Exodus 40:18

When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.

Study Bible

So Moses set up the tabernacle
The phrase "So Moses set up the tabernacle" marks a significant moment in the narrative of Exodus. The Hebrew root for "set up" is "qum," which means to rise, stand, or establish. This action signifies the culmination of God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The tabernacle, or "mishkan" in Hebrew, meaning "dwelling place," represents God's presence among His people. This act of setting up the tabernacle is not merely a physical task but a spiritual milestone, symbolizing obedience and the fulfillment of divine command.

laid its bases
The "bases" refer to the foundational sockets made of silver, upon which the entire structure of the tabernacle rested. In the Hebrew context, the word "eden" is used, which can mean a base or pedestal. These bases were crucial for stability, symbolizing the importance of a strong foundation in faith and life. The use of silver, a precious metal, underscores the value and sanctity of the tabernacle as God's dwelling place.

set up its frames
The "frames" or "qerashim" in Hebrew were the wooden boards that formed the walls of the tabernacle. These frames were overlaid with gold, signifying purity and divinity. The act of setting up these frames represents the structure and order that God brings into the lives of His people. Historically, these frames were crafted with great skill, reflecting the Israelites' dedication and the importance of craftsmanship in worship.

inserted its crossbars
The "crossbars" or "beriach" in Hebrew were horizontal bars that held the frames together, providing stability and unity. This imagery of crossbars can be seen as a metaphor for the unity and strength found in the community of believers. Just as the crossbars held the tabernacle together, so too does faith hold the community of God together, emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of Christ.

and set up its posts
The "posts" or "amudim" in Hebrew were the pillars that supported the curtains of the tabernacle. These posts were essential for the structure's integrity, symbolizing the support and guidance that God provides. In a broader sense, the posts can be seen as the leaders and pillars of faith within the community, those who uphold and support the spiritual life of the congregation. The setting up of these posts reflects the establishment of a place where God's presence can dwell among His people, a sacred space for worship and communion with the divine.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. Moses is responsible for setting up the tabernacle according to God's instructions.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and symbolized God's presence with His people.

3. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites wandered for 40 years after their exodus from Egypt. It is a place of testing, learning, and reliance on God.

4. The Bases, Frames, Crossbars, and Posts
These are the structural components of the tabernacle, each with specific instructions given by God. They represent the detailed obedience required in the construction of the tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
Moses' careful assembly of the tabernacle demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions. In our lives, we are called to follow God's Word with precision and faithfulness.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within believers, offering guidance, comfort, and a constant presence.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed construction of the tabernacle reminds us that our worship should be intentional and reverent. We are to approach God with respect and honor, recognizing His holiness.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Matters
Moses' leadership in setting up the tabernacle highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their communities in worship and obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' obedience in setting up the tabernacle challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the tabernacle serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and presence in our lives today?

3. How can we ensure that our worship is intentional and reverent, reflecting the detailed care seen in the construction of the tabernacle?

4. What role does spiritual leadership play in guiding a community towards faithful worship and obedience to God?

5. How does understanding that we are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16) impact the way we live and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament reflects on the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work, highlighting the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant through Jesus.

1 Corinthians 3:16
This verse speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel between the physical tabernacle and the spiritual dwelling of God within His people today.