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
For G1063 every G3956 high priest G749 taken G2983 from among G1537 men G444 is ordained G2525 for G5228 men G444 in things pertaining to G4314 God, G2316 that G2443 he may offer G4374 both G5037 gifts G1435 and G2532 sacrifices G2378 for G5228 sins: G266 Who can G1410 have compassion G3356 on the ignorant, G50 and G2532 on them that are out of the way; G4105 for G1893 that he G4029 himself G846 also G2532 is compassed G4029 with infirmity. G769 And G2532 by reason G1223 hereof G5026 he ought, G3784 as G2531 for G4012 the people, G2992 so G3779 also G2532 for G4012 himself, G1438 to offer G4374 for G5228 sins. G266 And G2532 no G3756 man G5100 taketh G2983 this honour G5092 unto himself, G1438 but G235 he that is called G2564 of G5259 God, G2316 as G2509 G2532 was Aaron. G2 So G3779 also G2532 Christ G5547 glorified G1392 not G3756 himself G1438 to be made G1096 an high priest; G749 but G235 he that said G2980 unto G4314 him, G846 Thou G4771 art G1488 my G3450 Son, G5207 to day G4594 have G1080 I G1473 begotten G1080 thee. G4571 As G2531 he saith G3004 also G2532 in G1722 another G2087 place, Thou G4771 art a priest G2409 for G1519 ever G165 after G2596 the order G5010 of Melchisedec. G3198 Who G3739 in G1722 the days G2250 of his G846 flesh, G4561 when he had offered up G4374 prayers G1162 and G5037 G2532 supplications G2428 with G3326 strong G2478 crying G2906 and G2532 tears G1144 unto G4314 him that was able G1410 to save G4982 him G846 from G1537 death, G2288 and G2532 was heard G1522 in that G575 he feared; G2124 Though G2539 he were G5607 a Son, G5207 yet learned he G3129 obedience G5218 by G575 the things which G3739 he suffered; G3958 And G2532 being made perfect, G5048 he became G1096 the author G159 of eternal G166 salvation G4991 unto all G3956 them that obey G5219 him; G846 Called G4316 of G5259 God G2316 an high priest G749 after G2596 the order G5010 of Melchisedec. G3198 Of G4012 whom G3739 we G2254 have G3056 many things G4183 to say, G3056 and G2532 hard G1421 to be uttered, G3004 seeing G1893 ye are G1096 dull G3576 of hearing. G189 For G2532 G1063 when for G1223 the time G5550 ye ought G3784 to be G1511 teachers, G1320 ye have G2192 need G5532 that one teach G1321 you G5209 again G3825 which G5101 be the first G746 principles G4747 of the oracles G3051 of God; G2316 and G2532 are become such as G1096 have G2192 need G5532 of milk, G1051 and G2532 not G3756 of strong G4731 meat. G5160 For G1063 every one G3956 that useth G3348 milk G1051 is unskilful G552 in the word G3056 of righteousness: G1343 for G1063 he is G2076 a babe. G3516 But G1161 strong G4731 meat G5160 belongeth to them that are G2076 of full age, G5046 even those who by reason G1223 of use G1838 have G2192 their senses G145 exercised G1128 to G4314 discern G1253 both G5037 good G2570 and G2532 evil. G2556
For G1063 he testifieth, G3140 G3754 Thou G4771 art a priest G2409 for G1519 ever G165 after G2596 the order G5010 of Melchisedec. G3198 For G1063 there is G1096 verily G3303 a disannulling G115 of the commandment G1785 going before G4254 for G1223 the weakness G772 and G2532 unprofitableness G512 thereof. G846 For G1063 the law G3551 made G5048 nothing G3762 perfect, G5048 but G1161 the bringing in G1898 of a better G2909 hope G1680 did; by G1223 the which G3739 we draw nigh G1448 unto God. G2316 And G2532 inasmuch as G2596 G3745 not G3756 without G5565 an oath G3728 he was made priest: (For G1063 those priests G2409 were G3303 