Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 40:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 40:28, though a small verse in the Old Testament, offers significant insight into the biblical narrative and God‘s divine order in His relationship with His people. The verse is part of the conclusion of the book of Exodus, which highlights the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and the detailed construction of the Tabernacle. As the story of Exodus reaches its climax, this verse helps to underscore the pivotal role of the Tabernacle in the worship life of the Israelites and God’s presence among them.
In this article, we will explore Exodus 40:28, breaking down its context, meaning, and application. We will also compare this verse with other biblical texts, discuss its modern-day relevance, and offer a commentary to deepen our understanding of this passage. The aim is to explore how Exodus 40:28 can be applied to Christian life today and how it reflects the broader themes of God’s holiness, worship, and covenant relationship with His people.
The Context of Exodus 40:28 (KJV)
Exodus 40 comes toward the end of the book of Exodus, and it marks the culmination of the Israelites’ wilderness journey and their preparation for the establishment of their worship system. The chapter details the final instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred tent that was to house the Ark of the Covenant, and the proper placement of various furnishings and instruments used in the Israelites’ worship rituals.
The chapter begins with God’s command to Moses to set up the Tabernacle, place the Ark of the Covenant in it, and arrange the furnishings, including the table of showbread, the altar of incense, the laver of purification, and the Menorah (the golden lampstand). It then proceeds to describe how Moses followed these commands and prepared everything according to God’s instructions. Finally, the glory of God filled the Tabernacle, signifying His approval and presence among His people.
Exodus 40:28 falls in the middle of this section where Moses is putting everything into place. The verse specifically reads:
“And Moses set up the court round about the Tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.” (Exodus 40:28, KJV)
This verse marks the final completion of the physical setup of the Tabernacle and the outer courtyard. Moses’ obedience in following God’s detailed instructions reflects the broader theme of God’s holiness, order, and presence in the lives of the Israelites.
The entire chapter serves to highlight the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the centrality of worship in the lives of His people. In Exodus 40:28, the physical setting up of the Tabernacle and its court is a symbolic act that leads to the next step in Israel’s spiritual journey—experiencing God’s tangible presence.
Exodus 40:28 Meaning
The verse Exodus 40:28 speaks directly about the completion of the Tabernacle’s physical setup. There are several key elements in this verse that offer rich theological insight:
Moses’ Obedience: One of the primary themes in this passage is Moses’ obedience to God’s commands. The phrase “Moses set up” is repeated throughout Exodus 40, emphasizing that Moses followed God’s instructions to the letter. This obedience is a key theme throughout the Exodus narrative, illustrating the importance of faithfulness to God’s will.
The Court and the Altar: The “court” mentioned in the verse refers to the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle, which was surrounded by a fence of fine linen. It contained the altar of burnt offering, where sacrifices would be made, and the laver of bronze for ceremonial washings. The altar was where Israel would offer their sacrifices to God for forgiveness and worship, symbolizing the atonement of sins.
The Gate of the Court: The “hanging of the court gate” refers to the entrance to the outer courtyard. This gate was the only way into the court, emphasizing that there was a specific way to approach God. Access to God’s presence required adherence to divine order and specific protocols, symbolizing the necessity of following God’s prescribed methods of worship.
Completion of the Work: The phrase “So Moses finished the work” signifies the completion of the construction of the Tabernacle. This completion was not merely a physical task but a spiritual milestone. The Tabernacle was a visible sign of God’s covenant with His people, and its completion marked the beginning of a new era where God would dwell among His people in a special way.
Thus, Exodus 40:28 not only speaks to the physical setup of the Tabernacle but also symbolizes the idea of spiritual readiness and obedience. The Tabernacle’s completion set the stage for the divine presence to fill it, which would happen in the following verses (Exodus 40:34). The completion of the Tabernacle was a necessary precursor for the establishment of the sacrificial system and Israel’s worship of God.
