Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 40:5 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 40:5 is a significant verse that stands at the end of the Book of Exodus, a book full of God’s mighty works, laws, and divine instructions for His people. It speaks to the Israelites’ preparation for the indwelling presence of God within the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would guide them through their wilderness journey. As the Israelites prepare to set up the Tabernacle, Exodus 40:5 focuses on the sacred nature of the objects and the sanctification needed for God to dwell among them.
This article will explore Exodus 40:5 in-depth, providing an understanding of its context, meaning, application in life, comparisons with other biblical texts, modern-day relevance, commentary, and a concluding reflection on its significance.
The Context of Exodus 40:5 KJV
To understand Exodus 40:5, it is essential to comprehend the broader context of the passage. The Book of Exodus describes the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of their covenant with God. In chapters 25–31, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred tent of meeting where God’s presence would dwell among His people. After the people construct the Tabernacle, God commands Moses to set it up.
Exodus 40 is the final chapter of the Book of Exodus, and it depicts the completion of the Tabernacle, the anointing and sanctification of its furnishings, and the commissioning of the priests. The chapter describes the various items in the Tabernacle that must be consecrated, and it emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands for worship and holiness. The Israelites are being prepared for God’s manifest presence, and Exodus 40:5 is a crucial verse in the context of preparing the sacred space for God’s glory to dwell.
Exodus 40:5 states:“And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the Tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:5, KJV)
This verse specifically refers to the placement of the altar of incense in the Tabernacle. It is part of a larger set of instructions for Moses to set up the sacred objects and ensure that everything is placed as God commanded.
Exodus 40:5 Meaning
Exodus 40:5 carries a deep theological significance. At first glance, it might seem like a mere logistical instruction, but it carries profound meaning. There are several key elements in this verse to explore:
The Altar of Incense: The altar of incense is an essential part of the Tabernacle’s interior. It was to be placed in front of the Ark of the Covenant, just outside the Holy of Holies. The incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God. In Exodus 30:1-10, God had already given instructions regarding the altar’s design, usage, and the kind of incense to be used. It was a place where the priests would offer incense twice a day (morning and evening), symbolizing the ongoing intercession and worship of God.
The Ark of the Testimony: The Ark of the Covenant, also known as the Ark of the Testimony, was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It represented God’s presence and His covenant with Israel. The Ark housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments and was placed in the Holy of Holies. Placing the altar of incense in front of the Ark signifies that the prayers and intercession of the people are presented directly before God. The altar’s location reflects the intimacy and closeness that Israel was to experience with God.
The Hanging of the Door: The mention of the “hanging of the door to the Tabernacle” refers to the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the outer courtyard. This curtain was a barrier between the sacred space of God’s presence and the outside world. It underscores the holiness of the Tabernacle and serves as a reminder that God is set apart and that only those who are consecrated can approach Him. The completion of this task in Exodus 40:5 signifies that the Tabernacle is now ready for God’s presence to fill it.
Sacred Arrangement and Obedience: The overall arrangement of the Tabernacle, including the altar of incense and the door hanging, emphasizes the importance of proper worship. Every detail of the Tabernacle had been carefully planned, and every item had a specific purpose. The order in which the elements were to be arranged showed the Israelites’ reverence for God and the sacredness of the worship space.
Exodus 40:5 Application in Life
While Exodus 40:5 is a historical command about the physical setup of the Tabernacle, there are many lessons that can be applied to the life of a Christian today:
Intimacy with God Through Prayer: The altar of incense symbolizes the prayers of the people. The New Testament teaches that Christians are to offer their prayers to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:25). Just as incense rose before the Ark, our prayers should rise before God, seeking His presence and interceding for others. The placement of the altar before the Ark reminds us that our prayers have direct access to God’s throne, and He hears us.
Obedience in Worship: The detailed instructions for setting up the Tabernacle underscore the importance of obedience in worship. Every part of the Tabernacle was set in place according to God’s will. Similarly, in our worship today, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). Our worship must be genuine, set apart, and done in accordance with God’s will.
