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40:1–38 Moses is the one Yahweh chooses to assemble the tabernacle once its component parts are finished, presented to him, and inspected (39:33, 42–43). Since Moses is the only one to whom Yahweh shows the pattern of the tabernacle (25:8–9), Moses is the one who must do the work. He is also tasked with the tabernacle’s anointing and consecration (v. 9), since the priests are not yet capable of doing so (Lev 8). This chapter is divided into three sections: the first portion records Yahweh’s command to Moses (Exod 40:1–15), the second records Moses’ completion of the tasks (vv. 16–33), and the closing verses record Yahweh’s response (vv. 34–38). |
40:2 the first day of the month New Year’s Day, the month of Abib This marks one year since the people were commanded regarding Passover (see 12:2 and note).
40:8 courtyard all around The rectangular fence marking the bounds of the courtyard was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide (for a perimeter of 450 feet).
40:9 you will consecrate Meaning to set apart for sacred use. Moses is officially designating the tabernacle and all furnishings and utensils for sacred use only.
40:12 Aaron and his sons That is, the high priest and the priests.
you will wash them with the water Bodily hygiene was important in the life of priests throughout the ancient Near East, as the gods did not want to experience the negative aspects of human life. The bronze basin installed in the tabernacle courtyard is designed to meet this need on a regular basis (30:17–21; 38:8). Here, Yahweh is referring to the consecration of the priests as described in chs. 29; Lev 8.
40:13 the holy garments That is, the garments designated for the priests (Exod 28; 39).
Priestly Clothing DOT: P
40:14 you will clothe them with tunics Checkered coats are part of the priestly regalia. See 28:40–43.
40:16–33 This section records Moses’ completion of what Yahweh commands in the previous verses (vv. 1–15). Moses assembles the tabernacle, beginning with the holy of holies (or most holy place)—the innermost chamber—and works his way outward, ending with the gate of the courtyard walls.
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40:17 first month of the second year, on the first At Yahweh’s command, the tabernacle is erected one year after the Israelites are warned about the tenth plague (the death of the firstborn) and commanded regarding Passover (12:2; 40:2). The evening after Passover is the evening the people flee from Egypt. Thus, the tabernacle is associated with Israel’s freedom from bondage, unto a new life in the presence of Yahweh.
40:34–38 The book of Exodus ends with the presence of Yahweh entering the tabernacle. This brings Israel’s relationship with Yahweh to a very different place than where it was when Exodus began. He is no longer far off, hearing His peoples cry from a distance (2:23–3:9). He now lives among the people, and His continual presence distinguishes Israel from all the peoples of the earth (33:16). The divine cloud which stood on top of Mount Sinai, which only Moses could enter, now comes to rest on the tabernacle and it is this cloud that will guide the people on their journey into the promised land (vv. 36–38; Num 10:11–13). |
40:34 cloud The presence of Yahweh often appears as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night during Israel’s time in the wilderness, but the image of a cloud is used most often (see Exod 13:21–22; 14:19–24; 19:9 and note; 19:16; 24:15–18; 33:9–11; 40:38). The cloud itself is not the presence of Yahweh; Yahweh dwells in the midst of the cloud, while the cloud masks Him from view.
40:35 Moses was unable to go into Moses is able to enter the cloud on other occasions (e.g., 24:18). On this occasion, it was inappropriate for Moses to enter the tabernacle as the rightful owner took possession of His dwelling. The presence of Yahweh filling the entire tabernacle indicated His exclusive ownership.
Exodus 40:35 NAC:E
40:38 before the eyes of all the house of Israel The cloud and fire have a distinct purpose—to signal to the people that their God is with them continually and to guide them on their journey through the wilderness, toward the promised land.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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