“And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.”– Exodus 40:21
Exodus 40:21 Meaning
Exodus 40:21 describes a significant act of obedience and reverence. Moses, the leader of the Israelites, was instructed by God on how to set up the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among His people. This particular verse focuses on the placement of the Ark of the Covenant within the tabernacle and highlights the importance of the veil that separates the holy place from the most holy place, where the Ark resides. The Ark of the Covenant itself is deeply symbolic; it represented the manifested presence of God and contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments.
This passage encourages us to recognize the serious and sacred nature of God’s commands and the importance of following them precisely. By setting up the tabernacle as directed, Moses not only fulfilled God’s instructions but also established a place for worship, communion, and divine presence among the Israelites. The act of bringing in the Ark and covering it with the veil signifies the need for reverence in approaching God and the necessary separation between the divine and human. This separation is a reminder that while God longs for relationship with us, His holiness requires respect and boundaries.
Exodus 40:21 Commentary and Explanation
The context of Exodus 40 is essential for understanding the gravity of this moment. In the previous chapters, God provided Moses with detailed instructions about constructing the tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the various components of worship ceremonies. Following these instructions was not merely a task; it was a profound act of devotion and obedience. From the very beginning, God has been clear about wanting His people to worship Him in a way that honors His holiness.
In the same way that Moses set up the Ark, we are called to bring our hearts and lives to God in worship. Our worship today may not include a physical ark or veil, but God’s desires remain the same. He longs for us to honor Him and approach Him with reverence and humility. When we look at this act of placing the Ark in the Most Holy Place, we can also see a reflection of our personal relationship with God. He desires us to dwell in His presence, just as He desired the Israelites to come near, while also providing a framework for that relationship – one that respects His holiness.
The significance of the Ark being covered by the veil cannot be understated. The veil serves as a reminder of the separation caused by sin between humanity and God. We must approach God with care and acknowledgment of our need for His grace. This requirement is echoed in later passages of scripture, such as Hebrews 10:19-22, where we are invited to enter the Most Holy Place through the blood of Jesus, the ultimate high priest, who removed the barrier of sin.
Overall, there is a beautiful invitation wrapped in the structure of this command: while we approach God with reverence, we can also do so with confidence because of the ultimate sacrifice made for us. The experience of being in the presence of God transforms us and helps us to understand our identity as His children.
Context of Exodus 40:21
To fully appreciate Exodus 40:21, we need to consider the broader context of the Book of Exodus. Exodus follows the narrative of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, where God revealed His power and faithfulness. The establishment of the tabernacle was God’s desire to dwell among His people after this miraculous deliverance. God did not merely rescue them from bondage; He aimed for ongoing relationship and connection.
This desire culminates in the construction of the tabernacle, where His presence would be manifest in a tangible way. The instructions given to Moses about the tabernacle and its furnishings were detailed and precise, signifying that God cares about how we approach Him in worship. In establishing the tabernacle and the placement of the Ark, God was creating a sacred environment for relationship.
In addition, this passage is a part of the larger narrative concerning the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. They had encountered challenges and difficulties, but Moses’ careful obedience to God’s commands provided stability and assurance amidst uncertainty. The tabernacle was not only a physical structure; it was a symbol of hope and guidance. As long as they followed God’s commands and dwelled in His presence, they were assured of His help.
The transition in Exodus 40 also signifies a shift in the narrative. The Israelites were entering into a new phase where their relationship with God was defined and developed through the established worship practices outlined in the tabernacle. Understanding this context allows us to appreciate the importance of following God’s commands, aligning ourselves with His will, and nurturing our relationship with Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 40:21
Examining the key components of Exodus 40:21 can further enhance our understanding of its significance. The verse begins with “And he brought the ark into the tabernacle.” This opening phrase emphasizes the importance of the Ark and its rightful place. The Ark of the Covenant was not just an ordinary item; it was the representation of God’s covenant with His people and His presence among them.
Next, we see “and set up the veil of the covering.” The veil served a dual purpose: it respected the holiness of God and offered a boundary for the people, reminding them that they could not approach God’s presence without a proper mediator. The significance of this veil is echoed in many parts of the Bible, including Matthew 27:51, where the veil of the temple was torn at the moment of Jesus’s death, symbolizing that the way to God had been opened for all through Christ’s sacrifice.
Finally, the last part of the verse states, “and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.” This reiterates the importance of obedience. God had specific commands for