Exodus 40 Study Notes
General
What was the purpose of anointing the tabernacle and its furnishings with oil (40:9-11)?
Answer: To consecrate them, setting them apart as holy to God, with the altar made most holy
God told Moses to apply the holy oil to the tabernacle and all it contained, to consecrate it, meaning to set it apart for God so that it would be holy (40:9). The altar for burnt offerings and its utensils were to be anointed so that the altar would be most holy, and the washbasin with its base was anointed as well (40:10-11). This carried out what God had said the oil was for (30:26-29), and the book of Leviticus records Moses doing it (Leviticus 8:10-11). The oil did not change the material but marked everything as belonging to God alone.
- Exodus 40:9-11 (BSB)“Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy. Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.”Moses is to anoint the tabernacle, its furnishings, the altar, and the basin, consecrating them.
- Exodus 30:26-29 (BSB)“Use this oil to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.”The anointing oil was to consecrate the tent and every furnishing so that they became most holy.
- Leviticus 8:10-11 (BSB)“Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them.”Moses carries out this anointing of the tabernacle, the altar, and the basin.
Theological
What does the anointing of 40:9-11 accomplish for the tabernacle and its furnishings?
Answer: It consecrates them as holy to the LORD, the altar becoming most holy
Anointing with the holy oil consecrates the tabernacle and all its furnishings as holy (40:9), the altar for burnt offerings with its utensils as most holy (40:10), and the basin and stand (40:11). The command applies the stated function of the oil (30:26-29) and is carried out in the ordination narrative (Leviticus 8:10-11). Consecration here is a setting apart to exclusive divine use, marking the sanctuary and its objects as the LORD's possession.
- Exodus 40:9-11 (BSB)“Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy. Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.”Moses is to anoint the tabernacle, its furnishings, the altar, and the basin, consecrating them.
- Exodus 30:26-29 (BSB)“Use this oil to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.”The anointing oil was to consecrate the tent and every furnishing so that they became most holy.
- Leviticus 8:10-11 (BSB)“Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them.”Moses carries out this anointing of the tabernacle, the altar, and the basin.
General
How did the cloud over the tabernacle guide Israel's travels (40:36-38)?
Answer: When the cloud lifted, they set out; while it stayed, they remained in camp
Whenever the cloud rose off the tabernacle, the people broke camp for the next stage of their journey, and if it did not rise, they stayed where they were until it did (40:36-37). By day the cloud hung above the tabernacle, and by night fire glowed within it, where all Israel could see it throughout their travels (40:38). Numbers describes the same pattern: they camped and set out whenever the LORD directed (Numbers 9:17-18). This continued the guidance God had given since leaving Egypt (13:21-22), and centuries later Israel still praised God that the pillar never left them during the desert years (Nehemiah 9:19). The book ends with God present and leading His people.
- Exodus 40:36-38 (BSB)“Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. For 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 house of Israel through all their journeys.”Israel set out whenever the cloud lifted and stayed while it remained; fire was in the cloud by night.
- Numbers 9:17-18 (BSB)“Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped.”At the LORD's command, signaled by the cloud, Israel set out and camped.
- Exodus 13:21-22 (BSB)“And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.”From the exodus onward the LORD went before Israel in the pillar of cloud and fire.
- Nehemiah 9:19 (BSB)“You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.”Later Israel praised God that the pillar of cloud and fire never left them in the wilderness.
Theological
What does 40:36-38 describe about the cloud's role after the tabernacle was raised?
Answer: Its lifting signaled departure and its remaining signaled staying, as the LORD led Israel
The cloud's ascent from the tabernacle signaled each departure, and its remaining kept Israel encamped (40:36-37), with cloud in the daytime and fire at night visible to all Israel wherever they traveled (40:38). Numbers elaborates: they camped and moved on as the LORD directed (Numbers 9:17-18). The guidance begun at the exodus (13:21-22) now issues from the tabernacle itself, and later generations confessed God's unfailing leading in the wilderness (Nehemiah 9:19). Exodus closes not with arrival in the land but with the LORD dwelling among His people and directing their way.
- Exodus 40:36-38 (BSB)“Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. For 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 house of Israel through all their journeys.”Israel set out whenever the cloud lifted and stayed while it remained; fire was in the cloud by night.
- Numbers 9:17-18 (BSB)“Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped.”At the LORD's command, signaled by the cloud, Israel set out and camped.
