Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. Then he put up the curtainThe curtain formed the boundary between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where the ark of the covenant stood beneath the overshadowing cherubim. Only the high priest could pass beyond it, and only once each year with sacrificial blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). The barrier testified that sinful people could not enter God’s holy presence apart from the mediation He provided. When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, declaring that His atoning death opened access to God for all who come through Him (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19–22). Exo 36:37 For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain… at the entrance The entrance marked the appointed way into the tabernacle for those serving before the Lord. Israel was not free to approach God according to personal preference, but according to His revealed order of sacrifice, cleansing, and priestly mediation. The entrance points to Christ, the one way to the Father, through whom believers draw near with confidence (John 14:6). Lev 1:3 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd,… to the tabernacle. The tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among His covenant people throughout their wilderness journey. Its careful construction fulfilled the pattern God gave Moses on Sinai and displayed the Lord’s desire to live in the midst of Israel while preserving the holiness of His presence. The tabernacle anticipated Christ, who dwelt among humanity, and the coming day when God will dwell with His redeemed people forever (John 1:14; Revelation 21:3). Exo 25:9 You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law. He is responsible for setting up the tabernacle as instructed by God. 2. Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites. It was meticulously constructed according to God's specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. 3. Curtain (Veil) A significant element in the tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between the holy place and the most holy place, where God's presence dwelt. It represents the barrier between God and man due to sin. 4. Israelites The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land. They were to worship God according to the laws and structures He provided. 5. Wilderness The setting where the Israelites wandered for 40 years. It is a place of testing, learning, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Significance of SeparationThe curtain represents the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Reflect on the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. Christ as the Fulfillment Jesus' death tore the veil, granting believers direct access to God. Embrace the privilege of approaching God with confidence through Christ. The Role of Obedience Moses' careful adherence to God's instructions for the tabernacle teaches the importance of obedience in our walk with God. God's Presence Among His People The tabernacle signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. Recognize and cherish God's presence in your life today. Preparation for Worship Just as the tabernacle was prepared for worship, prepare your heart and life to be a dwelling place for God's presence. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the curtain in the tabernacle symbolize the separation between God and humanity, and how is this relevant to our understanding of sin and holiness today?2. In what ways does the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion impact our relationship with God, and how can we live in light of this truth? 3. How can Moses' obedience in setting up the tabernacle inspire us to follow God's instructions in our own lives? 4. What does the presence of God in the tabernacle teach us about His desire to be with His people, and how can we cultivate an awareness of His presence daily? 5. How can we prepare our hearts and lives to be a dwelling place for God's presence, similar to the preparation of the tabernacle for worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 9Discusses the significance of the tabernacle and its elements, including the curtain, as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the new covenant. Matthew 27:51 Describes the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice. Leviticus 16 Details the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the most holy place, highlighting the significance of the curtain as a barrier to God's presence.
People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces SinaiTopics Covering, Curtain, Door, Doorway, Entrance, Hanging, Hung, Opening, Screen, Setteth, Tabernacle, VeilDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 40:26-27Library 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 Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah Exodus Links Exodus 40:28 NIVExodus 40:28 NLT Exodus 40:28 ESV Exodus 40:28 NASB Exodus 40:28 KJV Exodus 40:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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