Exodus 40 is the final chapter of the book of Exodus, and it records the moment the tabernacle was finally assembled, furnished and anointed exactly as God had instructed Moses. People read this chapter during an Exodus study because it closes the long account of Israel’s rescue from Egypt and Sinai’s instructions by showing that the plan was carried out. It also ends with the most important event of the whole book: the glory of the LORD filling the dwelling place where he chose to be near his people.
Exodus 40 Summary
The chapter opens with a command from the LORD to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month. Moses then places the ark of the testimony, the table, the lampstand, the golden altar, the altar of burnt offering and the bronze basin in their appointed places, closing each piece with the same phrase that it was done as the LORD commanded. The anointing of the tabernacle, the altar and the priests follows, which sets these things apart for holy service.
The chapter then moves to its climax. Once the courtyard is finished, the cloud covers the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle so fully that even Moses cannot enter. The final verses describe how the cloud guided Israel’s journeys, lifting to signal movement and settling to signal rest. The book ends with God’s presence visibly leading his people forward.
Background and Setting
Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, who is said to have written it during the wilderness years after Israel left Egypt. Most scholars date the events of the book to the thirteenth or fifteenth century BC and place the writing somewhat later, though they differ on the exact timing. The book was written for the people of Israel, who needed to understand who their God was and how he had rescued them from slavery.
Exodus 40 sits at the end of the instructions for the tabernacle that began in chapter 25. Those chapters described in detail what to build, and this chapter shows the building completed. It brings the story of the covenant at Sinai to a close and prepares the reader for Leviticus, where the worship that happens in this tent is explained.
Exodus 40 Section by Section
Verses 1-8: Setting Up the Tabernacle in Order
2 “On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting. 3 You shall put the ark of the testimony in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.
Exodus 40:2-3 (WEB)
The LORD gives Moses a specific date and a specific sequence for raising the tabernacle. The arrangement moves from the holiest item, the ark, outward to the courtyard, which mirrors the way the sanctuary was designed to be approached. Each piece has its place, and the instructions are followed with care.
What stands out is the repetition of obedience. Moses does not improvise a design or substitute his own ideas, because the pattern came from God. For a people who had lived among Egyptian idols and who were still learning how to worship, this orderly setup taught them that the LORD is to be approached on his terms.
Verses 9-15: Anointing and Consecration
9 “You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy. 10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar will be most holy.
Exodus 40:9-10 (WEB)
Moses is told to anoint the tabernacle, its furniture and the altar with oil, making them holy. Holiness here means being set apart for God’s use, not simply being neat or respectable. Each object that touches worship is dedicated so that it belongs to the LORD and no one else.
The priests come next. Aaron and his sons are washed, dressed in holy garments and anointed, and the verses say this anointing is to be theirs for a perpetual priesthood. The chapter shows that worship depends on people being prepared and consecrated before they can serve, and that this preparation carries forward to generations.
Verses 16-33: Moses Completes the Work
16 Moses did so. According to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did. 17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was raised up. 18 Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exodus 40:16-19 (WEB)
This section repeats the phrase “as the LORD commanded Moses” again and again, marking each part of the work as obedient. The tent, the coverings, the ark, the veil, the table, the lampstand and the altars all go into place in turn. The structure of the sentences is itself a kind of worship, because it shows that nothing was done carelessly.
The washing at the basin is also significant. Moses, Aaron and his sons wash before they enter and before they approach the altar, which shows that access to God requires cleansing. The people are learning that the presence of a holy God is something to be prepared for with reverence.
Verses 34-38: The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle
34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle.
Exodus 40:34-35 (WEB)
When the work is done, the cloud covers the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle. This is the answer to the whole long story from Egypt onward. The God who spoke from the mountain now dwells in the midst of his people, and the glory is so great that Moses cannot enter.
The final verses show that this presence was not static. The cloud rose to direct the journeys and settled when Israel was to stop, and it remained visible by day and fire by night. For the people, this meant that God would lead them through the wilderness rather than leaving them to find their own way.
Key Themes in Exodus 40
- God’s dwelling with his people: The filling of the tabernacle with the LORD’s glory shows that he chooses to live among the people he rescued.
- Obedience in detail: The repeated phrase “as the LORD commanded” shows that faithful worship follows God’s instructions exactly.
- Holiness and consecration: Anointing and washing set objects and people apart so they can serve a holy God.
- Divine guidance: The cloud and fire that lead Israel through every journey show that God directs his people’s path.
Lessons From Exodus 40 for Today
Many believers feel that their daily routines are too ordinary to matter to God. Exodus 40 suggests otherwise, because the tabernacle was built from the small details of furniture, curtains and oil, and God filled it with his glory. Taking care with ordinary tasks at home, at work or in a school classroom can be a way of honoring the same God who cared about every bronze basin and linen screen.
The chapter also speaks to anyone who feels unprepared to come before God. Israel’s priests washed before they served, and the people learned to approach God with a cleansed heart. A person who spends a few quiet minutes confessing sin and asking for a fresh start before prayer is following the same pattern, trusting that the God who dwelt in the tabernacle still welcomes the prepared heart.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to you that God chose to dwell among his people rather than remain distant from them?
- Where in your daily routine do you most need to be intentional about doing things the way God has asked?
- What would it look like to prepare your heart before you come to God in prayer or worship this week?
- How have you seen God guide you through a season that felt unclear, in the way the cloud guided Israel?
A Prayer From Exodus 40
Lord, thank you that you did not leave your people to wander alone after you rescued them. Help me to take seriously the ordinary things you have given me, and to do them with care and faithfulness. Cleanse my heart so that I come to you prepared and not careless. Let your presence be known in my home, my work and my worship, and guide me one step at a time as you guided Israel through the wilderness. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Exodus 40?
Exodus 40 shows the tabernacle being set up exactly as God commanded, and then the glory of the LORD filling it. The chapter’s central message is that God chose to dwell among his people and guide them through the wilderness.
Why does Exodus 40 repeat the phrase “as the LORD commanded”?
The repetition emphasizes that Moses followed God’s instructions completely in building the tabernacle. It highlights the importance of obedience and shows that worship must align with God’s own design.
How does Exodus 40 connect to the rest of the book of Exodus?
Exodus 40 completes the instructions for the tabernacle that began in chapter 25 and brings the covenant story from Sinai to a close. It prepares the reader for Leviticus, which explains how worship in the tabernacle was to be conducted.