- Exodus 13:21-22 (BSB)“And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.”From the exodus onward the LORD went before Israel in the pillar of cloud and fire.
- Nehemiah 9:19 (BSB)“You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.”Later Israel praised God that the pillar of cloud and fire never left them in the wilderness.
General
What did Moses offer on the altar after placing it near the entrance (40:29)?
Answer: A burnt offering along with a grain offering
Moses placed the altar for burnt offerings near the tabernacle's entrance and presented a burnt offering along with a grain offering on it (40:29). These offerings anticipate the regular worship God had appointed, a burnt offering every morning and another at twilight (29:38-39). This daily sacrifice was to take place at the entrance of the tent, where God promised to meet His people and speak with them (29:42).
- Exodus 40:29 (BSB)“He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the altar near the entrance and offers the burnt offering and grain offering on it.
- Exodus 29:38-39 (BSB)“This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”God had appointed a burnt offering of a lamb every morning and another at twilight.
- Exodus 29:42 (BSB)“For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.”This regular burnt offering was to be made at the entrance of the tent, where God would meet His people.
Theological
According to 40:29, what offerings did Moses present on the newly placed altar?
Answer: A burnt offering along with a grain offering
Having set the altar near the tabernacle's entrance, Moses presents on it a burnt offering along with a grain offering (40:29), anticipating the continual burnt offering prescribed for morning and twilight (29:38-39). That regular sacrifice at the entrance marked the place where the LORD would meet with Israel and speak (29:42). Moses here performs the priestly acts himself, before the ordination of Aaron and the other priests is narrated in Leviticus.
- Exodus 40:29 (BSB)“He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the altar near the entrance and offers the burnt offering and grain offering on it.
- Exodus 29:38-39 (BSB)“This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”God had appointed a burnt offering of a lamb every morning and another at twilight.
- Exodus 29:42 (BSB)“For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.”This regular burnt offering was to be made at the entrance of the tent, where God would meet His people.
General
What happened as soon as Moses completed the work (40:33-34)?
Answer: The cloud came over the tent, and the LORD's glory filled the tabernacle
Once Moses completed the work (40:33), the cloud came over the tent and the LORD's glory filled the tabernacle (40:34). This is the high point of the book of Exodus. God had said He brought Israel out of Egypt in order to live among them and be God to them (29:45-46), and He had commanded the sanctuary for that very purpose (25:8). The exodus was not only an escape from slavery; its goal was God dwelling with His people, and here that goal is visibly fulfilled. That goal is fulfilled even more fully in Jesus, the Word who became flesh and lived among us, so that people saw His glory (John 1:14), and it will be completed in the new creation, when God will live with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).
- Exodus 40:33-34 (BSB)“And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”Moses finishes the work, and the cloud covers the tent as the LORD's glory fills the tabernacle.
- Exodus 29:45-46 (BSB)“Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. And they will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.”God brought Israel out of Egypt so that He might dwell among them as their God.
- Exodus 25:8 (BSB)“And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”The sanctuary was commanded so that God might dwell among His people.
- John 1:14 (BSB)“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory.
- Revelation 21:3 (BSB)“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”In the new creation God's dwelling is with His people, and He will live with them.
Theological
What does 40:33-34 record at the completion of the work, and what does it signify?
Answer: The cloud covers the tent and the LORD's glory fills the tabernacle, God taking up residence among His people
When Moses completes the work (40:33), the cloud covers the tent and God's glory fills the tabernacle (40:34). This is the climax of Exodus: the LORD redeemed Israel from Egypt in order to dwell in their midst and be God to them (29:45-46), and the sanctuary was commanded for that end (25:8). Redemption aims at communion; the God who delivered His people now lives in their midst. The same purpose is fulfilled in the incarnation, when the Word took on flesh and tabernacled among us, and His glory was beheld (John 1:14), and it is consummated in the new creation, where God's dwelling is with humanity and He is their God (Revelation 21:3).
- Exodus 40:33-34 (BSB)“And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”Moses finishes the work, and the cloud covers the tent as the LORD's glory fills the tabernacle.
- Exodus 29:45-46 (BSB)“Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. And they will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.”God brought Israel out of Egypt so that He might dwell among them as their God.
- Exodus 25:8 (BSB)“And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”The sanctuary was commanded so that God might dwell among His people.
- John 1:14 (BSB)“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory.
- Revelation 21:3 (BSB)“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”In the new creation God's dwelling is with His people, and He will live with them.