G1526 made G1096 without G5565 an oath; G3728 but G1161 this with G3326 an oath G3728 by G1223 him that said G3004 unto G4314 him, G846 The Lord G2962 sware G3660 and G2532 will G3338 not G3756 repent, G3338 Thou G4771 art a priest G2409 for G1519 ever G165 after G2596 the order G5010 of Melchisedec:) G3198 By G2596 so much G5118 was G1096 Jesus G2424 made G1096 a surety G1450 of a better G2909 testament. G1242 And G2532 they G1526 truly G3303 were G1526 G1096 many G4119 priests, G2409 because they were not suffered G2967 to continue G3887 by reason of G1223 death: G2288 But G1161 this man, because G1223 he G846 continueth G3306 ever, G1519 G165 hath G2192 an unchangeable G531 priesthood. G2420
Now G1161 of G1909 the things which we have spoken G3004 this is the sum: G2774 We have G2192 such G5108 an high priest, G749 who G3739 is set G2523 on G1722 the right hand G1188 of the throne G2362 of the Majesty G3172 in G1722 the heavens; G3772 A minister G3011 of the sanctuary, G39 and G2532 of the true G228 tabernacle, G4633 which G3739 the Lord G2962 pitched, G4078 and G2532 not G3756 man. G444 For G1063 every G3956 high priest G749 is ordained G2525 to G1519 offer G4374 gifts G1435 and G5037 G2532 sacrifices: G2378 wherefore G3606 it is of necessity G316 that this man G5126 have G2192 somewhat G5100 also G2532 to G3739 offer. G4374 For G1063 if G1487 G3303 he were G2258 on G1909 earth, G1093 he should G302 not G3761 be G2258 a priest, G2409 seeing that there are G5607 priests G2409 that offer G4374 gifts G1435 according G2596 to the law: G3551 Who G3748 serve G3000 unto the example G5262 and G2532 shadow G4639 of heavenly things, G2032 as G2531 Moses G3475 was admonished of God G5537 when he was about G3195 to make G2005 the tabernacle: G4633 for, G1063 See, G3708 saith he, G5346 that thou make G4160 all things G3956 according to G2596 the pattern G5179 shewed G1166 to thee G4671 in G1722 the mount. G3735 But G1161 now G3570 hath he obtained G5177 a more excellent G1313 ministry, G3009 by how much G3745 also G2532 he is G2076 the mediator G3316 of a better G2909 covenant, G1242 which G3748 was established G3549 upon G1909 better G2909 promises. G1860 For G1063 if G1487 that G1565 first G4413 covenant had been G2258 faultless, G273 then should G302 no G3756 place G5117 have been sought G2212 for the second. G1208 For G1063 finding fault G3201 with them, G846 he saith, G3004 Behold, G2400 the days G2250 come, G2064 saith G3004 the Lord, G2962 when G2532 I will make G4931 a new G2537 covenant G1242 with G1909 the house G3624 of Israel G2474 and G2532 with G1909 the house G3624 of Judah: G2455 Not G3756 according to G2596 the covenant G1242 that G3739 I made with G4160 their G846 fathers G3962 in G1722 the day G2250 when I took G1949 them G846 by the hand G3450 G5495 to lead G1806 them G846 out of G1537 the land G1093 of Egypt; G125 because G3754 they G846 continued G1696 not G3756 in G1722 my G3450 covenant, G1242 and I G2504 regarded G272 them G846 not, G272 saith G3004 the Lord. G2962 For G3754 this G3778 is the covenant G1242 that G3739 I will make G1303 with the house G3624 of Israel G2474 after G3326 those G1565 days, G2250 saith G3004 the Lord; G2962 I will put G1325 my G3450 laws G3551 into G1519 their G846 mind, G1271 and G2532 write G1924 them G846 in G1909 their G846 hearts: G2588 and G2532 I will be G2071 to G1519 them G846 a God, G2316 and G2532 they G846 shall be G2071 to G1519 me G3427 a people: G2992
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).