He spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle - By the tent, in this and several other places, we are to understand the coverings made of rams' skins, goats' hair, etc., which were thrown over the building; for the tabernacle had no other kind of roof. read more
And put the testimony into the ark - That is, the two tables on which the ten commandments had been written. See Exodus 25:16 . The ark, the golden table with the shew-bread, the golden candlestick, and the golden altar of incense, were all in the tabernacle, within the veil or curtains, which served as a door, Exodus 40:22 , Exodus 40:24 , Exodus 40:26 . And the altar of burnt-offering was by the door, Exodus 40:29 . And the brazen laver, between the tent of the congregation and... read more
Then a cloud covered the tent - Thus God gave his approbation of the work; and as this was visible, so it was a sign to all the people that Jehovah was among them. And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle - How this was manifested we cannot tell; it was probably by some light or brightness which was insufferable to the sight, for Moses himself could not enter in because of the cloud and the glory, Exodus 40:35 . Precisely the same happened when Solomon had dedicated his temple;... read more
Verse 17 17.And it came to pass in the first month In all the arrangements, which are here described, it must be especially noted, that Moses obeyed God in such a manner as not to vary in the most trifling point from the form prescribed to him. He therefore so frequently enforces the fact, that he did as God had commanded him; and not without reason, for there is nothing to which men are more prone than to mix up their inventions with God’s commands, as if they would be wiser than He is. In... read more
Verse 34 34.Then a cloud covered the tent The holiness of the tabernacle was proved by this signal or pledge, for the people assuredly knew that it had not been set up in vain, but that the promise given before was actually fulfilled, and that it was chosen to be the dwelling-place of God, who would be the Leader and Keeper of His people. For it was not a natural thing that the cloud should settle over the sanctuary in which the Ark of the Covenant was deposited; and much less so that by day a... read more
THE COMMAND TO SET UP THE TABERNACLE , AND ITS PERFORMANCE . All was now ready. Bezaleel and Aholiab had completed their task. The work for the tabernacle had been given in, and had been approved Moses did not however at once set it up. He waited for a command from God. After a short interval, the command came. He was ordered to select the first day of the ensuing year—the first day of the first year of freedom—for the operation. Directions were given him, which fixed... read more
The erection of the tabernacle. At last the work of preparation was over. The work for which God had begun to give instructions more than nine months previously ( Exodus 25:1 ) was completed. All the parts of the structure, pillars, curtains, boards, sockets, bars, taches, hooks, pins; and all the furniture, ark, altars, table, candlestick, laver, vessels, censers, tongs, ash-pans—were finished and ready. All had been inspected by Moses, and approved ( Exodus 39:43 ); they answered to... read more
The erection of the tabernacle. I. THE TIME . 1 . It reminded them of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage; "this month shall be unto you the beginning of months" ( Exodus 12:2 ). God's dwelling-place is ever erected amid the adoring remembrance of his redemption. "The love of Christ constraineth us." 2 . It was a consecration of the year upon which they were entering. It struck the key-note of the after time. The joy of the new year was to rise into the greater joy of... read more
The tabernacle set up. The sanctuary did not take long in making. When hearts are wilting, gifts liberal, and hands active, work is soon accomplished. Everything was ready by the first day of the new year after leaving Egypt. The new year was inaugurated by the setting up of the finished dwelling. How suitable an employment for the new year, to consecrate our hearts anew as dwelling-places for Jehovah! The section conveys lessons as to— I. ORDER IN THE SANCTUARY . Every thing... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 40:35
And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation ,.... He had been there before, both in the holy, and in the most holy place, to see that the furniture of each were put as the Lord directed, which being done he came out again; and now a cloud being on the outside of it, and the glory of the Lord within, he was so struck with an awe and reverence of the divine Being, of whose presence these were a symbol, that he could not engage his heart, or had not boldness to go into the... read more