The Tabernacle Erected: Experiencing the Dwelling Place of God

Executive Summary ✨

Exodus 40, “The Tabernacle Erected: Experiencing the Dwelling Place of God,” culminates the book of Exodus by detailing the meticulous construction and dedication of the Tabernacle. It’s more than just a building project; it’s the visible manifestation of God’s presence dwelling among His people. Every element, from the placement of the Ark to the anointing of the priests, is orchestrated by divine command. The chapter emphasizes obedience, precision, and the overwhelming glory of God that fills the Tabernacle, preventing even Moses from entering. This profound event foreshadows the Incarnation of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the hearts of believers. The meticulous care and unwavering obedience in setting up the Tabernacle is a testament to how we must prepare our hearts to receive God.

This chapter of Exodus is the ultimate end to the exile. God has brought his people out of Egypt, given them the law and made a covenant with them, and now he has given them a place to meet with him and worship him. This is a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.

Commentary Sections 📖

Exodus 40:1-2: Divine Instruction and Timing

Exodus 40:1-2 (KJV): And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

The Lord commands Moses to erect the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month. This timing is significant. It marks the beginning of a new year, a new covenant relationship fully realized after the long period of preparation in the wilderness. The exactness of the command (“on the first day”) emphasizes God’s precision and the importance of adhering to His instructions. This also highlights the importance of our obedience to God’s timing. The early Church Fathers saw this first day as a foreshadowing of the Resurrection, the beginning of new life in Christ.

Spiritual Application: Just as the Tabernacle was erected at a specific time ordained by God, we must be attentive to God’s timing in our lives. Pray for discernment to recognize His movements and obediently follow His directives. Prepare yourself like the Israelites did through prayer, fasting, and doing good works. Find out how we can help with Digital Strategy and Planning, just as the Tabernacle plans were thought out.

Exodus 40:3-8: The Arrangement of the Furnishings

Exodus 40:3-8 (NKJV): You shall put in it the ark of the Testimony, screen the ark with the veil, bring in the table, set in order the things that are to be on it, bring in the lampstand, and light its lamps. You shall also set the altar of gold for incense before the ark of the Testimony, and put up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. Then you shall set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. And you shall set the laver between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. You shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen at the court gate.

These verses detail the specific placement of each sacred item within the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Testimony, the table for the showbread, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, and the laver. Each object has a specific purpose and symbolic meaning, contributing to the overall holiness and order of the Tabernacle. The separation by the veil indicates degrees of access to God’s presence. The meticulous order reflects the divine order and the need for reverence in approaching God. St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on the Ark as prefiguring Christ: “Αὕτη γὰρ ἐστιν ἡ κιβωτὸς ἡ τὸν μάννα φέρουσα, ὁ Χριστός, τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ καταβὰν ζῶν ἄρτος” (Haute gar estin hē kibōtos hē ton manna pherousa, ho Christos, to ex ouranou kataban zōn artos – “For this is the ark bearing the manna, Christ, the living bread which came down from heaven.” – Commentary on John, PG 73, 169).

Spiritual Application: The arrangement of the Tabernacle teaches us about the order and discipline needed in our spiritual lives. We must cultivate a prayerful and disciplined approach to our relationship with God, prioritizing the reading of scripture, regular prayer, and participation in the sacraments. Reflect on how the Tabernacle furnishings are arranged, and think how you would arrange your “spiritual tabernacle” to best encounter God.

Exodus 40:9-11: Anointing with Oil

Exodus 40:9-11 (KJV): And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.

The anointing with oil is crucial for consecrating the Tabernacle and its furnishings, setting them apart for sacred use. The anointing signifies the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This act of consecration highlights the holiness of God and the need for everything associated with His worship to be dedicated and pure. The “most holy” designation underscores the altar’s unique significance in offering sacrifices to atone for sin. This oil prefigures the Holy Spirit’s anointing of believers, sanctifying them for service to God.

Spiritual Application: The anointing with oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. We are called to be “anointed” – filled with the Holy Spirit – to live holy lives dedicated to God. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power in all that you do, allowing Him to sanctify and empower you for service. Reflect on the fact that the Church, and therefore us by being part of the Church, are the new Tabernacle.

Exodus 40:12-15: The Priestly Anointing

Exodus 40:12-15 (NKJV): Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and wash them with water. And you shall put the holy garments on Aaron, and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister to Me. Then you shall bring his sons and clothe them with tunics. You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to Me; for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Aaron and his sons are washed and clothed in their priestly garments, then anointed to consecrate them for their priestly ministry. This ritual washing symbolizes cleansing from sin, while the garments represent the dignity and authority of their office. The anointing establishes an “everlasting priesthood,” highlighting the enduring nature of God’s covenant. This priestly anointing foreshadows the priesthood of all believers in Christ and the unique role of ordained ministers in the Church. This act of consecration is pivotal because the priests will be the ones to offer sacrifices for the people’s sin. Without this anointing, there is no means to atone for sin.

