Exodus 40:28 – “Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Exodus 40:28 describes Moses putting up the curtain, or veil, at the entrance to the Tabernacle. This curtain served as a barrier that separated the Holy Place from the outside world, creating a distinct boundary for the sacred space where the priests would minister. The act of placing this curtain was part of the final steps in preparing the Tabernacle for God’s presence. The curtain at the entrance was significant because it marked the threshold between the common and the holy, where only those who were consecrated could enter to perform their duties. Moses’ careful adherence to God’s instructions in setting up the Tabernacle, including this curtain, emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect in approaching God.

Historical Context

The historical context of Exodus 40:28 is during the period when the Israelites were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. God had given Moses detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, which would serve as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites on their journey. The curtain at the entrance was part of a larger system of barriers within the Tabernacle, each marking off areas of increasing holiness, culminating in the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This structure was designed to teach the Israelites about the holiness of God and the necessary separation between the divine and the ordinary.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 40:28 highlights the concept of sacred space and the importance of boundaries in worship. The curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle symbolizes the separation between the holy and the profane, reminding the Israelites that access to God’s presence was not to be taken lightly. This verse underscores the need for reverence when approaching God, recognizing that He is holy and that His presence is set apart from the everyday world. The curtain also serves as a reminder of the barriers that sin creates between humanity and God, and the need for a mediator to bridge that gap. In the broader biblical narrative, this concept of separation points to the eventual removal of these barriers through Jesus Christ.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, Exodus 40:28 is part of the detailed account of the construction and setup of the Tabernacle, which concludes the book of Exodus. The verse is straightforward and descriptive, focusing on a specific action taken by Moses. The mention of the curtain at the entrance emphasizes the importance of order and structure in the worship of God. Throughout Exodus 40, the repeated actions of setting up the various elements of the Tabernacle “as the Lord commanded” highlight Moses’ obedience and the care taken to ensure that the Tabernacle was prepared exactly according to God’s instructions. This attention to detail underscores the sanctity of the space being prepared for God’s presence.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 26:36-37 – These verses provide the original instructions for making the entrance curtain for the Tabernacle, specifying its design and placement.
• Hebrews 9:2-3 – “A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.” This passage in the New Testament reflects on the structure of the Tabernacle and the significance of the curtains in separating the holy spaces.
• Matthew 27:51 – “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” This verse highlights the significance of the curtain being torn at Jesus’ death, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 40:28 serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. The curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle symbolizes the need for proper boundaries in our spiritual lives, recognizing that not everything is holy and that access to God’s presence requires preparation and consecration. This verse challenges believers to consider how they approach worship and their relationship with God, ensuring that they do so with a heart that acknowledges His holiness. It also serves as a reminder of the access to God that we have through Jesus Christ, who has removed the barriers that once separated us from God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 40:28 reflects God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people and provide a way for them to approach Him, even with the necessary boundaries. The curtain was not meant to keep people away from God, but rather to protect them by ensuring that they approached Him in the right way. This verse shows that God values the relationship He has with His people and provides the means for them to draw near to Him safely. God’s love is evident in the care He takes to establish the Tabernacle as a place where His people can experience His presence, while also teaching them about His holiness and the seriousness of sin.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 40:28 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle and the one who removes the barriers between God and humanity. In the New Testament, when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, symbolizing the removal of the separation between God and people (Matthew 27:51). Through His sacrifice, Jesus provides direct access to God’s presence, making it possible for believers to approach God with confidence. The curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle, which once symbolized the need for separation, points forward to the greater access granted through Christ, who invites all to enter into the presence of God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the placement of the curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle challenge you to think about the importance of reverence in your approach to God?
2. In what ways can you ensure that you are approaching God with the respect and preparation that His holiness requires?
3. How does understanding the significance of the curtain as a barrier influence your appreciation for the access to God provided through Jesus Christ?
4. What does it mean for you that Jesus has removed the barriers between you and God, and how does this affect your relationship with Him?
5. How can you apply the principles of this verse to your daily life, ensuring that you approach God with a heart that acknowledges His holiness and the access you have through Christ?