General
Where did Moses position the table and lampstand inside the tent (40:22-25)?
Answer: Table to the north and lampstand facing it to the south, both outside the veil
Moses set the table at the tent's northern side, outside the veil, and laid out the bread there before the LORD (40:22-23). He set the lampstand across from the table, at the southern side, and arranged its lamps (40:24-25). He placed the golden incense altar just before the veil and burned sweet incense on it (40:26-27), exactly where God had said it should stand (30:6). The lamps were to be kept burning outside the veil before the LORD (Leviticus 24:3-4). Hebrews describes this first room, with the lampstand, table, and bread, as the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2).
- Exodus 40:22-23 (BSB)“Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the table on the north side, outside the veil, and sets out the bread.
- Exodus 40:24-25 (BSB)“He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the lampstand opposite the table on the south side and sets up its lamps.
- Exodus 40:26-27 (BSB)“Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the gold altar in front of the veil and burns incense on it.
- Exodus 30:6 (BSB)“Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you.”The incense altar was to stand in front of the veil, before the mercy seat.
- Leviticus 24:3-4 (BSB)“Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.”Aaron was to keep the lamps on the pure gold lampstand burning outside the veil before the LORD.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Hebrews places the lampstand, the table, and the bread in the first room, the Holy Place.
Theological
What placement does 40:22-25 give the table and lampstand?
Answer: Table at the north, lampstand facing it at the south, both outside the veil
The table stands at the north, outside the veil, with the bread arranged before the LORD (40:22-23); the lampstand faces it on the south, its lamps set up before the LORD (40:24-25); the gold altar stands before the veil, where Moses burns incense (40:26-27), as 30:6 prescribed. The lamps burned outside the veil before the LORD (Leviticus 24:3-4), and Hebrews identifies the room with lampstand, table, and bread as the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2).
- Exodus 40:22-23 (BSB)“Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the table on the north side, outside the veil, and sets out the bread.
- Exodus 40:24-25 (BSB)“He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the lampstand opposite the table on the south side and sets up its lamps.
- Exodus 40:26-27 (BSB)“Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses places the gold altar in front of the veil and burns incense on it.
- Exodus 30:6 (BSB)“Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you.”The incense altar was to stand in front of the veil, before the mercy seat.
- Leviticus 24:3-4 (BSB)“Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.”Aaron was to keep the lamps on the pure gold lampstand burning outside the veil before the LORD.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Hebrews places the lampstand, the table, and the bread in the first room, the Holy Place.
General
How does 40:16 summarize Moses' part in setting up the tabernacle?
Answer: He carried out everything exactly as God had commanded him
Before describing the setup in detail, the text sums it up: Moses did everything God commanded him (40:16). Then, as each part of the tabernacle is put in place, the chapter repeats that it was done according to God's command, seven times in all (40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). God Himself had called Moses faithful in all His house (Numbers 12:7). Hebrews honors Moses as a faithful servant in God's house, while pointing to Christ as the faithful Son who is over God's household (Hebrews 3:5-6).
- Exodus 40:16 (BSB)“Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses carries out everything God commanded him.
- Numbers 12:7 (BSB)“But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.”God Himself testifies that His servant Moses is faithful in all His house.
- Hebrews 3:5-6 (BSB)“Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.”Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, but Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house.
Theological
What summary statement does 40:16 make about Moses?
Answer: He performed everything in accordance with the LORD's command
The summary of 40:16 states Moses' complete obedience, and the following account of the erection confirms it with a sevenfold refrain of compliance with the LORD's command (40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). This matches God's own testimony to Moses' faithfulness in all His house (Numbers 12:7). Hebrews honors that faithfulness as the servant's while presenting Christ as the Son set over God's household, a household made up of believers (Hebrews 3:5-6).
- Exodus 40:16 (BSB)“Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses carries out everything God commanded him.
- Numbers 12:7 (BSB)“But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.”God Himself testifies that His servant Moses is faithful in all His house.
- Hebrews 3:5-6 (BSB)“Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.”Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, but Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house.
General
Why could Moses not go into the tent (40:35)?
Answer: Because the cloud rested upon it and the LORD's glory filled the tabernacle
Even Moses, who had spoken with God on the mountain, could not go into the tent, because the cloud rested upon it and the LORD's glory filled the tabernacle (40:35). God's presence was so great and holy that no one could simply walk in. The same thing happened later when Solomon's temple was dedicated: the priests were unable to carry on their service because God's glory filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). At Sinai, Moses had gone into the cloud after God called to him from within it (24:16-18), and the next book, Leviticus, begins with the LORD calling Moses and addressing him out of the tent (Leviticus 1:1).
