Exodus Chapter 40 Bible Study: The Tabernacle's Erection, Consecration, and God's Dwelling Glory

The Command to Erect the Tabernacle

Exodus chapter 40, the final chapter of the book, marks the culmination of God’s detailed instructions for the tabernacle and the people’s diligent obedience in its construction. After chapters of divine commands and human craftsmanship, the moment arrives for God’s dwelling place to be assembled and consecrated. The chapter opens with a direct command from the Lord to Moses, specifying the precise timing for this momentous event. “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘On the first day of the first month, you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.'”

This specific date is highly significant. It is the “first day of the first month” (the month of Abib, or Nisan), in the “second year” after Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Exodus 40:17). This means that exactly one year had passed since the Passover and their liberation from slavery. This timing highlights God’s perfect plan and His faithfulness to His covenant. Within a year of their deliverance, He was ready to establish His dwelling place among them, fulfilling His promise to be their God and to dwell in their midst. It also signifies a new beginning for Israel, moving from a people recently freed to a nation formally established with a central place of worship and a visible manifestation of God’s presence.

God then provides Moses with a detailed order for setting up each component of the tabernacle and its furnishings:

The Ark of the Testimony: This was to be placed first, within the Most Holy Place.
The Veil: The veil was to be hung to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, enclosing the Ark.
The Table of Showbread: Placed in the Holy Place.
The Lampstand: Placed opposite the table in the Holy Place.
The Altar of Incense: Placed before the Ark, within the Holy Place.
The Screen for the Tabernacle Door: Hung at the entrance to the Holy Place.
The Altar of Burnt Offering: Placed at the entrance of the court of the tabernacle.
The Laver: Placed between the Altar of Burnt Offering and the tabernacle entrance.
The Court: The hangings and gate for the outer court were to be set up last.

This precise order of assembly is crucial. It reflects God’s meticulous nature, His demand for order in worship, and the theological progression from the outer court (place of sacrifice and cleansing) to the Holy Place (place of ministry and light) and finally to the Most Holy Place (place of God’s intimate presence). The command to erect the tabernacle marks the transition from planning and construction to the actual establishment of God’s dwelling, a moment of profound spiritual significance for the nascent nation of Israel.

The Erection of the Tabernacle

Following God’s precise commands, Moses diligently oversees the erection of the tabernacle on the appointed day. “Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did. And it came to pass in the first month, in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was erected.” The repeated phrase “according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did” emphasizes Moses’ unwavering obedience, a recurring theme throughout the tabernacle construction narrative. This obedience was crucial for the tabernacle to be a true dwelling place for God, reflecting His holiness and His specific will.

The narrative then details the step-by-step assembly of the tabernacle’s inner structure and furnishings:

Boards and Sockets: “He set up the boards, and put in the bars, and set up its pillars.” This refers to the acacia wood framework of the tabernacle, which provided its structural integrity, resting on the silver sockets.
Curtains and Coverings: “And he spread out the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above it, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” This includes the fine linen curtains, the goats’ hair curtains, and the outer coverings of ram skins dyed red and badger skins. Each layer was carefully placed to form the complete tent structure.
The Ark and Veil: “He took the Testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles through the rings of the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark. And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and hung up the veil of the covering, and partitioned off the ark of the Testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The Ark, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments (the Testimony), was placed in its designated spot in the Most Holy Place. The Veil, with its cherubim designs, was then hung to separate this holy of holies from the Holy Place, signifying the restricted access to God’s immediate presence.
The Table of Showbread: “He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil; and he set the bread in order upon it before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The table, with its twelve loaves of showbread, was positioned on the north side of the Holy Place.
The Lampstand: “He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, across from the table, on the south side of the tabernacle; and he lit the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The golden lampstand, providing light, was placed on the south side, opposite the table.
The Altar of Incense: “He put the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the veil; and he burned sweet incense on it, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The altar of incense, symbolizing prayer, was placed directly before the Veil.
The Screen for the Door: “He hung up the screen at the door of the tabernacle.” This screen marked the entrance to the Holy Place.

The meticulous detail of this assembly underscores God’s demand for order and precision in His worship. Every item had a specific place and purpose, contributing to the overall design of God’s dwelling place. Moses’ faithful execution of these commands ensured that the tabernacle was set up exactly as God intended, preparing it for the manifestation of His glory.

The Erection of the Outer Court

After assembling the tabernacle structure itself and placing its inner furnishings, Moses then proceeded to erect the outer court, completing the entire sacred complex. “He set up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the screen of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.”

