1 And the LORD H3068 spake H1696 unto Moses, H4872 saying, H559
2 On the first H7223 day H3117 of the first H259 month H2320 shalt thou set up H6965 the tabernacle H4908 of the tent H168 of the congregation. H4150
3 And thou shalt put H7760 therein H8033 the ark H727 of the testimony, H5715 and cover H5526 the ark H727 with the vail. H6532
4 And thou shalt bring H935 in the table, H7979 and set in order H6186 the things that are to be set in order H6187 upon it; and thou shalt bring H935 in the candlestick, H4501 and light H5927 the lamps H5216 thereof.
5 And thou shalt set H5414 the altar H4196 of gold H2091 for the incense H7004 before H6440 the ark H727 of the testimony, H5715 and put H7760 the hanging H4539 of the door H6607 to the tabernacle. H4908
6 And thou shalt set H5414 the altar H4196 of the burnt offering H5930 before H6440 the door H6607 of the tabernacle H4908 of the tent H168 of the congregation. H4150
7 And thou shalt set H5414 the laver H3595 between the tent H168 of the congregation H4150 and the altar, H4196 and shalt put H5414 water H4325 therein.
8 And thou shalt set up H7760 the court H2691 round about, H5439 and hang up H5414 the hanging H4539 at the court H2691 gate. H8179
9 And thou shalt take H3947 the anointing H4888 oil, H8081 and anoint H4886 the tabernacle, H4908 and all that is therein, and shalt hallow H6942 it, and all the vessels H3627 thereof: and it shall be holy. H6944
10 And thou shalt anoint H4886 the altar H4196 of the burnt offering, H5930 and all his vessels, H3627 and sanctify H6942 the altar: H4196 and it shall be an altar H4196 most H6944 holy. H6944
11 And thou shalt anoint H4886 the laver H3595 and his foot, H3653 and sanctify H6942 it.
12 And thou shalt bring H7126 Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 unto the door H6607 of the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 and wash H7364 them with water. H4325
13 And thou shalt put H3847 upon Aaron H175 the holy H6944 garments, H899 and anoint H4886 him, and sanctify H6942 him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. H3547
14 And thou shalt bring H7126 his sons, H1121 and clothe H3847 them with coats: H3801
15 And thou shalt anoint H4886 them, as thou didst anoint H4886 their father, H1 that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: H3547 for their anointing H4888 shall surely be an everlasting H5769 priesthood H3550 throughout their generations. H1755
16 Thus did H6213 Moses: H4872 according to all that the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 him, so did H6213 he.
17 And it came to pass in the first H7223 month H2320 in the second H8145 year, H8141 on the first H259 day of the month, H2320 that the tabernacle H4908 was reared up. H6965
18 And Moses H4872 reared up H6965 the tabernacle, H4908 and fastened H5414 his sockets, H134 and set up H7760 the boards H7175 thereof, and put H5414 in the bars H1280 thereof, and reared up H6965 his pillars. H5982
19 And he spread abroad H6566 the tent H168 over the tabernacle, H4908 and put H7760 the covering H4372 of the tent H168 above H4605 upon it; as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
20 And he took H3947 and put H5414 the testimony H5715 into the ark, H727 and set H7760 the staves H905 on the ark, H727 and put H5414 the mercy seat H3727 above H4605 upon the ark: H727
21 And he brought H935 the ark H727 into the tabernacle, H4908 and set up H7760 the vail H6532 of the covering, H4539 and covered H5526 the ark H727 of the testimony; H5715 as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
22 And he put H5414 the table H7979 in the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 upon the side H3409 of the tabernacle H4908 northward, H6828 without H2351 the vail. H6532
23 And he set H6187 the bread H3899 in order H6186 upon it before H6440 the LORD; H3068 as the LORD H3068 had commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
24 And he put H7760 the candlestick H4501 in the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 over against H5227 the table, H7979 on the side H3409 of the tabernacle H4908 southward. H5045
25 And he lighted H5927 the lamps H5216 before H6440 the LORD; H3068 as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
26 And he put H7760 the golden H2091 altar H4196 in the tent H168 of the congregation H4150 before H6440 the vail: H6532
27 And he burnt H6999 sweet H5561 incense H7004 thereon; as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
28 And he set up H7760 the hanging H4539 at the door H6607 of the tabernacle. H4908
29 And he put H7760 the altar H4196 of burnt offering H5930 by the door H6607 of the tabernacle H4908 of the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 and offered H5927 upon it the burnt offering H5930 and the meat offering; H4503 as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
30 And he set H7760 the laver H3595 between the tent H168 of the congregation H4150 and the altar, H4196 and put H5414 water H4325 there, to wash H7364 withal.
