Exodus 40:21

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.

Study Bible

Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle
This phrase marks a significant moment in the narrative of Exodus, as the Ark of the Covenant is placed within the tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), which signifies a chest or box, but in this context, it is the sacred chest that holds the tablets of the covenant. The act of bringing the ark into the tabernacle symbolizes the presence of God dwelling among His people. Historically, the tabernacle served as a portable earthly dwelling place for the divine presence, emphasizing God's desire to be with His people during their journey through the wilderness.

and hung the veil of the curtain
The "veil" or "פָּרֹכֶת" (paroket) in Hebrew, was a richly embroidered curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the tabernacle. This veil represents the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament. The act of hanging the veil signifies the establishment of a sacred boundary, underscoring the holiness of God and the need for reverence and purity when approaching Him.

and he shielded the Ark of the Testimony
The phrase "shielded the Ark of the Testimony" indicates the protective and reverent measures taken to honor the Ark. The "Ark of the Testimony" refers to the ark containing the tablets of the covenant, which are the testimony of God's law given to Moses. The Hebrew word for "testimony" is "עֵדוּת" (edut), which conveys the idea of a witness or evidence. This highlights the Ark's role as a tangible witness to the covenant between God and Israel, and the need to guard it with utmost care.

just as the LORD had commanded him
This phrase emphasizes Moses' obedience to God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tzivah), which implies a direct order or charge. Moses' compliance with God's commands is a recurring theme in Exodus, illustrating the importance of obedience in the life of faith. This obedience is not merely a legalistic adherence but a heartfelt response to the divine will, reflecting a relationship of trust and submission to God's authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law. In this verse, Moses is fulfilling God's command by setting up the tabernacle.

2. The Ark of the Testimony
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel. It was placed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey in the wilderness. It was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

4. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between God and man due to sin.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who commanded the construction of the tabernacle and the placement of the ark.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives.

The Presence of God
The tabernacle and the Ark of the Testimony symbolize God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, making our bodies His temple.

The Separation of Sin
The veil in the tabernacle represented the separation caused by sin. Jesus' sacrifice has removed this barrier, granting us direct access to God.

Reverence for the Holy
The careful handling of the ark and the tabernacle elements teaches us to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness.

Fulfillment in Christ
The tabernacle and its elements foreshadow Christ's work of redemption. Understanding these connections deepens our appreciation for His sacrifice.

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 presence of God in the tabernacle compare to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?

3. How does the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion impact our understanding of access to God?

4. What can we learn from the reverence shown in handling the ark and the tabernacle about how we approach worship and prayer?

5. How does the tabernacle foreshadow the work of Christ, and how can this understanding enhance our faith and worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:3-5
This passage describes the layout of the tabernacle and the significance of the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, drawing a parallel to the heavenly sanctuary.

Matthew 27:51
At Jesus' crucifixion, the temple veil was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, which the tabernacle veil represented.

Exodus 25:10-22
Provides the instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its importance as the place where God would meet with Moses.