Exodus 40:21 – “Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the covenant law, as the Lord commanded him.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Exodus 40:21 describes the final steps in preparing the Tabernacle for God’s presence. Moses, having placed the tablets of the covenant law inside the Ark of the Covenant and covered it with the atonement cover, now brings the Ark into the Tabernacle itself. Once the Ark is inside, Moses hangs the shielding curtain, which separates the Ark from the rest of the Tabernacle. This curtain, often referred to as the veil, was a crucial part of the Tabernacle’s design, serving as a barrier between the Most Holy Place, where the Ark was kept, and the Holy Place, where the priests performed their duties. The verse emphasizes that Moses did all of this according to the exact instructions God had given him.

Historical Context

The historical context of Exodus 40:21 is the construction of the Tabernacle during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among His people. The Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Ten Commandments, was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God’s covenant with Israel. The shielding curtain was designed to protect the holiness of God’s presence, as only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This careful separation reflected the understanding that God is holy and that His presence could not be approached casually.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 40:21 highlights the holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The shielding curtain symbolizes the barrier that exists between a holy God and sinful people. This separation emphasizes the need for mediation and atonement to approach God. The verse also underscores the importance of obedience in worship. Moses’ careful adherence to God’s instructions reflects the necessity of following God’s will in all aspects of worship and life. The setting up of the Tabernacle according to God’s commands teaches that true worship must be conducted in the manner God prescribes, acknowledging His holiness and our need for His grace.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, Exodus 40:21 is a key moment in the narrative of the Tabernacle’s construction. The verse is action-oriented, focusing on Moses’ obedience to God’s detailed instructions. The repetition of actions—bringing in the Ark, hanging the curtain, and shielding the Ark—creates a sense of ritual and order, emphasizing the sacredness of the task. The verse also serves as a transition from the preparation of the Tabernacle to the moment when it is ready to receive God’s presence. The phrase “as the Lord commanded him” reinforces the theme of obedience and the importance of following God’s specific directions in matters of worship.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 26:33-34 – These verses provide the original instructions for hanging the curtain and placing the Ark behind it, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
• Leviticus 16:2 – “The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, for I will appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.'” This verse highlights the seriousness of the separation created by the curtain and the holiness of God’s presence.
• Hebrews 9:3 – “Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.” This New Testament reference to the Tabernacle reflects on the significance of the curtain and the separation it created, which was later fulfilled and removed in Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 40:21 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence. The shielding curtain symbolizes the separation that once existed between God and humanity, a separation that was overcome through Jesus Christ. This verse challenges believers to recognize the seriousness of sin and the incredible gift of access to God that Christ provides. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience in our relationship with God, encouraging believers to follow God’s commands in their worship and daily lives. The careful preparation and respect shown in setting up the Tabernacle serve as a model for how Christians should approach their relationship with God—with reverence, obedience, and a deep awareness of His holiness.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 40:21 reflects God’s love in that He provides a way for His people to be in relationship with Him, even while acknowledging the separation caused by sin. The shielding curtain, while a symbol of separation, also shows God’s care in protecting His people from the consequences of encountering His holiness unprepared. God’s love is evident in the way He established a means for His people to approach Him, through the priesthood and the sacrificial system. This verse demonstrates that God desires to be near His people and provides the necessary means for them to experience His presence in a way that honors His holiness and protects them from harm.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 40:21 connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s symbolism. The shielding curtain in the Tabernacle represented the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. In the New Testament, when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the removal of that barrier. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the separation between God and humanity was overcome, granting believers direct access to God’s presence. Jesus is our high priest who entered the Most Holy Place once for all, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). This verse points to the profound truth that in Christ, the way to God is open, and we are invited into His presence without fear.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the shielding curtain in Exodus 40:21 challenge you to think about the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin?
2. What steps can you take to ensure that your approach to worship reflects the reverence and obedience shown by Moses?
3. How does understanding the separation created by the curtain enhance your appreciation for the access to God provided through Jesus Christ?
4. In what ways can you live out the truth that in Christ, the barrier between you and God has been removed?
5. How can you apply the principles of this verse to your personal walk with God, ensuring that your life reflects a deep respect for His holiness and a gratefulness for the access you have through Christ?