Exodus 40:19
Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.
Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle

Moses completed the assembly of the sanctuary by placing its outer tent over the framed structure. The linen curtains formed the dwelling place where God would meet with Israel.

Exo 26:1-13 You are to construct the tabernacle itself…
Exo 36:8-18 All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen…
Num 4:25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle…

and put the covering over the tent,

Additional layers of ram skins dyed red and durable outer hides protected the sanctuary from weather and marked it as set apart for God’s service.

Exo 26:14 Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red,…
Exo 36:19 Additionally, he made for the tent a covering…
Num 3:25-26 The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were…

just as the LORD had commanded him.

Moses carried out every detail according to God’s directions, establishing the tabernacle as the appointed place of worship and the visible sign of the LORD’s presence among His people.

Exo 39:42-43 The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD…
Exo 12:50 Then all the Israelites did this—they did just as…
Num 1:54 Thus the Israelites did everything just as the LORD…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the one who carries out God's instructions for setting up the tabernacle.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place for God among the Israelites, the tabernacle is central to their worship and spiritual life.

3. The Tent
This refers to the outer covering of the tabernacle, which was made of fine materials and served as a protective layer.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who gives specific instructions for the construction and assembly of the tabernacle.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who are journeying through the wilderness and for whom the tabernacle serves as a focal point of worship and divine presence.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we are called to obey God's Word and trust in His guidance.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle symbolizes God's desire to dwell with His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.

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

The Importance of Preparation in Worship
Just as the tabernacle required careful preparation, our worship should be intentional and reverent, preparing our hearts to meet with God.

Symbolism of Covering and Protection
The tent covering the tabernacle represents God's protection over His people. We can trust in God's covering and protection in our spiritual journey.
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 precursor to the coming of Christ and His work on earth?

3. How can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are living as temples of the Holy Spirit, reflecting God's presence in our lives?

4. What role does preparation play in your personal and communal worship experiences, and how can you improve in this area?

5. How can the concept of God's protective covering, as seen in the tabernacle, provide comfort and assurance in your current life circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of obedience to divine commands.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work, emphasizing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant.

John 1:14
The concept of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in Jesus, who "tabernacled" among us, showing the continuity of God's desire to be present with His people.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Abroad, Commanded, Covering, Orders, Outer, Putteth, Roof, Spread, Spreadeth, Stretching, Tabernacle, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:16

     8454   obedience, to God

Exodus 40:12-16

     8345   servanthood, and worship

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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