Exodus 40: Tabernacle Raised and Filled

Short answer: Exodus 40 describes Moses setting up the tabernacle exactly as Yahweh commanded, anointing it and the priests, and then Yahweh's glory filling it. The cloud and fire then guided Israel's journeys.

What Exodus 40 says

Exodus 40 opens with Yahweh giving Moses detailed instructions for setting up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month. Verses 1 through 8 list the sequence: placing the ark, the table, the lampstand, the golden altar, the altar of burnt offering, the basin, and the court. Each item has its appointed place. Then verses 9 through 11 command Moses to anoint everything with oil, making the tabernacle and its furnishings holy. Verses 12 through 15 add the consecration of Aaron and his sons, washing them, clothing them, and anointing them for an everlasting priesthood. The chapter emphasizes precise obedience to Yahweh's commands.

Verses 16 through 33 narrate Moses' exact compliance. He did everything just as Yahweh commanded. On the first day of the second year, the tabernacle was raised. Moses laid its sockets, set up boards and bars, spread coverings, and brought in the ark, screening it with the veil. He placed the table with bread, the lampstand with lamps lit, and the golden altar where he burned incense. He set the altar of burnt offering and offered sacrifices, placed the basin with water for washing, and set up the court. The repetition of 'as Yahweh commanded Moses' underscores meticulous obedience.

Verses 34 through 35 describe the climax: the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and Yahweh's glory filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter because the cloud remained and the glory filled it. This signals Yahweh's approval and presence with His people. The tabernacle is not merely a structure but the dwelling place of God among Israel. The glory that once led them from Egypt now fills the place prepared for worship.

Verses 36 through 38 explain how the cloud directed Israel's journeys. When the cloud lifted, they set out; when it stayed, they remained camped. The cloud of Yahweh was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, visible to all Israel throughout their journeys. This closing section ties the tabernacle to guidance and protection, showing that Yahweh's presence led them step by step. The chapter ends with the people of God moving only at His initiative.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “Moses did so. According to all that Yahweh commanded him, so he did.” (Exodus 40:16) — This verse summarizes Moses' obedience, setting the pattern for the entire chapter. It shows that faithfulness to God's commands is central.
• “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and Yahweh’s glory filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34) — The cloud covering the tent and Yahweh's glory filling the tabernacle is the high point. It demonstrates God's acceptance of the work and His presence with Israel.
• “Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh’s glory filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:35) — Moses could not enter because of the cloud and glory. This highlights the holiness of God and the reality of His dwelling among them.
• “For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” (Exodus 40:38) — The cloud by day and fire by night shows God's continual guidance and protection. It reassures Israel of His abiding presence throughout their journeys.

Gospel connection

Exodus 40 points forward to the greater tabernacle, Jesus Christ, who dwelled among us. The glory that filled the tent foreshadows the glory of God in Christ, who is the true meeting place between God and humanity. Just as the tabernacle was raised and consecrated, Jesus was raised up and consecrated for His priestly work. The cloud and fire that guided Israel prefigure the Holy Spirit, who leads believers today. The inability of Moses to enter because of the glory anticipates that access to God comes through a mediator greater than Moses. Ultimately, the tabernacle's purpose to dwell with God's people is fulfilled in the new creation, where God will dwell with His people forever.

Application

This chapter calls readers to careful obedience to God's instructions, trusting that He knows the right order and timing. It invites us to recognize that God's presence is not a vague idea but a reality that shapes our lives. We are challenged to follow His leading, just as Israel followed the cloud, not moving ahead or lagging behind. The washing and anointing remind us of our need for cleansing and consecration in service. Finally, the glory filling the tabernacle encourages us to seek God's presence in worship, knowing that He desires to dwell among His people.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not claim that Moses entered the tabernacle after the glory filled it; in fact, it says he could not. It does not describe the people's reaction to the glory, nor does it give details about the construction of the tabernacle beyond the setup. It does not state that the cloud was always present, only that it guided their journeys. The text is silent on how the cloud appeared or disappeared, and it does not mention any other leaders besides Moses, Aaron, and his sons. It also does not explain the significance of the anointing oil beyond making things holy.

Questions for study

1. Why do you think the chapter repeats that Moses did everything as Yahweh commanded? What does this teach about obedience?
2. What does the cloud and fire represent in Israel's journey, and how might that apply to seeking God's guidance today?
3. Why was Moses unable to enter the Tent of Meeting after the glory filled it? What does this say about God's holiness?
4. How does the anointing of Aaron and his sons for an everlasting priesthood point to Jesus?
5. In what ways does the tabernacle being filled with God's glory challenge our understanding of worship and God's presence?

Keep reading

Related studies: Exodus 1 Bible Study, Exodus 10 Bible Study, Exodus 11 Bible Study, Exodus 12 Bible Study.

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FAQ

What is the main event in Exodus 40?

The main event is Moses setting up the tabernacle exactly as God commanded, and then God's glory filling it, after which the cloud guided Israel's journeys.

Why couldn't Moses enter the Tent of Meeting?

Moses could not enter because the cloud stayed on it and Yahweh's glory filled the tabernacle, showing God's holy presence.

How did the cloud guide Israel?

When the cloud lifted from the tabernacle, Israel traveled; when it did not lift, they stayed camped until the day it was taken up.