31 And Moses H4872 and Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 washed H7364 their hands H3027 and their feet H7272 thereat:
32 When they went H935 into the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 and when they came near H7126 unto the altar, H4196 they washed; H7364 as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872
33 And he reared up H6965 the court H2691 round about H5439 the tabernacle H4908 and the altar, H4196 and set up H5414 the hanging H4539 of the court H2691 gate. H8179 So Moses H4872 finished H3615 the work. H4399
34 Then a cloud H6051 covered H3680 the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 and the glory H3519 of the LORD H3068 filled H4390 the tabernacle. H4908
35 And Moses H4872 was not able H3201 to enter H935 into the tent H168 of the congregation, H4150 because the cloud H6051 abode H7931 thereon, and the glory H3519 of the LORD H3068 filled H4390 the tabernacle. H4908
36 And when the cloud H6051 was taken up H5927 from H5921 over the tabernacle, H4908 the children H1121 of Israel H3478 went onward H5265 in all their journeys: H4550
37 But if the cloud H6051 were not taken up, H5927 then they journeyed H5265 not till the day H3117 that it was taken up. H5927
38 For the cloud H6051 of the LORD H3068 was upon the tabernacle H4908 by day, H3119 and fire H784 was on it by night, H3915 in the sight H5869 of all the house H1004 of Israel, H3478 throughout all their journeys. H4550
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Exodus 40
Commentary on Exodus 40 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 40
Ex 40:1-38. The Tabernacle Reared and Anointed.
2. On the first day of the first month—From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to have happened after the exodus (Ex 12:2; 13:4; 19:1; 20:18; 34:28, &c.), it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was commenced within six months after that emigration; and consequently, that other six months had been occupied in building it. So long a period spent in preparing the materials of a movable pavilion, it would be difficult to understand, were it not for what we are told of the vast dimensions of the tabernacle, as well as the immense variety of curious and elaborate workmanship which its different articles of furniture required.
the tabernacle—the entire edifice.
the tent—the covering that surmounted it (Ex 40:19).
15. anoint them, as thou didst anoint their fathers—The sacred oil was used, but it does not appear that the ceremony was performed exactly in the same manner; for although the anointing oil was sprinkled over the garments both of Aaron and his sons (Ex 29:21; Le 8:30), it was not poured over the heads of the latter. This distinction was reserved for the high priest (Ex 29:7; Le 8:12; Ps 133:2).
16. Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him—On his part, the same scrupulous fidelity was shown in conforming to the "pattern" in the disposition of the furniture, as had been displayed by the workmen in the erection of the edifice.
33. So Moses finished the work—Though it is not expressly recorded in this passage, yet, from what took place on all similar occasions, there is reason to believe that on the inauguration day the people were summoned from their tents—were all drawn up as a vast assemblage, yet in calm and orderly arrangement, around the newly erected tabernacle.