The Altar of Burnt Offering: “He put the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it a burnt offering and a grain offering, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The large bronze altar was placed in the outer court, directly in front of the tabernacle entrance. This was the first point of contact for anyone approaching God, emphasizing the foundational role of sacrifice and atonement. The act of offering a burnt offering and a grain offering here, even before the formal consecration of the priests, signifies the immediate activation of the sacrificial system as the means of approach to God.
The Laver: “He set the laver between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing; and Moses, Aaron, and his sons would wash their hands and their feet with water from it. Whenever they went into the tent of meeting, and when they came near the altar, they would wash, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The bronze laver was placed between the altar and the tabernacle entrance, providing water for the priests’ ceremonial cleansing. This emphasized the necessity of purity for those who ministered before God, even after atonement. The practice of washing by Moses, Aaron, and his sons immediately established the ritual of purification for priestly service.
The Court Hangings and Gate: “He set up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the screen of the court gate.” The fine linen hangings, supported by their pillars and sockets, formed the outer boundary of the sacred court, separating it from the common camp. The screen for the court gate, made of symbolic colors, marked the only entrance into this sacred enclosure.

The final statement, “So Moses finished the work,” signifies the complete physical construction of the entire tabernacle complex. Every component, from the innermost Ark to the outermost court hangings, was now in place, precisely according to God’s detailed blueprint. This completion was a monumental achievement, a testament to the people’s renewed obedience and generosity, and Moses’ faithful leadership. The tabernacle, now fully erected, stood ready as God’s designated dwelling place, awaiting the manifestation of His glory and the commencement of its sacred services. The meticulous completion of every detail underscored the seriousness of God’s commands and the importance of order in His worship.

The Anointing and Consecration of the Tabernacle and its Furnishings

With the tabernacle fully erected, the next crucial step was its anointing and consecration, setting it apart as holy for God’s exclusive use. “Then Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. He anointed the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and consecrated them. He also anointed the laver and its base, and consecrated it. And he brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.”

Anointing the Tabernacle Structure: “He took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them.” Moses used the specially prepared holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-33) to anoint the entire tabernacle structure. This act of anointing was a solemn ritual that set apart the tabernacle from common use, dedicating it exclusively to God. It symbolized the sanctification of the space, making it holy and fit for God’s presence.
Anointing the Furnishings: Moses then proceeded to anoint every single piece of furniture within the tabernacle and its court:
- The Altar of Burnt Offering and its utensils: This consecrated the place of sacrifice.
- The Laver and its base: This consecrated the place of priestly cleansing.
- The Ark of the Testimony: Though not explicitly mentioned here, it would have been anointed as part of “all that was in it” (Exodus 30:26).
- The Table of Showbread and its utensils:
- The Lampstand and its utensils:
- The Altar of Incense:

The anointing oil symbolized the Holy Spirit and divine consecration. Just as the oil permeated and set apart these physical objects, the Holy Spirit sets apart believers for God’s purposes and empowers them for service. The act of anointing transformed these materials into sacred objects, fit for the worship of a holy God.

This comprehensive anointing of every component, from the largest altar to the smallest utensil, emphasizes God’s meticulousness and His demand for holiness in every aspect of His dwelling and worship. It signifies that everything used in God’s service must be set apart and dedicated to Him. This act of consecration was essential for the tabernacle to become a functional and acceptable place for God to dwell among His people. It prepared the way for the manifestation of God’s glory, as the consecrated space was now ready to receive its divine occupant.

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

Following the anointing of the tabernacle and its furnishings, Moses proceeded to consecrate Aaron and his sons, formally ordaining them for their priestly ministry. “And he brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. Then he put the tunic on him, girded him with the sash, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him; and he girded him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and bound it to him with the ephod’s embroidered band. And he put the breastplate on him, and he put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastplate. And he put the turban on his head; also on the turban, on its front, he put the golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Washing: The first step in their consecration was a ceremonial “washing… with water” at the Laver. This symbolized the necessary purification from sin and defilement before entering into God’s service. It highlights that no one can minister before a holy God without being cleansed.
Dressing Aaron: Moses meticulously dressed Aaron in each of his elaborate holy garments, precisely as God had commanded in Exodus 28 and 39. This included:
- The tunic (fine linen inner garment).
- The sash (embroidered belt).
- The robe of the ephod (all blue, with bells and pomegranates).
- The ephod (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, with onyx stones on the shoulders).
- The skillfully woven band of the ephod.
- The breastplate of judgment (with the twelve precious stones over the heart, containing the Urim and Thummim).
- The turban (head covering).
- The golden plate (“HOLINESS TO THE LORD”) on the turban. Each garment carried profound symbolism, reflecting the High Priest’s role as mediator, representative of Israel, and one set apart for God’s holiness.
Anointing Aaron: “And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.” This act formally consecrated Aaron as the High Priest, setting him apart for his unique and sacred office. The oil flowing down his head symbolized the divine anointing and empowerment for his ministry.
Dressing and Anointing Sons: “Then Moses brought Aaron’s sons and clothed them with tunics and girded them with sashes, and put caps on them, as the Lord had commanded Moses. Also he poured some of the anointing oil on the heads of Aaron’s sons and anointed them to consecrate them.” Aaron’s sons were also washed, dressed in their simpler priestly garments (tunics, sashes, caps), and anointed, formally consecrating them as common priests.

