Overview:

Exodus 40 marks the final chapter of the book of Exodus and the completion of the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among His people. God commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month, and Moses meticulously follows the instructions given by God. The chapter describes the placement of each piece of furniture, the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and the consecration of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. The chapter concludes with the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle, signifying God’s presence with Israel as they journey through the wilderness.

Key themes in this chapter include the significance of God’s presence with His people, the importance of obedience in worship, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s role as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s dwelling with humanity. The glory of God filling the Tabernacle points forward to the incarnation of Christ, in whom “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 40 brings to a close the construction of the Tabernacle, following the detailed instructions given in earlier chapters. After God’s people had been delivered from Egypt, they were brought into a covenant relationship with Him at Mount Sinai. The construction of the Tabernacle symbolizes God’s desire to dwell among His people and to lead them on their journey to the Promised Land. This chapter marks a transition in Israel’s journey, as God’s presence now visibly rests with them in the Tabernacle.

Literarily, the chapter provides a fitting conclusion to the book of Exodus. It emphasizes the completion of the Tabernacle and the obedience of Moses and the people in following God’s instructions. The climax of the chapter—the filling of the Tabernacle with the glory of God—serves as a powerful symbol of God’s ongoing presence with His people.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Completion and Consecration of the Tabernacle:

The chapter begins with God’s command to Moses to set up the Tabernacle and to place each piece of furniture in its designated place. The process of setting up the Tabernacle is described in detail, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship.

“Then the Lord said to Moses: ‘Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month. Place the ark of the covenant law in it and shield the ark with the curtain’” (Exodus 40:1-3).

This act of setting up the Tabernacle marks the culmination of all the work that had been done in constructing it. The careful placement of each item emphasizes the sacredness of the space and the importance of following God’s exact instructions. The Tabernacle is then anointed with oil, consecrating it as a holy place where God’s presence will dwell.

The completion of the Tabernacle and its consecration symbolizes the sanctification of the place of worship, setting it apart for God’s purposes. In the New Testament, this theme is fulfilled in Christ, who sanctifies believers as the true temple of God, making them holy and fit for His presence (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons:

After the Tabernacle is set up, Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests to serve in the Tabernacle. This consecration involves washing, anointing, and dressing them in the sacred garments.

“Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest” (Exodus 40:12-13).

The consecration of the priests signifies their special role as mediators between God and the people. Their washing and anointing symbolize the purification required to serve in God’s presence. This priesthood points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest. Through His perfect life and sacrificial death, He serves as the mediator between God and humanity, offering Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:26-27).

The Glory of the Lord Filling the Tabernacle:

The climax of Exodus 40 is the moment when the glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle, signifying that God’s presence has come to dwell with His people.

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34-35).

This visible manifestation of God’s glory is a powerful sign of His presence with Israel. The cloud and fire that accompanied the glory represent God’s guidance and protection, as He leads Israel on their journey through the wilderness. This moment points forward to the incarnation of Christ, where the glory of God is revealed in the person of Jesus. As John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

God’s Guidance and Presence in the Wilderness:

The final verses of the chapter describe how the cloud of God’s presence would guide Israel in their journey. When the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would set out, and when it remained over the Tabernacle, they would stay in place.

“In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted” (Exodus 40:36-37).

This ongoing guidance symbolizes God’s faithful presence with His people as they journeyed through the wilderness. It points to the broader biblical theme of God’s presence and guidance in the lives of His people. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit fulfills this role, guiding believers in their daily lives and empowering them to follow God’s will (John 14:26, Romans 8:14).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 40:1-8:

“Then the Lord said to Moses: ‘Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month… Set up the courtyard around it and put the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.’”

God commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle, and the detailed instructions highlight the importance of following God’s commands in worship. The first day of the first month signifies a new beginning for Israel, with God now visibly dwelling among them. This event marks a significant moment in Israel’s history, as the Tabernacle becomes the focal point of their worship.

Exodus 40:9-16:

“Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy… So Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him.”

The anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings with oil symbolizes the consecration of the entire structure for God’s holy purposes. Moses’ obedience in following God’s instructions “just as the Lord commanded” is emphasized throughout the chapter, reflecting the importance of careful obedience in worship. This consecration sets the Tabernacle apart as the place where God’s presence will dwell among His people.

Exodus 40:17-33:

“So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year… Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.”

The detailed description of setting up the Tabernacle highlights the completion of the work that had begun with the collection of materials and the construction of each piece. The phrase “Moses finished the work” mirrors God’s completion of creation in Genesis 2:2, signaling that the Tabernacle is now ready for God’s presence to dwell. This moment represents a new beginning for Israel, as they prepare to journey with God’s presence among them.

Exodus 40:34-35:

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”

The glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle is the climax of the chapter and the book of Exodus. The visible manifestation of God’s presence in the cloud and fire is a sign of His glory and holiness. This moment reflects the theme of God’s desire to dwell among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of God’s glory is revealed (Colossians 2:9).

Exodus 40:36-38:

“In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out… So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.”

