The Tabernacle Completed and God’s Glory Revealed
Exodus 35–40 Overview and Lesson on Exodus 40
I. Brief Recap of Exodus 35–39
The final chapters of Exodus detail the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and the preparation of Israel’s priests, showcasing the Israelites’ obedience and the fulfillment of God’s instructions.
- Exodus 35–36:
- Generosity in Giving: Moses calls the people to contribute materials for the Tabernacle. The Israelites respond with such abundance that Moses has to stop further contributions.
- Skilled Craftsmanship: Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with God’s Spirit, lead the construction effort, emphasizing that skill and work are gifts from God.
- Exodus 37–39:
- Building the Tabernacle: Detailed accounts describe the creation of the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, the lampstand, and the priestly garments.
- Obedience Highlighted: Each step is carried out “just as the Lord commanded Moses,” underscoring Israel’s faithfulness to God’s Word.
- Exodus 40 Leads to the Climax:
- The Tabernacle is erected, anointed, and filled with God’s glory, marking the culmination of God’s instructions and Israel’s obedience.
II. Lesson Focus: Exodus 40
This chapter describes the climactic moment when the Tabernacle is assembled, God’s presence fills it, and He takes His place among His people.
1. The Command to Erect the Tabernacle (vv. 1–15)
- God’s Timing: God instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month, symbolizing a new beginning for Israel.
- Detailed Instructions:
- Arrange the sacred furnishings (Ark of the Covenant, lampstand, altar, etc.).
- Consecrate the Tabernacle and its items with anointing oil.
- Consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests, signifying their mediating role.
Reflection: God’s timing and detailed commands show that worship is both sacred and intentional, not haphazard or casual.
2. The Erection of the Tabernacle (vv. 16–33)
- Moses’ Obedience: Moses follows God’s instructions to the letter, as emphasized by the repeated refrain: “as the Lord commanded Moses.”
- Completion: Once everything is in place, the Tabernacle stands as a sacred space where God and His people meet.
Reflection: This section reminds us that obedience to God’s Word creates the proper environment for His presence in our lives.
3. God’s Glory Fills the Tabernacle (vv. 34–38)
- The Manifestation of God’s Presence:
- The cloud, representing God’s glory (Shekinah), descends and fills the Tabernacle.
- God’s presence is so overwhelming that not even Moses can enter.
- God’s Guidance for the Journey:
- The cloud lifts when Israel is to move and remains when they are to stay.
- The Tabernacle becomes the visible center of Israel’s relationship with God.
Reflection: This moment demonstrates both the immanence and transcendence of God—He is near to His people but also utterly holy.
III. Key Themes and Applications
- God Dwells Among His People:
- The Tabernacle symbolizes God’s desire to be near His people.
- For Christians, this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true Tabernacle (John 1:14).
- How do we honor God’s presence in our lives today, knowing we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)?
- Obedience Leads to God’s Presence:
- The Israelites’ careful obedience reflects the principle that true worship aligns with God’s commands.
- How does our worship reflect obedience and reverence?
- God’s Guidance Is Perfect:
- The cloud teaches us to trust God’s timing and direction.
- How can we cultivate trust in God during seasons of waiting or uncertainty?
IV. Conclusion
Exodus 40 marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His people. It serves as a reminder of His holiness, His faithfulness, and His desire to guide His people. This chapter invites us to reflect on how we prepare our hearts as “tabernacles” for His presence and how we respond to His guidance in our lives.
Memory Verse:
“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
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