This elaborate consecration ceremony was essential for the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. It highlighted the holiness of the priestly office and the necessity of divine appointment and purification for those who ministered before God. The priests were mediators, standing between God and Israel, and their consecration ensured they were fit for this sacred role. This entire process foreshadows Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who was perfectly consecrated and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, and through whom all believers are made a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), consecrated to offer spiritual sacrifices to God.

The Cloud Covering the Tabernacle and the Glory Filling It

The climax of Exodus 40, and indeed of the entire book, is the glorious manifestation of God’s presence, signifying His acceptance of the tabernacle and His dwelling among His people. “Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”

The Cloud: The “cloud” was the visible manifestation of God’s presence, which had led Israel from Egypt (Exodus 13:21-22) and descended on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). Its covering of the tabernacle signified that God had taken possession of His dwelling place.
The Glory of the Lord (Shekinah): More profoundly, “the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” The Hebrew word for glory, kavod, refers to God’s weight, splendor, and manifest presence. This was the Shekinah glory, the visible manifestation of God’s presence among His people. It was a tangible, overwhelming display of His majesty and holiness. This was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to “dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).
Moses Unable to Enter: The intensity of God’s glory was so immense that even Moses, who had enjoyed unparalleled intimacy with God, was “not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting.” This highlights the absolute holiness of God and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. Even after all the meticulous construction and consecration, human beings, even the most righteous, cannot casually enter into the full, unveiled presence of God. This serves as a powerful reminder of God’s transcendence and the inherent limitations of humanity in the face of His divine majesty.

This moment is a resounding affirmation of God’s faithfulness. Despite Israel’s recent rebellion with the golden calf, God, through His grace and Moses’ intercession, fulfilled His promise. He accepted their obedient work and came to dwell among them. The filling of the tabernacle with God’s glory was the ultimate sign of His approval and His commitment to His covenant. This event parallels the filling of Solomon’s Temple with God’s glory (1 Kings 8:10-11) and foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, “dwelt among us,” literally “tabernacled among us”) and in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3). The glory filling the tabernacle was the tangible proof that God was indeed with His people, ready to lead them and receive their worship.

God’s Presence and Guidance Throughout the Journey

The chapter concludes by describing the continuous role of the cloud and the glory in guiding Israel’s journeys throughout the wilderness, emphasizing God’s abiding presence and leadership. “Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”

Divine Guidance: The cloud served as Israel’s divine GPS system. Their entire movement and encampment were dictated by its movement. “Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward.” This meant they broke camp and moved. “But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up.” This meant they remained encamped. This absolute reliance on the cloud taught Israel complete dependence on God for their direction and timing. They could not move ahead of God, nor could they lag behind.
Continuous Presence: The cloud’s presence was constant: “For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night.” By day, it provided shade and a visible sign of God’s presence. By night, it transformed into a pillar of fire, providing light and warmth, and a visible assurance of God’s protection in the darkness. This continuous manifestation ensured that God’s presence was always evident to “all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” It was a constant reminder that their God was with them, leading and protecting them.
God’s Faithfulness: This unwavering guidance demonstrated God’s faithfulness to His covenant promise to lead them to the Promised Land. Despite their rebellions and failures, God remained true to His word, providing constant direction and protection. This physical manifestation of God’s presence was a powerful symbol of His commitment to His people and His active involvement in their daily lives.

The conclusion of Exodus with this image of God’s glory filling the tabernacle and His cloud guiding Israel’s journeys is highly significant. It perfectly encapsulates the central theme of the book: God, the Deliverer, desires to dwell among His people and lead them. The tabernacle, now complete and indwelt by God’s glory, became the visible center of their national life, their worship, and their journey towards the Promised Land. It was a tangible sign that the God who had redeemed them from slavery was now living in their midst, guiding their every step. This sets the stage for the book of Leviticus, which will detail the laws and rituals for approaching this holy God in His tabernacle.

Theological Themes in Exodus 40

Exodus 40, as the concluding chapter of the book, brings together many of its major theological themes, highlighting God’s character and His relationship with His people.

1. Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment: The primary theme is God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. He had promised to deliver Israel from slavery, lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey, and most importantly, to dwell among them. The erection and filling of the tabernacle with His glory mark the spectacular fulfillment of this promise. Despite Israel’s recent rebellion with the golden calf, God, in His mercy and grace, chose to restore His presence, demonstrating that His covenant faithfulness is greater than human unfaithfulness.

2. The Importance of Obedience: The repeated phrase “as the Lord had commanded Moses” (or variations thereof) underscores the paramount importance of strict and precise obedience to God’s revealed will. The tabernacle was not built according to human preferences or innovations but exactly according to the divine blueprint. This teaches us that true worship and service must be done God’s way, not our own, and that obedience is fundamental to our relationship with Him. God delights in the obedience of His people.

3. God’s Holiness and Presence (Shekinah Glory): The filling of the tabernacle with the “glory of the Lord” (Shekinah) is the ultimate manifestation of God’s holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. The fact that Moses could not enter highlights the absolute purity and transcendence of God, and the inherent limitations of sinful humanity in His unveiled presence. This awe-inspiring display cultivated reverence and fear of the Lord among the Israelites, reminding them of the sacredness of the space and the seriousness of approaching a holy God.

4. Consecration and Sanctification: The elaborate rituals of anointing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests emphasize the theme of consecration and sanctification. Everything dedicated to God’s service must be set apart and made holy. This symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s work in setting apart believers for God’s purposes and empowering them for holy living and ministry. It teaches us that our lives, our gifts, and our resources should be consecrated to God.

5. The Role of the Mediator: Moses’ final act of faithfully erecting, anointing, and consecrating the tabernacle, and then leading the people under the cloud, underscores his crucial role as the mediator of the Old Covenant. He faithfully executed God’s commands and stood between God and the people. This role foreshadows the ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ, who perfectly bridges the gap between God and humanity.

6. Divine Guidance and Dependence: The continuous presence of the cloud by day and fire by night, dictating Israel’s every movement, symbolizes God’s active and personal guidance. It teaches Israel (and us) to rely completely on God for direction, timing, and protection in our journey. We are not to move ahead of God or lag behind, but to follow His leading implicitly.

7. Foreshadowing of Christ and the New Covenant: The entire tabernacle narrative, culminating in Exodus 40, is rich with Christological types and shadows: * The Tabernacle: Itself a type of Christ, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14). * The Glory Filling It: Points to the fullness of God dwelling in Christ (Colossians 2:9). * The Priesthood: Points to Christ as our perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7-10). * The Anointing Oil: Points to Christ as the Anointed One (Messiah) and the empowering Holy Spirit. * The Cloud/Fire: Points to Christ as our guide and protector. The limitations of the Old Covenant (Moses unable to enter, the need for constant rituals) highlight the superiority of the New Covenant, where believers have direct access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22) and God’s Spirit dwells within them (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Exodus 40 serves as a triumphant conclusion to the book, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to dwell with His people, His demand for obedience and holiness, and His continuous guidance, all pointing forward to the greater realities found in Jesus Christ.

Practical Lessons from Exodus 40

Exodus 40, the grand finale of the book, offers profound practical lessons for believers today, guiding our walk with God and our service in His kingdom.

1. Complete the Work God Gives You: Moses diligently completed every single command God gave him for the tabernacle, down to the last detail. This teaches us the importance of faithfully completing the tasks God entrusts to us, whether large or small. Our obedience in finishing what God starts is crucial for His purposes to be fulfilled and for His glory to be revealed.

2. Obedience Brings God’s Blessing and Presence: The repeated emphasis on “as the Lord had commanded Moses, so he did” is immediately followed by the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle. This demonstrates a powerful principle: obedience unlocks God’s manifest presence and blessing. When we diligently follow His instructions, we create a space for Him to work powerfully in and through our lives.

3. God Desires to Dwell With His People: The ultimate purpose of the tabernacle was for God to dwell among Israel. This reveals God’s deep desire for intimate fellowship with humanity. As believers, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16), and God desires to dwell within us. This calls us to cultivate a personal relationship with Him and to invite His presence into every area of our lives.

4. Everything for God Must Be Consecrated: The anointing of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests teaches us about consecration. Everything we offer to God—our time, talents, resources, relationships—must be set apart and dedicated to Him. This involves a conscious choice to live a holy life, separated from worldly defilement, so that we can be fit for His service.

5. Live Under God’s Guidance: The cloud and fire guiding Israel’s journeys illustrate the importance of living under God’s continuous guidance. We should not rush ahead of His leading or lag behind, but patiently wait for His direction and move when He says move. This requires a posture of dependence, prayer, and listening to His Word and His Spirit.