Exodus 40:28 Application in Life
The message of Exodus 40:28 has practical applications for Christian life today. Several key themes emerge from this passage that can guide how we live as followers of Christ:
Obedience to God’s Instructions: Just as Moses completed the Tabernacle in full obedience to God’s commands, we too are called to obey God’s Word in every aspect of our lives. This is not always easy, but it is essential for living a life pleasing to God. When we obey God’s Word, we make ourselves vessels for His presence, just as the Tabernacle was prepared to be a dwelling place for God.
Preparation for God’s Presence: The construction of the Tabernacle was a preparation for the manifestation of God’s presence. Similarly, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives to receive God’s presence. This means living a life of holiness, repentance, and worship. As Christians, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we must maintain our lives in a way that honors God, preparing a place for Him to dwell within us.
Worship and Sacrifice: The altar in the court was central to Israel’s worship, where sacrifices were made. In the New Testament, the ultimate sacrifice has already been made through Jesus Christ. Our worship now involves offering our lives as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). Just as the Tabernacle was a place of sacrifice, our lives are meant to be a living offering to God in response to His grace and mercy.
Access to God: The hanging of the gate and the altar represent the exclusive way to approach God. In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). There is no other way to approach God except through Jesus. The Tabernacle’s physical gate points us to the spiritual gate that is Christ. Just as the Israelites could only enter the Tabernacle through the gate, we can only enter God’s presence through faith in Jesus Christ.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 40:28 shares thematic elements with many other passages throughout the Bible, particularly those that deal with the importance of obedience, holiness, and God’s presence. A few key passages provide further insight into the meaning of Exodus 40:28:
Leviticus 9:23-24: After the Tabernacle was completed, God’s presence filled it with glory. “And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” This passage shows that the completion of the Tabernacle led to the visible manifestation of God’s glory, which affirmed His presence among His people.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” This passage teaches us that, as Christians, we are now the temple of God. Just as Moses prepared the physical Tabernacle to be a dwelling place for God, we are called to prepare our lives to be places where God’s Spirit dwells.
John 14:6: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The gate of the Tabernacle symbolized access to God, and in the New Testament, Jesus becomes the gate through which we can access God’s presence.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 40:28 is deeply relevant to the Christian life in the modern world. It highlights themes of obedience, holiness, and worship, which are just as vital today as they were for the Israelites:
Obedience to God’s Word: In a world filled with competing voices and distractions, the need for obedience to God’s Word remains paramount. Just as Moses obeyed God’s detailed instructions in building the Tabernacle, we too must obey God’s commands in our lives, even when it is difficult or countercultural.
Preparation for God’s Presence: As modern-day Christians, we are called to prepare our hearts for the presence of God, not in a physical structure like the Tabernacle, but within our own lives. This requires cultivating a life of prayer, worship, and holiness.
Living as God’s Temple: The New Testament teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Tabernacle had to be prepared for God’s presence, we must care for our physical and spiritual lives, ensuring that we live in a way that honors God and allows His Spirit to dwell within us.
Conclusion
Exodus 40:28 provides significant insight into God’s divine order and the importance of obedience in establishing a place for His presence. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of our role in preparing our lives for God, living in obedience to His Word, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices in worship. This verse underscores the centrality of God’s presence in our lives and the importance of approaching Him in the ways He has ordained.
Just as Moses’ completion of the Tabernacle marked the beginning of a new chapter in Israel’s spiritual journey, our obedience to God’s calling prepares us for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. Let us remember that, like the Tabernacle, we are called to be vessels of God’s glory, prepared to receive His presence and to live according to His will.
Exodus 40:28 Commentary
Exodus 40:28 marks the completion of the Tabernacle and the physical setup of the sacred space where God’s glory would dwell. This act of preparation signifies the readiness of Israel to enter into a deeper relationship with God. It shows the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the centrality of worship, and the proper approach to God. The verse serves as a reminder that preparation, order, and holiness are essential in our walk with God.
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