single day. Such activity could not but be highly pleasing to God, in whose service it was employed. Accordingly we find that he immediately testified his approbation of it by a most astonishing act of condescension and grace. That we may see the subject in its true light, let us inquire into, I. The work here referred to. This was the constructing of the tabernacle; a work of singular excellency and importance, whether it is considered in itself, or in its typical design. Let us view it: 1. In itself. It will be proper to notice briefly its form. There was a court about sixty yards long, and thirty yards broad, enclosed by linen curtains, suspended about nine feet high on brazen pillars. Within that, at the west end of it, was a structure, about eighteen yards long, and six broad, made with boards of Shittim wood, covered with gold, and fastened together by bars of the same materials. The boards were forty-eight in number, fixed in ninety-six sockets of silver, each of them about a hundred pounds weight. The whole was covered first with curtains of fine embroidered linen, and then with three other coverings, one of goats' hair, another of rams' skins dyed red, and another of badgers' skins. This structure was divided into two apartments, called the holy place, and the holy of holies; the former being about twelve yards by six; and the latter six yards square, and as many high. The entrance to each of these was from the east, (as was that of the outward court also,) each leading to the other through a veil of embroidered linen. The furniture of the whole was quite appropriate. In the outer court, (to which all clean Hebrews and proselytes had access,) was the brazen altar, on which the sacrifices were offered, and the brazen laver, in which the priests and Levites were to purify themselves. In the holy place (into which the priests were admitted) was the candlestick, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. In the holy of holies (where the high-priest alone entered, and that only on one day in the year,) was the ark, covered by the mercy-seat; on which abode the Shechinah (the bright cloud, the symbol of the Deity), between cherubim. In the ark the tables of the law were deposited; and at a subsequent period, Aaron's rod that budded, and the golden pot that had the manna, were laid up before it. Compare Hebrews 9:4-5 with 1 Kings 8:9. We need not enter minutely into these things; it will be more instructive, after taking this summary view of the whole, to notice it, 2. In its typical design. In interpreting the types, we must bear in mind that the greater part of them had reference to Christ in one view, and to his people in another view. This was particularly the case with respect to the tabernacle. The tabernacle typified, in the first place, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord himself, speaking of his own body, says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again, John 2:19; John 2:21." And in the Epistle to the Hebrews, his body is represented as that "more perfect tabernacle in which he ministered, and which was not made with hands, as the other was, but by the immediate agency of the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 8:2; Hebrews 9:9-11." The correspondence between the two is obvious; for "in Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;" and through his sin-atoning sacrifice, and sanctifying grace, and prevailing intercession, we all are brought into a state of acceptance with God. On the other hand, as there was no way to the Mercy-seat but through the Holy Place, "so no man can now come unto the Father but by him." It further typified the Church, which, though base on the outside, "is all glorious within." In that alone is any acceptable sacrifice offered unto God. In that alone are the sanctifying operations of the Spirit experienced. In that alone is the bread of life administered, or the light of truth exhibited. In that alone does God manifest his glory, or communicate his saving benefits. Hence the beloved disciple, speaking of the Church in the latter days, says, "The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God, Revelation 21:3." Once more, it typified Heaven also. Remarkable is the language of the Apostle, who says, "Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us! Hebrews 9:24." There, not the symbol of the Deity, but all the glory of the Godhead, is unveiled! There the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving ascend up with a sweet fragrance unto God continually. There the illumination, the nourishment, the purity of every soul is complete. No veil obstructs the view, or forbids the access, of any individual; the beatific vision is given to all, and the full fruition of their God is the portion of all the saints. If we judged only from the minuteness of the orders which God gave respecting this work, we should conceive highly of its importance; but still more shall we see it, if we consider, II. The testimony of his approbation with which God honored it. We must bear in mind that Israel had sinned a grievous sin; that, at the intercession of Moses, God had turned away from his holy indignation, and promised to continue with them as their God. In token of his reconciliation, he ordered this tabernacle to be made for him; and the very day it was erected, he came down visibly to take possession of it as his peculiar residence, and so filled it with his glory, that Moses himself could no longer stand to minister there. Now while this testified his approbation of their work, and of those who had been engaged in it—it showed to all future generations, that He will return to those in love and mercy, who return to him in a way of penitence and active obedience. In this view, we are led to consider this event, not as relating to the Israelites merely, but as speaking to us. Where is the nation, where the church, where the individual, who has not given just occasion to the Lord to shut up his loving-kindness in displeasure? Yet where is there to be found, in the annals of the world, one single instance, wherein God has turned a deaf ear to the supplications of a real penitent? Instances to the contrary are without number. God, as in the history before us, has seemed ambitious, as it were, to make "his grace abound, not only where sin had abounded," but (I had almost said) in proportion as sin had abounded. We must be careful not to "limit the Holy One of Israel," whose "ways and thoughts are as far above ours, as the heavens are above the earth." We are apt to forget that he is the same God now, as he was in the days of old; but "he changes not;" and if his manifestations be less visible than formerly, they are not a whit less real, or less gracious, 2 Corinthians 6:16 and John 14:21. APPLICATION. The day on which this work was finished was the first day of the year. What a blessed commencement was it of the new year! How sweet must have been the retrospect to all who had been engaged in the work, when they saw that they had not spent