- Exodus 40:35 (BSB)“Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”Moses cannot enter the tent because the cloud rested on it and the glory filled it.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 (BSB)“And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.”At the dedication of Solomon's temple the priests likewise could not stand to minister because the glory filled the house.
- Exodus 24:16-18 (BSB)“and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”On Sinai the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud, and Moses then entered the cloud.
- Leviticus 1:1 (BSB)“Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying,”The next book opens with the LORD calling Moses and speaking to him from the tent.
Theological
What does 40:35 explain about Moses and the tent once the glory had come?
Answer: He could not enter, because the cloud rested upon it while God's glory filled the tabernacle
Moses, the mediator who had entered the cloud on Sinai, cannot enter the tent because the cloud rests upon it and the divine glory fills the tabernacle (40:35). The overwhelming holiness of the divine presence excludes even him; the same occurs at the temple's dedication, when the priests cannot stand to minister (1 Kings 8:10-11). As on Sinai, where Moses went into the cloud after the LORD called him (24:16-18), access now depends on God's initiative, and Leviticus opens with exactly that: the LORD calling Moses from the tent (Leviticus 1:1).
- Exodus 40:35 (BSB)“Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”Moses cannot enter the tent because the cloud rested on it and the glory filled it.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 (BSB)“And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.”At the dedication of Solomon's temple the priests likewise could not stand to minister because the glory filled the house.
- Exodus 24:16-18 (BSB)“and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”On Sinai the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud, and Moses then entered the cloud.
- Leviticus 1:1 (BSB)“Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying,”The next book opens with the LORD calling Moses and speaking to him from the tent.
General
True or False: God said the anointing of Aaron's sons would establish them in a priesthood lasting through their generations (40:15).
Answer: True
This is true. God told Moses to present Aaron, with his sons, at the doorway, bathe them, dress Aaron in the holy garments and his sons in tunics, and anoint them all so they could serve Him as priests (40:12-15). Their anointing would make the priesthood theirs for generations to come (40:15). Leviticus describes Moses carrying this out (Leviticus 8:6-13). Yet each of these priests eventually died and had to be replaced, while Jesus, who lives forever, holds a priesthood that never passes to anyone else (Hebrews 7:23-25).
- Exodus 40:12-15 (BSB)“Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.””Aaron and his sons are to be washed, clothed, and anointed to serve as priests, a lasting priesthood.
- Leviticus 8:6-13 (BSB)“Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him. Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them, wrapped sashes around them, and tied headbands on them, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses carries out the washing, clothing, and anointing of Aaron and his sons.
- Hebrews 7:23-25 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Aaron's line needed many priests because death ended their service, but Jesus holds a permanent priesthood.
Theological
True or False: According to 40:15, the anointing of Aaron's sons would confer on them a priesthood enduring through their generations.
Answer: True
This is true. Aaron, together with his sons, is to be washed at the entrance, clothed (Aaron in the holy garments, his sons in tunics), and anointed to serve as priests (40:12-14), their anointing securing an enduring priesthood through their generations (40:15). The ordination is executed in Leviticus 8:6-13. The Aaronic priesthood was perpetual as an office but served by a succession of mortal men, whereas Jesus, living forever, holds His priesthood permanently and saves to the uttermost all who come to God by Him (Hebrews 7:23-25).
- Exodus 40:12-15 (BSB)“Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.””Aaron and his sons are to be washed, clothed, and anointed to serve as priests, a lasting priesthood.
- Leviticus 8:6-13 (BSB)“Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him. Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them, wrapped sashes around them, and tied headbands on them, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses carries out the washing, clothing, and anointing of Aaron and his sons.
- Hebrews 7:23-25 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Aaron's line needed many priests because death ended their service, but Jesus holds a permanent priesthood.
General
When was the tabernacle set up, according to 40:2 and 40:17?
Answer: On day one of the year's first month, in the second year after leaving Egypt
God told Moses to raise the tabernacle on day one of the year's first month (40:2), and it was raised on that very day in the second year (40:17). God had made the Passover month the opening month of Israel's year (12:2). Israel had marched out of Egypt in the middle of that month, on the fifteenth, right after the Passover (Numbers 33:3), and had reached Sinai by the third month (19:1). So the tabernacle went up almost a year after the exodus. Israel's second year opened with God's dwelling standing among His people.
