For these closing chapters of Exodus, our study notes follow a somewhat different format. Rather than printing the text of these chapters in the notes, and moving through them paragraph by paragraph, our comments encompass these chapters together. Most of the themes that arise here have already been discussed in some detail in earlier chapters.
The links for Scripture text in ch. 35-40 will display in the lower left window, while cross reference links will display in the lower right window (as usual). You are encouraged to read all Scripture passages.
The Pattern, Construction and Materials of the Tabernacle.
The Construction was consistent with the Pattern.-
Construction Record details compared with the detailed Pattern.
Ex 39:32-43 - Inspection of all components by Moses.
Ex 40 - the Tabernacle set up & consecrated (corresponds to Ex 29)
Although these chapters seem repetitive, it is not idle repetition. Earlier chapters provided instructions for construction of the Tabernacle (ch. 25-30). Here, we are shown that the construction was accomplished with strict conformity to those instructions.
This teaches us that...
God's Word must be understood and obeyed, according to its plain meaning.
God's Word is to be applied and "worked out" in real life experience
(not neglected as theoretical or philosophical literature).
God's purposes are fixed designs, not to be reworked on my drawing board.
God's Word is to be the foundation and structure of my faith and life.
God's provision must be appropriated and put into practice.
The Pattern was rehearsed, in order, multiple times.
The detailed Pattern as revealed (ch. 25-30)
The detailed record of Construction (ch. 35-40)
The Pattern rehearsed in the list of materials (35:4-19)
The Pattern rehearsed as inspected by Moses (39:33-43)
The Pattern rehearsed in God's setup instructions (40:1-16)
The Pattern rehearsed in Moses' setup procedures (40:17-33)
Whenever Scripture mentions something more than once, we should pay close attention, because the LORD is emphasizing it for some reason. As we have seen, the Tabernacle (including its furnishings, priesthood, and order of worship) depicts the Person and Work of Christ, whom God has set forth to provide salvation for all who believe (Rom 3:21-26). By this repetition, God is warning us, lest we disregard the only Way of salvation (Heb 2:1-3).
A seventh review of the Pattern is provided in Hebrews chapters 8 - 9, which explain the heavenly reality, concerning the ministry of Christ, our High Priest.
Additional Construction details (not specified in the Pattern).
consistent with the order in which the pattern was given.
eg., The Ark was described before the Altar was described.
Likewise, the Ark was built before the Altar was built.
However, there are a few notable differences of order. Examples:
The Tabernacle and its Coverings were constructed before the Furniture, although the pattern of the Furniture was described first.
This suggests that, from the beginning of construction, the items of Furniture were hidden within the Tabernacle, unseen by the congregation. Perhaps, this was meant to emphasize the separation between the Holy God and the people, whose sinfulness was demonstrated after the pattern was received.
The golden altar of incense was constructed along with the other furniture of the Holy places.
However, when the pattern was revealed, the altar of incense was almost last in order, being mentioned after the design of the brazen altar, the priestly garments, and also after the procedure for consecrating the priests.
Likewise, the brazen laver was constructed alongside the brazen altar, whereas in the pattern, the laver was the last item of furniture mentioned.
Thus, the pattern indicated that there can be no access in prayer, until the sinner is cleansed and made holy (purged at the altar and purified at the laver). Once the Tabernacle was completed, this would be demonstrated in the course of the sacrificial system.
the required inspection of the pieces (Ex 39:33-43)
the LORD's renewed instructions for assembly and consecration of the Tabernacle. Ex 40:1-15)
the report of compliance and completion (Ex 40:16-33).
The repeated reports of compliance to detail continued until everything was, not only finished, but also accepted by the LORD (40:34), as in perfect agreement with the pattern which He had given.
Moses had been faithful, as a servant of the LORD, in His House. Heb 3:1-6
The details and the order of the Pattern of the Tabernacle speak of Christ:
{See the Book Notes on relevant parts of the 'pattern' in [brackets] below.}
His Person - He is the God/Man
(depicted by the Ark of wood overlaid with gold). [Ex 25:10-22]
His Character - He is the Law-Keeper
(depicted by the Ark of the Testimony). [as above]
His Blood, for remission of sin - [as above]
He is our Mercy-seat, in whom we are accepted before God.
He is our Mediator, our Meeting Place with God.
His Fellowship with the Father -
(the Table, the Lamp, the Golden Altar of Incense). [Ex 25:23-40; 30:1-10]
He is the basis of our Fellowship with the Father.
He is the believer's Bread, Light, Advocate, Intercessor, and Access before the Father.
His Work to Cleanse the believer (the Brazen Laver). [Ex 30:17-21]
His Work of Salvation, as the Sacrificial Substitute,
who died in the sinner's place (the Brazen Altar). [Ex 27:1-8]
As Moses "finished the work" of building the Tabernacle which speaks of Christ (Ex 40:33), so, Christ finished God's work of salvation depicted in the Tabernacle (Joh 19:30).
The beauty of the Tabernacle was not in the rough exterior covering of animal skins, nor in the gold which overlaid the furnishings inside, but rather, in the God whose Glory shined between the cherubim above the Mercy Seat, within the Holy of Holies, unseen by the world. The external visible cloud was both a covering and a manifestation of that Glory.
Do our plans mesh with God's revealed will and purposes?
was with them "throughout all their journeys" (Ex 40:38) -
Exodus begins with God's people in bondage in Egypt. It closes on the road to the promised land, in the glory of His Presence.
There was still a long way to go. But the LORD promised to see them through, if they would only follow Him.
Likewise, the NT believer has escaped from the kingdom of darkness, and has been translated into the kingdom of God's dear {ie., beloved} Son. While He is with us (Mat 28:18-20), we have not yet entered fully into His Presence. Joh 14:1-3