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Exodus 40

Exodus 40 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Exodus 40 closes the book with the tabernacle completed and put in place exactly as the LORD commanded. Moses prepares the holy space, consecrates the priests, and begins the worship life of Israel. The chapter ends with God's glory filling the tabernacle and guiding the people on their journey.

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What happens in Exodus 40?

The LORD instructs Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month and to arrange every part in its proper place. Moses positions the ark, table, lampstand, altar, basin, and courtyard, then anoints and consecrates the tabernacle and its furnishings. Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed, and set apart for priestly service. Moses carries out each instruction with care. After the work is finished, the cloud covers the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle. The cloud then becomes Israel's guide, leading their movements through every stage of travel.

This chapter brings Exodus to its conclusion after the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in the earlier chapters and the actual crafting of its parts in Exodus 35 to 39. What was commanded is now put into place. The end of the book shows that God's presence is not only promised but made known among his people.

Themes to notice

  • ObedienceMoses follows the LORD's commands carefully, showing the importance of doing what God says.
  • HolinessThe tabernacle, furnishings, and priests are set apart for sacred use through anointing and washing.
  • God's presenceThe cloud and glory fill the tabernacle, showing that the LORD dwells among his people and leads them.

Questions for Exodus 40

  • What stands out to you about Moses' careful obedience in this chapter?
  • How does the setting up of the tabernacle show the seriousness of God's holiness?
  • What does the cloud over the tabernacle teach about God's guidance for Israel?

Read the full text of Exodus 40 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Exodus 40

Setting Up the Tabernacle

1Then the LORD said to Moses,2“On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.3Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.4Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.5Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

6Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.7And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it.8Set up the surrounding courtyard and hang the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard.

9Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy.10Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy.11Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.

12Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.13And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest.14Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics.15Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.”16Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

17So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.18When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.19Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.20Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.22Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.23He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.24He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle25and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.26Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil,27and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.28Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.29He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.30He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing;31and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet.32They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.33And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work.

The Cloud and the Glory

34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.35Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey.37If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up.38For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

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