34. a cloud—literally, "The cloud," the mystic cloud which was the well-known symbol of the Divine Presence. After remaining at a great distance from them on the summit of the mount, it appeared to be in motion; and if many among them had a secret misgiving about the issue, how the fainting heart would revive, the interest of the moment intensely increase, and the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when that symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically descending towards the plain below and covering the tabernacle. The entire and universal concealment of the tabernacle within the folds of an impervious cloud was not without a deep and instructive meaning; it was a protection to the sacred edifice from the burning heats of the Arabian climate; it was a token of the Divine Presence; and it was also an emblem of the Mosaic dispensation, which, though it was a revelation from heaven, yet left many things hid in obscurity; for it was a dark cloud compared with the bright cloud, which betokened the clearer and fuller discoveries of the divine character and glory in the gospel (Mt 17:5).
the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle—that is, light and fire, a created splendor, which was the peculiar symbol of God (1Jo 1:5). Whether this light was inherent in the cloud or not, it emanated from it on this occasion, and making its entry, not with the speed of a lightning flash as if it were merely an electric spark, but in majestic splendor, it passed through the outer porch into the interior of the most holy place (1Ki 8:10; Joh 1:14). Its miraculous character is shown by the fact, that, though "it filled the tabernacle," not a curtain or any article of furniture was so much as singed.
35. Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation—How does this circumstance show the incapacity of man, in his present state, to look upon the unveiled perfections of the Godhead! Moses could not endure the unclouded effulgence, nor the sublimest of the prophets (Isa 6:5). But what neither Moses nor the most eminent of God's messengers to the ancient church through the weakness of nature could endure, we can all now do by an exercise of faith; looking unto Jesus, who reflected with chastened radiance the brightness of the Father's glory; and who, having as the Forerunner for us, entered within the veil, has invited us to come boldly to the mercy seat. While Moses was compelled, through the influence of overwhelming awe, to stand aloof and could not enter the tabernacle, Christ entered into the holy place not made with hands; nay, He is Himself the true tabernacle, filled with the glory of God, ever with the grace and truth which the Shekinah typified. What great reason we have to thank God for Jesus Christ, who, while He Himself was the brightness of the Father's glory, yet exhibited that glory in so mild and attractive a manner, as to allure us to draw near with confidence and love into the Divine Presence!
36. when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle—In journeying through the sandy, trackless deserts of the East, the use of torches, exhibiting a cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night, has been resorted to from time immemorial. The armies of Darius and Alexander were conducted on their marches in this manner [Faber]. The Arab caravans in the present day observe the same custom; and materials for these torches are stored up among other necessary preparations for a journey. Live fuel, hoisted in chafing dishes at the end of long poles, and being seen at a great distance, serves, by the smoke in the daytime and the light at night, as a better signal for march than the sound of a trumpet, which is not heard at the extremities of a large camp [Laborde]. This usage, and the miracle related by Moses, mutually illustrate each other. The usage leads us to think that the miracle was necessary, and worthy of God to perform; and, on the other hand, the miracle of the cloudy pillar, affording double benefit of shade by day and light at night, implies not only that the usage was not unknown to the Hebrews, but supplied all the wants which they felt in common with other travellers through those dreary regions [Faber, Hess, Grandpierre]. But its peculiar appearance, unvarying character, and regular movements, distinguished it from all the common atmospheric phenomena. It was an invaluable boon to the Israelites, and being recognized by all classes among that people as the symbol of the Divine Presence, it guided their journeys and regulated their encampments (compare Ps 29:1-11; 105:1-45).
38. the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle, &c.—While it had hitherto appeared sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, it was now found on the tabernacle only; so that from the moment that sanctuary was erected, and the glory of the Lord had filled the sacred edifice, the Israelites had to look to the place which God had chosen to put His name there, in order that they might enjoy the benefit of a heavenly Guide (Nu 9:15-23). In like manner, the church had divine revelation for its guide from the first—long before the Word of God existed in a written form; but ever since the setting up of that sacred canon, it rests on that as its tabernacle and there only is it to be found. It accompanies us wherever we are or go, just as the cloud led the way of the Israelites. It is always accessible and can be carried in our pockets when we walk abroad; it may be engraved on the inner tablets of our memories and our hearts; and so true, faithful, and complete a guide is it, that there is not a scene of duty or of trial through which we may be called to pass in the world, but it furnishes a clear, a safe, and unerring direction (Col 3:16).