the preceding year in vain! Each could call to mind some sacrifices which he had made for God, or some exertions used in his service; and they would enter on the new year with a determined purpose to serve and honor God more than they had ever yet done. Beloved brethren, is it so with you? Have you in your consciences an evidence that you have lived for God, and made it a principal object of your life to serve and honor him? But, however the past year may have been spent, think now what work you have to do for him, and how you may perfect it with expedition and care. And O that we may speedily have such a day among us as the Israelites enjoyed; all of us presenting to him our souls and bodies for his habitation, and receiving from him undoubted tokens of his favorable regard! Exodus 40:34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. cloud: Ex 13:21,22 Ex 14:19,20,24 Ex 25:8,21,22 Ex 29:43 Ex 33:9 Lev 16:2 Nu 9:15-23 1Ki 8:10,11 2Ch 5:13 7:2 Ps 18:10-12 Isa 4:5,6 Isa 6:4 Eze 43:4-7 Hag 2:7,9 Rev 15:8 21:3,23,24 Exodus 40 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SHEKINAH GLORY OVER TENT OF MEETING THE VISIBLE MANIFESTATION OF THE INVISIBLE GOD Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle - The fact that the Shekinah glory cloud covered the tent showed (1) Yahweh's presence and that (2) He was pleased. "It is important to note that the verb for filled appears here in the fientive state, which means that it reflects a dynamic, ongoing situation. Yahweh is with his people continually, and he will go with them as they travel to the promised land." (Currid - Epsc Exodus Volume 2) This divine manifestation was the same cloud the Israelites had seen atop Mount Sinai when they first arrived (Ex 19:9, 16+; cf Ex 24:15–18+) and it as the same Shekinah glory cloud that had indicated the presence of Yahweh at the entrance to the temporary tent of meeting which Moses had set up outside the camp (Ex 33:9–10+; Ex 34:5+) THOUGHT - And as an aside, clearly whatever they saw of God's glory was but as it says in Job are just "the fringes of His ways," (Job 26:14) because no man can see the full effulgence of God's infinite glory!!! But beloved, that is exactly what is promised to believers when we are glorified and in His glorious presence! We will not die but it is likely we will still be overwhelmed with awe and adoration of the splendor, majesty and greatness of our Jesus! Paul writes "t just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." (1 Cor 2:9) John writes "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him (GLORIFIED!), because we will see Him just as He is (cf Mt 24:30+ - "great glory"). And everyone who has this hope (A PURIFYING HOPE!) fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:2-3+) Stuart comments that the cloud "was a way God chose to manifest himself—a visible presence—indicating symbol of an invisible God. In the hot, arid wilderness of Sinai, where the sun beat down mercilessly upon people, plants, and animals, a cloud during the day represented a cool, beneficent, shade-giving divine kindness. But the cloud was much more than that. It displayed Yahweh’s glory, which was an awesome and frightening thing the closer one got to it. Accordingly, as the Israelites saw the cloud, they understood it to be a potentially overwhelming manifestation of the presence of their God, to be avoided carefully and not infringed upon. The cloud had thus progressed in location from Mount Sinai to the little, temporary tent of meeting to the tabernacle. Presumably since it was only sometimes seen at the tent of meeting, it usually was still seen on Mount Sinai from which it “came down” (33:9) when Moses arrived there (and to which it presumably returned when he left the tent)." (Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) As we have discussed before, the Shekinah glory cloud was a theophany or visible manifestation of Jehovah's presence. An almost identical divine manifestation occurred when King Solomon had finished the Temple and brought "the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD from the city of David, which is Zion" (1 Ki 8:1) to the Temple. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim.....It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.(1 Ki 8:6,10-11) Notice the parallel pattern in Exodus 24:15-16+ Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. I love John Currid's comment - "The point of the parallel is to show that as Yahweh once dwelt on Mount Sinai, separated from Israel, he now resides in the very midst of them. This is what is called the Immanuel principle—that is, that God is with his people. A similar scene occurs later during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:10-11)." (Epsc Exodus Volume 2) This momentous event marks the fulfillment of God's promise to be present with Israel... Exodus 29:42-46+ “It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. 43 “I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by My glory. 44 “I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to Me. 45 “I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God. 46 “They shall know that I am the LORD their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the LORD their God. Exodus 33:14+ And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Numbers 9:15 Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning. Stuart asks "How would an invisible God show his people that he had indeed come to dwell among them as they so earnestly desired (cf Ex 33:4-6+) and that thereby he was fully in covenant relationship with them, willing to go with them wherever he led them (cf Ex 34:9ff+.; Ex 33:14–17+) that is, that the rift between Yahweh and his people had been fully healed by reason of God’s gracious love for his people and in consequence of Moses’ faithful intervention with Yahweh on behalf of the people? The answer is that he visibly went into his house! (see Ex 32:31–32+) He left Mount Sinai and came to dwell among the encampment of his people, just as he had promised he would (Ex 33:14–17+). His people had built his house for him just as he commissioned it, and he showed his approval of their efforts and, more importantly, his desire to dwell among them by symbolically entering his house through the glory cloud that covered the house (“Tent of Meeting” now in the sense of tabernacle) and also filled its inside spaces." (Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition)
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Cole - Exodus - TOTC John Currid - Epsc Exodus Volume 1 (1-18) John Currid - Epsc Exodus Volume 2 (19-40) Victor Hamilton - Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary John Hannah - The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament:) Walter Kaiser - Exodus -The Expositor's Bible Commentary John Mackay - Exodus: A Mentor Commentary Rod Mattoon - Treasures from Exodus Philip Ryken - Preaching the Word - Exodus Douglas Stuart - Exodus - An Exegetical and Theological Commentary (NAC Series) Warren