What I Noticed Today (Exodus 39-40)
Exodus 39
Note: Exodus 39 and Exodus 28 are similar. Exodus 28 is God giving the instructions to Moses, while Exodus 39 is the actual construction of the items.
Note: Starting in chapter 39, every paragraph where something was completed ends with the phrase “as the Lord had commanded Moses.” This phrase occurs seven times, denoting the completion of an article of the priestly garments.
Note: Four times, the word “commanded” is used at the end of chapters 38 & 39 in reference to the work of building had been completed. Looking back at chapters 35-36, the word “commanded” is used six times as the people gather the materials required for the construction of the tabernacle.
In verse 1, the priest’s holy garments for use in ministering before the Lord were made just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
In verses 2-7, the making of the ephod is described:
- Bezalel made the ephod of fine linen embroidered with gold thread.
- Onyx stones were mounted in gold settings to the ephod.
In verses 8-21, the making of the breastpiece is described:
- Bezalel made the breastpiece of fine linen and mounted four rows of gemstones corresponding to the 12 tribes of Israel.
- Braided chains and cords were made and attached to the breastpiece, just as Moses had instructed.
In verses 22-26, the making of the robe is described:
- The robe was made of woven yarn with a collar.
- Pomegranates of yarn and gold bells were attached to the hem of the robe, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
In verses 27-29, the making of other priestly garments is described:
- The tunics for Aaron and his sons were made of linen, along with turbans and headbands, undergarments, and sashes just as the Lord had commanded.
In verses 30-31, the making of the Holy Diadem is described:
- A medallion, the Holy Diadem, was made of pure gold and engraved with “Holy to the Lord.”
- It was then attached with yarn to Aaron’s turban, just as the Lord commanded.
In verses 32-43, Moses inspects all the furnishings and garments that were made and blessed them:
- When all the work had been completed, “as the Lord commanded,” it was brought before Moses, who inspected it to be sure that they had followed God’s instructions exactly, and he blessed all the people of Israel.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- The people had not done an especially good job of following God’s instructions in the past. Still, with regards to the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishing, they followed God’s instructions to the letter. God had gifted them with skills, they used their skills as God intended, and the result was a blessing.
- Perhaps we would see more of God’s blessings in our lives if we would follow God’s instructions so closely and use the gifts He has given us the way He intended!
Exodus 40
Note: It’s been 50 weeks since the Israelites escaped from Egypt, and they have been camped out at Mt. Sinai for nine months!
Note: All the materials for the construction of the tabernacle have been completed and inspected, and are ready to go, but Moses waits for instructions from God as to what to do next.
In verses 1-16, God gives Moses instructions for assembling all the elements of the tabernacle courtyard and the tent of meeting.
- On their New Year’s Day, God tells Moses exactly how He wants the tabernacle to be assembled, and where all of the furnishings are to be placed.
- God also gives Moses instructions for anointing and consecrating all the elements of the tabernacle.
- Then Moses was to bring Aaron and his sons and have them washed.
- Cloth Aaron in his holy garments and have him anointed and consecrated so he can serve God as His priest.
- Have Aaron’s sons come forward and have them clothed in their tunics and anoint them so they may also serve Me as priests.
- Moses did everything God commanded exactly as God told him.
In verses 17-33, Moses finishes setting up the tabernacle:
- On the first day of the first month of their second year, Moses set up the bases of the tabernacle and spread out the tent over it just as the Lord commanded.
- Moses placed the testimony and the ark with the Mercy Seat inside the Holy of Holies behind the veil, just as the Lord commanded.
- Moses placed the table with the showbread in the tent along with the lamp and the lampstand just as the Lord commanded.
- Moses placed the gold altar in front of the veil inside the tent of meeting and burned incense on it just as the Lord commanded.
- He placed the curtain at the front of the tent of meeting and placed the altar for burnt offerings at the entrance, just as the Lord commanded him.
- Moses placed the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet in it whenever they approached the tent of meeting just as the Lord commanded.
- Finally, Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle.
In verses 34-38, the Lord’s glory descended upon the tent of meeting:
- When that work was done, the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
- Moses was unable to enter the tent because the glory of the Lord filled the tent.
- The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tent of meeting.
- The cloud filled the tabernacle during the day, and fire filled the cloud at night.
- It was visible to all the Israelites throughout their journey.
What an amazing day this must have been!
Some additional thoughts for consideration:
- I have a tendency to get involved in a project and rush ahead. Sometimes I know it is a project God has for me, but I keep going without waiting for God’s instructions. Moses displayed great wisdom as a leader here. He did exactly what God commanded, and as each phase of the project was completed, he waited until God told him what to do next.
- I need to learn to be more patient and willing to wait upon the Lord!
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