- Exodus 40:2 (BSB)““On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.”God sets the date for raising the tabernacle: the opening day of the first month.
- Exodus 40:17 (BSB)“So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.”The tabernacle is raised on that date in the second year.
- Exodus 12:2 (BSB)““This month is the beginning of months for you; it shall be the first month of your year.”At the Passover God made the month of the exodus the first month of Israel's year.
- Numbers 33:3 (BSB)“On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians,”Israel had left Egypt on the fifteenth day of that first month, the day after the Passover.
- Exodus 19:1 (BSB)“In the third month, on the same day of the month that the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.”Israel reached the Wilderness of Sinai in the third month after leaving Egypt.
Theological
What date do 40:2 and 40:17 give for the raising of the tabernacle?
Answer: Day one of the year's first month, in Israel's second year out of Egypt
The LORD appoints the opening day of the year's first month for raising the tabernacle (40:2), and it is erected on that day in the second year (40:17). The Passover month had been made the beginning of Israel's year (12:2); the exodus took place on its fifteenth day (Numbers 33:3), and Israel reached Sinai by the third month (19:1). The dwelling of God is thus set up nearly a year after the exodus, marking a new beginning at the head of the year, now with the LORD's sanctuary in the midst of His redeemed people.
- Exodus 40:2 (BSB)““On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.”God sets the date for raising the tabernacle: the opening day of the first month.
- Exodus 40:17 (BSB)“So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.”The tabernacle is raised on that date in the second year.
- Exodus 12:2 (BSB)““This month is the beginning of months for you; it shall be the first month of your year.”At the Passover God made the month of the exodus the first month of Israel's year.
- Numbers 33:3 (BSB)“On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians,”Israel had left Egypt on the fifteenth day of that first month, the day after the Passover.
- Exodus 19:1 (BSB)“In the third month, on the same day of the month that the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.”Israel reached the Wilderness of Sinai in the third month after leaving Egypt.
General
What did Moses put inside the ark before setting the mercy seat on top (40:20)?
Answer: The Testimony, the two stone tablets bearing God's covenant law
Moses put the Testimony into the ark, attached the carrying poles, and placed the mercy seat on top as its cover (40:20). The Testimony was the two stone tablets of God's covenant law; after Moses broke the first pair, God Himself wrote the same words on new tablets (34:1), and God had said earlier that they belonged inside the ark (25:16). Moses later recalled that the tablets remained there (Deuteronomy 10:5), and Hebrews also lists the covenant tablets among the ark's contents (Hebrews 9:4). God's law rested in the ark beneath the mercy seat, the place where the blood of atonement would be sprinkled.
- Exodus 40:20 (BSB)“Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.”Moses places the Testimony in the ark and sets the mercy seat on top.
- Exodus 25:16 (BSB)“And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.”God had commanded that the Testimony He would give be placed inside the ark.
- Exodus 34:1 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.”God promises to rewrite on new tablets what had been inscribed on the first pair, which Moses broke.
- Deuteronomy 10:5 (BSB)“and I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me; and there they have remained.”Moses recalls placing the tablets in the ark, where they remained.
- Hebrews 9:4 (BSB)“containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.”Hebrews lists the stone tablets of the covenant among the ark's contents.
Theological
According to 40:20, what did Moses deposit in the ark before covering it with the mercy seat?
Answer: The Testimony, the covenant tablets
Moses deposits the Testimony within the ark, inserts the poles, and sets the mercy seat above it (40:20), fulfilling 25:16. The Testimony is the two covenant tablets, rewritten by God Himself after the first pair was broken (34:1), which remained in the ark (Deuteronomy 10:5) and are listed by Hebrews among its contents (Hebrews 9:4). The arrangement places the covenant law beneath the atonement cover, where sacrificial blood would be sprinkled before the LORD.
- Exodus 40:20 (BSB)“Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.”Moses places the Testimony in the ark and sets the mercy seat on top.
- Exodus 25:16 (BSB)“And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.”God had commanded that the Testimony He would give be placed inside the ark.
- Exodus 34:1 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.”God promises to rewrite on new tablets what had been inscribed on the first pair, which Moses broke.
