Bible Chapter Summary
Exodus 40 Summary
The Tabernacle Completed and Filled with Glory
The LORD instructs Moses to erect the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, placing within it the ark, the table, the candlestick, the golden altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering, and to anoint all furnishings and sanctify Aaron and his sons for an everlasting priesthood. Moses obeys every command precisely, and on the first day of the first month in the second year the tabernacle is fully reared up, furnished, and set in order. Upon its completion, a cloud covers the tent of the congregation and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle so overwhelmingly that Moses cannot enter. From that point forward, the cloud of the LORD guides Israel's journeys — lifting when they are to travel and remaining when they are to encamp — visible as cloud by day and fire by night throughout all their journeys.
Key themes
Key verses
Exodus 40:17
“And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.”
Exodus 40:33
“And he reared 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 40:34
“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”
Exodus 40:38
“For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”
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