Exodus Chapters 37-40

INTRODUCTION:

“Why couldn't the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two tired."

"What did one hat say to the other?" "Stay here! I'm going on ahead."

“I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon…I’ll let you know”

And with that, happy Father’s Day to the dads out there.

Last week we began with the thought… God is the ultimate giver. He gave His Son, His Spirit, and His grace. When we give, just like the Israelite we are reading about,—whether time, talents, or treasure—we reflect God’s generous heart. We saw Divine Empowerment throughout these chapters, God equipping individuals with skills for His purposes.  We also see overflowing generosity, the people’s willingness to give reflects their devotion and unity.  

It's a wrap today on Exodus.  I am going to walk through a summary of Chapters 37 - 39 and then focus on Chapter 40, the culminating chapter of the book of Exodus, where we witness the completion of the Tabernacle and the awe-inspiring moment when God’s glory fills it. This chapter is a powerful reminder of God’s desire to dwell among His people, His call for obedience, and the transformative power of His presence. 

I believe we can find three key lessons from Exodus 40: Obedience to God’s instructions, The purpose of the Tabernacle, and the Glory of God’s presence in our lives.

Exodus chapters 37-39 focus on the construction and preparation of the Tabernacle and its sacred items, as well as the creation of the priestly garments. These chapters highlight the fulfillment of God's detailed instructions given to Moses, with skilled artisans carrying out the work under God's guidance. Here's a summary of each chapter:

Exodus 37:

• Bezalel, the chief craftsman, constructs the Ark of the Covenant, the Table for Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, the Altar of Burnt Offering, and the Basin for Washing.

• All these items are made according to God's specific instructions, and they are designed to be used in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for the Israelites.

Exodus 37:1a Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. 

• The ark of the covenant was basically a chest made of wood, covered in gold. The ark contained the law of God and if you go read Hebrews chapter 9 you will find it contained a few other items as well. I’ll leave that out there as a little mini challenge, to find them in Hebrews chapter 9. 

Exodus 38:

• The Altar of Burnt Offering is completed with bronze and the Court of the Tabernacle is set up, including a bronze altar for sacrifices and a fence around the courtyard.

• The Basin for Washing is placed in the courtyard for the priests to wash.

• Materials used for construction are listed, including the contributions of the Israelites: gold, silver, bronze, and fabrics.

• The Tabernacle's Tent and veil are made, as well as the clothing for the priests.

Exodus 38:21 These are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were recorded at the commandment of Moses, the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 

• There is an accounting of sorts going on here. God takes a detailed interest in the materials given. 

Even in Mark 12:41-44, we see Jesus looking at the heart of the giver to the temple treasury. And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Exodus 39:

• The priestly garments are made: the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, all crafted in fine linen and adorned with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

• The breastplate has twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel and is designed to be worn by the high priest.

• The work is completed, and everything is brought to Moses for inspection.

• Moses blesses the workers and confirms that everything has been made according to God's instructions.

Exodus 39:42 says… According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work.

• The Israelites carefully carried out the instructions from Moses even down to the tiniest of details even if they could not see the big picture yet. God asks for our obedience in all things, even when we don’t completely understand. 

Takeaways:

• Obedience to God's Instructions: Every detail is followed exactly as God commanded.

• Skilled Craftsmanship: Bezalel and other artisans demonstrate exceptional skill in creating the sacred items and priestly garments.

• Preparation for Worship: These chapters show us the importance of preparation for the worship of God, with the Tabernacle and priestly attire serving as the means through which Israel will approach God.

• Community Contribution: The Israelites collectively contribute materials for the construction of the Tabernacle, showing a communal effort in serving God.

Overall, Chapters 37-39 can be seen as a practical demonstration of God's instructions coming to life, with Bezalel's skilled craftsmanship creating these sacred items that will be used in the worship and service of God in the Tabernacle. We see both divine guidance and human skill in creating a space for God’s presence among the people of Israel.

Now let’s turn our attention to Chapter 40:

1. Obedience to God’s Instructions (Exodus 40:1-16)

• In the opening verses, God gives Moses specific instructions for setting up the Tabernacle: the placement of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar, and more. Seven times in this chapter, we read that Moses did “just as the Lord commanded him” (v. 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). This repetition reveals a vital truth: obedience is the foundation of a life aligned with God’s will.

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

“Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.” This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did.

• You may have heard me say this last week, Moses didn’t pick and choose which instructions to follow or add his own flair. He followed God’s blueprint exactly. This challenges us today. Are we obedient to God’s Word, even in the details? Whether it’s in our relationships, our work, or our worship, God calls us to trust and obey His commands fully. Obedience isn’t always easy, but it prepares the way for God’s presence to dwell among us. As Jesus said in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Let us strive to obey God’s voice with precision and faith.

2. The Purpose of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:17-33)

• As Moses sets up the Tabernacle, we see the culmination of God’s plan to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle was no ordinary tent—it was a sacred space where heaven and earth met, where God’s presence would reside among the Israelites. Every piece, from the ark to the altar, pointed to God’s holiness, His covenant, and His desire for relationship with His people.

In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars. And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark. And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses. He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil, and arranged the bread on it before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle, and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. He put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the veil, and burned fragrant incense on it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. He put in place the screen for the door of the tabernacle. And he set the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as the Lord had commanded Moses. He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

• The word commanded is seen 7 times in here. Obedience is the result. 

• The Tabernacle reminds us that worship is central to our faith. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and encounter with God. Today, we don’t have a physical Tabernacle, but as believers, we are called to be a “living Tabernacle.” In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul writes, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?” God’s presence dwells in us through Christ, and our lives are to be a place of worship, reflecting His glory to the world. Are we living in a way that honors God’s presence within us? Let us dedicate our hearts as a sanctuary for His Spirit.

3. The Glory of God’s Presence (Exodus 40:34-38)

• The chapter reaches its pinnacle in verses 34-35: “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.” This is the moment the Israelites had been waiting for—God’s glory descends, His presence fills the Tabernacle, and His people are assured that He is with them.

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

• Fast forward - This moment points us to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s presence. In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.” Through Christ, God’s presence is not confined to a tent but is available to all who believe. And through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence guides and empowers us today. Just as the cloud led the Israelites by day and fire by night (v. 38), Holy Spirit leads us through life’s journey. Are we seeking His presence daily? Are we following His guidance, trusting that He is with us?

Conclusion and Applications:  

Exodus 40, the whole book of Exodus even, invites us to live in obedience to God’s Word, to make our lives a place of worship, and to seek His glorious presence every day. The Tabernacle was a shadow of the greater reality we have in Christ, who brings us into the very presence of God. 

It’s hard for us to imagine why the Israelites ever doubted God’s leading because His signs seem so obvious. Yet, we have God’s Spirit living within us and we still have doubts. But God… Psalm 86:15 says.. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

God wants to be involved in our lives providing guidance, companionship, and comfort.  We are called to be in a relationship with God, to seek his presence actively, and to respond with obedience. May we remember the significance of following His lead, allowing His Glory to fill our lives.

Personal Challenge:

As we wrap up Exodus today, let us ask ourselves: Are we obeying God’s commands? Are we living as temples of His Spirit? And are we seeking His presence above all else?