The final verses describe how God’s presence would guide Israel throughout their journey in the wilderness. The cloud by day and the fire by night symbolize God’s constant guidance and protection. This theme of divine guidance is fulfilled in the New Testament through the work of the Holy Spirit, who leads and directs believers in their walk with God.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 40 reveals profound theological truths about God’s presence, holiness, and guidance. The completion of the Tabernacle and the filling of it with God’s glory signify God’s desire to dwell among His people and to lead them in their journey. This moment is a precursor to the incarnation of Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14). Through Christ, believers have access to the presence of God and can worship Him with confidence, knowing that He is with them.

The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests points forward to Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity (Hebrews 7:26-27). In Christ, believers are made holy and are invited into a relationship with God, where they can serve as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

The cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness symbolize God’s faithful presence and guidance, themes that are fulfilled in the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers today are led by the Spirit, who empowers them to follow God’s will and to live in accordance with His Word (Romans 8:14).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Completion of the Tabernacle and the Glory of God’s Presence
   • Set the context for Exodus 40, focusing on the completion of the Tabernacle and the significance of God’s glory filling it.
   • Introduce the themes of God’s presence, holiness, and guidance in the life of Israel.
2. Point 1: The Completion and Consecration of the Tabernacle
   • Discuss the importance of setting up the Tabernacle according to God’s exact instructions and the consecration of the Tabernacle as a holy place.
   • Application: How can believers consecrate their lives as holy to God, following His instructions with obedience and reverence?
3. Point 2: The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons—The Role of the Priesthood
   • Explore the significance of Aaron and his sons being consecrated as priests to serve in the Tabernacle, emphasizing their role as mediators between God and the people.
   • Application: How can believers rest in the truth that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, mediates for them and offers them access to God’s presence?
4. Point 3: The Glory of the Lord Filling the Tabernacle
   • Highlight the moment when God’s glory filled the Tabernacle, symbolizing His presence with His people.
   • Application: How can believers experience the presence of God in their lives through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s dwelling with humanity?
5. Point 4: God’s Guidance and Presence in the Wilderness
   • Discuss the cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness, symbolizing God’s faithful presence and guidance.
   • Application: How can believers trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, knowing that God is always present to lead them on their journey?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of someone experiencing God’s presence and guidance in a difficult situation, drawing parallels to the cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness.
• Use a metaphor of a lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore to illustrate how God’s presence and the Holy Spirit guide believers through the storms and uncertainties of life.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 40 challenges believers to reflect on the importance of God’s presence, holiness, and guidance in their lives. The completion of the Tabernacle and the filling of it with God’s glory symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s desire to dwell among His people. This theme is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of God’s glory dwells. Through Christ, believers have access to the presence of God and are called to live lives of holiness and obedience.

The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests points forward to the priesthood of Christ, who serves as the mediator between God and humanity. In Christ, believers are invited to serve as a “royal priesthood,” living lives that reflect His holiness and offering spiritual sacrifices to God.

The cloud and fire that guided Israel through the wilderness represent God’s faithful presence and guidance. Believers today are guided by the Holy Spirit, who leads them in their walk with God and empowers them to live according to His will.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 40:

God the Father’s desire to dwell among His people is central to Exodus 40. The completion of the Tabernacle and the filling of it with His glory reflect His longing for a relationship with His people. The Father’s guidance and protection, symbolized by the cloud and fire, show His faithful presence with Israel throughout their journey. This desire to dwell with His people is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, through whom believers experience the fullness of the Father’s presence.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 40:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the themes in Exodus 40. The Tabernacle, where God’s glory dwelt, points forward to Christ, in whom “the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). Through Christ, believers have access to the presence of God and are invited into a relationship with Him. The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests foreshadows the priesthood of Christ, who mediates between God and humanity and offers Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:26-27). In Christ, believers are made holy and are called to live lives consecrated to God.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 40:

The Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and empowering believers is reflected in the cloud and fire that led Israel in the wilderness. Just as God’s presence guided Israel, the Holy Spirit now leads believers in their daily lives, providing wisdom, direction, and empowerment (Romans 8:14). The Spirit fills believers, just as God’s glory filled the Tabernacle, making them the temple of God’s presence and equipping them for service in His kingdom.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 40:

God’s love is demonstrated in His desire to dwell among His people and to guide them on their journey. The Tabernacle, where His glory dwelt, is a symbol of His love and care for Israel, providing them with a place of worship and communion with Him. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God’s love for humanity. Through Christ, believers experience the fullness of God’s love and are invited into a relationship with Him, where they can experience His presence, guidance, and blessing.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the completion of the Tabernacle in Exodus 40 challenge you to consecrate your life as holy to God, following His instructions with obedience and reverence?
2. In what ways can you rest in the truth that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, mediates for you and offers you access to God’s presence?
3. How can you experience the presence of God in your daily life, knowing that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s dwelling with humanity?
4. How does the cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness inspire you to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life, especially in times of uncertainty?
5. How does the fulfillment of the Tabernacle in Christ inspire you to live a life of holiness and service, reflecting His love and glory to the world around you?