6. Approach God with Reverence and Awe: Moses’ inability to enter the tabernacle due to the overwhelming glory reminds us of God’s absolute holiness and our human limitations. While Christ has opened a new and living way to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-20), we must still approach Him with reverence, awe, and humility, recognizing His majesty.

7. Our Lives are a Journey with God: The journey through the wilderness, guided by the cloud, symbolizes our spiritual journey through life. God is with us every step of the way, providing guidance, protection, and sustenance. We are called to trust His leading, even when the path is uncertain, knowing that He is faithfully taking us to His promised destination.

8. Christ is the Fulfillment: Understanding that the tabernacle and its rituals point to Jesus Christ deepens our appreciation for His work. He is the ultimate dwelling place of God, our perfect High Priest, and the one who has opened full access to the Father. This should lead us to greater worship and reliance on Him alone for our salvation and spiritual life.

These practical lessons from Exodus 40 are timeless, guiding us in our obedience, our worship, our reliance on God’s guidance, and our understanding of His glorious presence in our lives today.

Cross-References and Broader Biblical Themes

Exodus 40, as the concluding chapter of the book, brings together many major biblical themes and finds echoes in numerous other passages throughout Scripture, particularly concerning God’s dwelling, obedience, and the foreshadowing of Christ.

1. God’s Dwelling Among His People (The Tabernacle/Temple):

Exodus 25:8: The initial command, “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Leviticus 1:1: God speaks to Moses “from the tabernacle of meeting,” indicating His presence.
Numbers 9:15: The cloud covers the tabernacle as a sign of God’s presence.
1 Kings 8:10-11: The glory of the Lord fills Solomon’s Temple upon its dedication, paralleling Exodus 40.
Ezekiel 43:5: The glory of the Lord fills the temple in Ezekiel’s vision.
John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [Greek: eskēnōsen, ‘tabernacled’] among us, and we beheld His glory.” Jesus is the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity.
1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Believers are now God’s dwelling place.
Ephesians 2:19-22: Believers are built together into a “dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Revelation 21:3: The ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”

2. The Importance of Obedience:

Genesis 6:22; 7:5: Noah’s obedience in building the ark “according to all that God commanded him.”
Deuteronomy 4:1-2: Moses warns Israel not to add to or take away from God’s commands.
1 Samuel 15:22: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.”
John 14:15: Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Hebrews 11:8: Abraham’s obedience in going out, not knowing where he was going.

3. The Glory of the Lord (Shekinah):

Exodus 16:10; 24:16-17: Earlier manifestations of the glory of the Lord.
Leviticus 9:23-24: The glory of the Lord appears to all the people and consumes the offerings after Aaron’s consecration.
Numbers 14:10, 21: The glory of the Lord appears in the tabernacle.
Isaiah 6:1-3: Isaiah’s vision of the Lord’s glory filling the temple.
John 1:14: Jesus’ glory as the only begotten of the Father.
2 Corinthians 3:18: Believers are being transformed into the same image “from glory to glory.”
Hebrews 1:3: Christ is the “brightness of His glory and the express image of His person.”

4. Anointing and Consecration:

Leviticus 8: Detailed account of the consecration of Aaron and his sons, fulfilling Exodus 40.
Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me…” (Prophecy of Christ).
Acts 10:38: “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.”
1 John 2:20, 27: Believers have an “anointing from the Holy One” through the Holy Spirit.

5. Divine Guidance (Cloud and Fire):

Exodus 13:21-22: The initial introduction of the pillar of cloud and fire.
Numbers 9:15-23: Detailed instructions on how Israel was to move and encamp based on the cloud’s movement.
Deuteronomy 1:33: God went before them in the cloud and fire.
Nehemiah 9:19: God did not forsake them in the wilderness, but led them by the pillar of cloud and fire.

6. Christ as Fulfillment of the Tabernacle and Priesthood:

Hebrews 8:1-5: Christ is the High Priest of the true tabernacle, which the earthly one copied.
Hebrews 9:1-14: Contrasts the earthly tabernacle’s limitations with Christ’s perfect sacrifice and entry into the heavenly sanctuary.
Hebrews 10:19-22: Through Christ’s blood, we now have boldness to enter the Most Holy Place.

Exodus 40 serves as a powerful and triumphant conclusion to the book, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to dwell with His people, His demand for obedience and holiness, and His continuous guidance, all pointing forward to the greater realities found in Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s dwelling among humanity.

Exodus Chapter 40 Bible Study: The Tabernacle’s Erection, Consecration, and God’s Dwelling Glory