- Deuteronomy 10:5 (BSB)“and I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me; and there they have remained.”Moses recalls placing the tablets in the ark, where they remained.
- Hebrews 9:4 (BSB)“containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.”Hebrews lists the stone tablets of the covenant among the ark's contents.
General
What hid the ark from view once it was placed in the tabernacle (40:3, 21)?
Answer: The veil
God told Moses to put the ark in the tabernacle and hide it behind the veil (40:3), and Moses did so, bringing the ark in and hanging the veil in front of it (40:21). The veil separated the outer room from the holiest room, where the ark stood (26:33). Hebrews explains that this barrier showed the way into God's presence was not yet open (Hebrews 9:8). When Jesus died, the temple curtain was split in two from the top down (Matthew 27:51), and now believers may come near to God with confidence through His blood (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- Exodus 40:3 (BSB)“Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.”God commands that the ark be placed in the tabernacle and screened off by the veil.
- Exodus 40:21 (BSB)“Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses brings in the ark and hangs the veil to shield it, as commanded.
- Exodus 26:33 (BSB)“And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”The veil was to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the ark stood.
- Hebrews 9:8 (BSB)“By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”The Spirit showed by this arrangement that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet opened.
- Matthew 27:51 (BSB)“At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”At Jesus' death the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”Believers now have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.
Theological
According to 40:3 and 40:21, how was the ark shielded within the tabernacle?
Answer: By the veil hung before it
The ark is placed within and screened by the veil, first by command (40:3) and then in execution (40:21). The veil separated the outer room from the holiest room (26:33), and Hebrews interprets the arrangement: the Spirit was indicating that access into the holiest was not yet opened while the first tabernacle stood (Hebrews 9:8). The rending of the temple veil at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) and the new access believers have through His blood and flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20) show that the barrier is removed in Him.
- Exodus 40:3 (BSB)“Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.”God commands that the ark be placed in the tabernacle and screened off by the veil.
- Exodus 40:21 (BSB)“Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses brings in the ark and hangs the veil to shield it, as commanded.
- Exodus 26:33 (BSB)“And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”The veil was to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the ark stood.
- Hebrews 9:8 (BSB)“By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”The Spirit showed by this arrangement that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet opened.
- Matthew 27:51 (BSB)“At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”At Jesus' death the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”Believers now have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.
General
True or False: The priests washed at the basin only once, on the day the tabernacle was first raised.
Answer: False
This is false. Moses positioned the washbasin between the tent and the altar, filled it, and Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons washed hands and feet there (40:30-31). They washed every time they went into the tent or came near the altar (40:32), as God had commanded, so that they would not die (30:20-21). Approaching the holy God required cleansing, as Psalm 24:3-4 teaches. Hebrews uses similar language when it invites believers, cleansed through Christ, to come near to God (Hebrews 10:22).
- Exodus 40:30-32 (BSB)“He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing; and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet. They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Moses sets the basin in place, and he, Aaron, and Aaron's sons wash there before entering or approaching the altar.
- Exodus 30:20-21 (BSB)“Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.””The priests had to wash before entering or approaching the altar, so that they would not die.
- Psalm 24:3-4 (BSB)“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.”Only one with clean hands and a pure heart may stand in God's holy place.
- Hebrews 10:22 (BSB)“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”Believers draw near to God with hearts cleansed and bodies washed with pure water.
Theological
True or False: According to 40:30-32, washing at the basin was a one-time rite performed only on the day the tabernacle was raised.
Answer: False
This is false. The basin was placed between the tent and the altar; Moses and Aaron, along with Aaron's sons, washed hands and feet from it (40:30-31) each time they went into the tent or came near the altar (40:32), in keeping with the statute that required washing on pain of death (30:20-21). Access to the holy God demands cleansing (Psalm 24:3-4), and Hebrews takes up this priestly imagery in calling believers, cleansed through Christ, to draw near with full assurance (Hebrews 10:22).
- Exodus 40:30-32 (BSB)“He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing; and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet. They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Moses sets the basin in place, and he, Aaron, and Aaron's sons wash there before entering or approaching the altar.
- Exodus 30:20-21 (BSB)“Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.””The priests had to wash before entering or approaching the altar, so that they would not die.
- Psalm 24:3-4 (BSB)“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.”Only one with clean hands and a pure heart may stand in God's holy place.
- Hebrews 10:22 (BSB)“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”Believers draw near to God with hearts cleansed and bodies washed with pure water.