Spiritual Application: The anointing of the priests reminds us of the importance of holiness and dedication in serving God. Whether ordained or lay, we are all called to serve God with purity of heart and devotion. Strive to live a life that honors God and reflects the holiness of His priesthood. Pray for the ordained priests of the Church that they may be good shepherds for the people.

Exodus 40:16-33: Moses’ Obedience and Completion of the Work

Exodus 40:16 (KJV): Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

This verse, repeated in various forms throughout the chapter, emphasizes Moses’ unwavering obedience to God’s commands. Moses meticulously follows every detail in setting up the Tabernacle, demonstrating his faithfulness and commitment to God’s will. His obedience serves as a model for all believers, illustrating the importance of heeding God’s word. The exact repetition highlights how important obedience is to God.

Exodus 40:33 (NKJV): And he raised up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the screen of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.

This marks the completion of the Tabernacle project. “Moses finished the work” signifies the successful execution of God’s plan, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and diligence in fulfilling God’s purposes. The Tabernacle is now ready to serve as the dwelling place of God among His people. The Israelites, under Moses’ guidance, finished what God asked of them.

Spiritual Application: Moses’ obedience encourages us to be faithful in following God’s commands, even when they seem difficult or unclear. Seek to understand God’s will through prayer and study of scripture, and diligently strive to obey Him in all aspects of your life. Finish what you start for the Lord.

Exodus 40:34-38: The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle ✨

Exodus 40:34-38 (KJV): Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

The culmination of the chapter is the manifestation of God’s glory, filling the Tabernacle with a cloud. This divine presence is so overwhelming that even Moses cannot enter, emphasizing the awesome holiness of God. The cloud serves as a visible sign of God’s guidance and protection, leading the Israelites in their journeys. The pillar of cloud by day and fire by night provides constant assurance of God’s presence and direction. The Tabernacle has been successfully set up and consecrated.

St. Gregory of Nyssa beautifully describes this manifestation: “Ἡ δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ πῦρ ἐστὶ καταναλίσκον πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν” (Hē doxa tou Theou pyr esti katanaliskon pasan tēn gēn – “The glory of God is a fire consuming all the earth.” – *Homilies on the Song of Songs*, PG 44, 769). This emphasizes the transformative and purifying power of God’s presence.

Spiritual Application: The glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle reminds us of God’s desire to dwell in our hearts and lives. Seek to cultivate a relationship with God that allows His presence to fill you with His love, peace, and joy. Allow the glory of the Lord to transform you from the inside out, so that all you do is for the glory of His name. Strive to live a life that reflects the glory of God to those around you, being a beacon of light in a dark world.

Key Reflections and Teachings 💡

Here are some key reflections and teachings from Exodus 40:

• Obedience is paramount: Moses’ meticulous obedience underscores the importance of heeding God’s commands in every detail.
• Holiness and reverence: The dedication and consecration of the Tabernacle emphasize the need for holiness and reverence in approaching God.
• God’s presence: The glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle signifies God’s desire to dwell among His people and in our hearts.
• Divine guidance: The cloud and fire symbolize God’s constant presence and guidance in our lives.
• Priesthood of all believers: The anointing of the priests foreshadows the priesthood of all believers in Christ, calling us to serve God with devotion.
• Fulfillment of God’s plan: The completion of the Tabernacle demonstrates the importance of perseverance and diligence in fulfilling God’s purposes.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Exodus 40:

• Q: Why was it important to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month?

A: The timing symbolizes a new beginning and the full realization of God’s covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing His precision and control.

• Q: What does the anointing with oil represent?

A: It signifies the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, consecrating the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests for sacred use, setting them apart.

• Q: What is the significance of the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle?

A: It demonstrates God’s desire to dwell among His people, symbolizing His overwhelming presence, power, and holiness, and foreshadowing the Incarnation.

• Q: How can we apply the lessons of Exodus 40 to our modern lives?

A: We can strive for obedience, holiness, and reverence in our relationship with God, seeking His guidance and allowing His presence to transform us, just as he transformed the old Tabernacle. We can use that transformative energy to further use our tech capabilities to help others through website development.

Conclusion ✨

Exodus 40, “The Tabernacle Erected: Experiencing the Dwelling Place of God,” culminates in the glorious fulfillment of God’s plan to dwell among His people. The meticulous construction, anointing, and dedication of the Tabernacle, coupled with the overwhelming presence of God’s glory, serve as a powerful reminder of His holiness, His desire for fellowship, and His unwavering guidance. As believers, we are called to mirror the obedience of Moses, cultivate reverence in our approach to God, and allow His Spirit to fill us with His love, peace, and joy. The Tabernacle foreshadows the ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity – the Church, and ultimately, the New Jerusalem. Let us strive to live lives that reflect the glory of God, being a beacon of light in a dark world, always ready to experience and share the transformative power of His presence. Experiencing the Dwelling Place of God is within reach.

Tags

Exodus, Tabernacle, Moses, Glory of God, Holy Spirit, Anointing, Obedience, Covenant, Divine Presence, Old Testament

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Explore Exodus 40: The Tabernacle Erected, revealing profound insights into God’s dwelling place, obedience, and the glory of His presence. Discover spiritual applications for modern life.