Separation and Holiness: The curtain that separated the Holy Place from the outer courtyard emphasizes the holiness of God. In the New Testament, believers are called to live a life of holiness, being separated from the world and dedicated to God. The holy nature of the Tabernacle reminds Christians of the need for personal sanctification and purity as they enter into the presence of God through Christ.
Preparation for God’s Presence: Just as the Tabernacle had to be carefully prepared for God’s presence, our hearts and lives need to be prepared for His indwelling Spirit. The Christian life requires preparation—through repentance, sanctification, and worship—so that we can experience God’s presence and guidance in our daily lives.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 40:5 can be compared with several other biblical passages that highlight the significance of sacred space, prayer, and worship:
Leviticus 16:12-13: In Leviticus, the altar of incense is mentioned again in the context of the Day of Atonement. The priest would burn incense on the altar before entering the Holy of Holies. This act of offering incense before the presence of God emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer in God’s economy of redemption.
Psalm 141:2: “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” The psalmist draws a parallel between prayer and incense, underscoring the idea that our prayers are a form of worship and are pleasing to God when offered with a pure heart. The connection between the altar of incense and prayer is clear throughout Scripture.
Hebrews 9:4: The author of Hebrews speaks about the Tabernacle, mentioning the “altar of incense” as part of the sacred objects inside. This points to the continuous nature of prayer and intercession that God desires from His people, both in the Old and New Testaments.
Matthew 27:51: The tearing of the curtain in the temple at the death of Jesus signifies the removal of the separation between God and humanity. No longer is there a physical barrier between God’s presence and His people. This is an ultimate fulfillment of the type shown in the Tabernacle, where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. Through Christ, all believers now have direct access to God.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 40:5 remains highly relevant in modern Christianity, as it speaks to several ongoing truths about God’s desire for intimacy, obedience, and worship in our lives:
Prayer as a Central Part of Christian Life: Just as the incense was central to the worship practices in the Tabernacle, prayer should be central in the life of every believer. Our prayers are not mere rituals but the means through which we communicate with God and align ourselves with His will.
The Holiness of God: The holiness of the Tabernacle, marked by the separation of the Holy of Holies and the outer courtyard, speaks to the continuing need for reverence and holiness in the presence of God. As believers, we are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Direct Access to God: The ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s purpose was to bring people into God’s presence. With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we now have direct access to God through Him (Ephesians 2:18). This access is not limited by physical barriers, but is made available through Christ’s work on the cross.
Worship as a Response to God’s Presence: The setting up of the Tabernacle was an act of preparing for God’s presence, and in modern-day Christian life, worship is the natural response to God’s indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit. Worship is not limited to a specific location, but it permeates every aspect of a believer’s life.
Conclusion
Exodus 40:5, though a seemingly simple command regarding the placement of the altar of incense, carries profound spiritual significance. It speaks to the importance of prayer, obedience, and holiness as part of preparing for God’s presence. This verse also foreshadows the New Testament reality that, through Jesus Christ, all believers now have access to the presence of God. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded to prepare our hearts, offer our prayers, and worship God with reverence and obedience, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness.
Exodus 40:5 Commentary
Exodus 40:5 serves as a culmination of the instructions and actions leading to the moment when God’s presence would dwell among His people. It is a moment of both completion and expectation, a moment where Israel moves from preparation to the actual manifestation of God’s glory. The altar of incense signifies that worship and prayer are integral to this process, and the positioning of the altar before the Ark speaks to the intimate relationship between God and His people.
This verse emphasizes that true worship involves obedience to God’s detailed instructions and recognizing the holiness of His presence. For the Israelites, it was the final step before God’s glory filled the Tabernacle. For modern-day Christians, it is a reminder that every detail of our worship, both personal and corporate, should reflect reverence for God’s holiness and a desire for His presence in our lives.
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