Exodus 40:3

Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.

Study Bible

Put the Ark of the Testimony in it
The phrase "Put the Ark of the Testimony in it" refers to the placement of the Ark of the Covenant within the Tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "Ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), which signifies a chest or box. The Ark was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing God's covenant with His people. The "Testimony" refers to the tablets of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, representing God's divine will and covenant. Historically, the Ark was a sacred object, constructed according to divine specifications (Exodus 25:10-22), and it served as the earthly throne of God, where His presence dwelt among the Israelites. This act of placing the Ark in the Tabernacle signifies the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, a precursor to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers under the New Covenant.

and screen off the ark with the veil
The instruction to "screen off the ark with the veil" involves the use of a curtain or veil to separate the Holy of Holies, where the Ark was placed, from the rest of the Tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "veil" is "פָּרֹכֶת" (paroketh), which denotes a curtain or screen. This veil was a significant element in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Theologically, this veil represents the barrier sin creates between God and man, which was ultimately torn at the crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the new access believers have to God through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. The veil's presence in the Tabernacle underscores the holiness of God and the need for mediation, pointing forward to Christ as the ultimate High Priest and Mediator.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. Moses is responsible for setting up the Tabernacle as instructed by God.

2. The Ark of the Testimony
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. It represents God's presence and His law.

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 among His people.

4. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the Tabernacle. It symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their journey to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

The Presence of God
The Ark of the Testimony signifies God's presence among His people. As believers, we are called to recognize and honor God's presence in our lives through worship and obedience.

The Separation of Sin
The veil represents the separation caused by sin. In Christ, this separation is removed, and we are invited into a direct relationship with God.

The Importance of Obedience
Moses' careful adherence to God's instructions for setting up the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in our own lives.

The Covenant Relationship
The Ark as the holder of the Ten Commandments reminds us of the covenant relationship we have with God, which calls for faithfulness and commitment.

The Role of Worship
The Tabernacle was central to Israel's worship. Similarly, worship should be central in our lives, reflecting our reverence and love for God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of the Ark of the Testimony in the Tabernacle reflect God's desire to dwell among His people, and how can we apply this understanding to our personal relationship with God today?

2. In what ways does the tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion impact our understanding of access to God, and how should this influence our prayer life?

3. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience in setting up the Tabernacle, and how can we apply these lessons to our daily walk with God?

4. How does the concept of the covenant, as represented by the Ark, challenge us to live faithfully in our relationship with God and others?

5. Considering the role of the Tabernacle in Israel's worship, how can we ensure that worship remains a central and meaningful part of our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:3-5
This passage describes the layout of the Tabernacle, including the Most Holy Place and the Ark of the Covenant, drawing a parallel to the heavenly sanctuary.

Matthew 27:51
At Jesus' crucifixion, the veil of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice.

Revelation 11:19
This verse speaks of the Ark of the Covenant being seen in God's temple in heaven, indicating the eternal significance of God's covenant.