Exodus 39:42

The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

The Israelites had done all the work
This phrase highlights the obedience and diligence of the Israelites in completing the construction of the Tabernacle. It reflects their commitment to follow God's instructions precisely. The work involved skilled craftsmanship and the use of materials contributed by the people, demonstrating a collective effort and unity among the Israelites. This obedience is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands.

just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
This underscores the divine authority behind the instructions given to Moses. The phrase indicates that the work was not based on human ideas but was a direct fulfillment of God's specific commands. This obedience to divine instruction is a key aspect of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It also foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on obedience to Christ's teachings. The meticulous adherence to God's commands in the construction of the Tabernacle can be seen as a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and the prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and tasked with building the Tabernacle.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who provided the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to receive the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle on Mount Sinai.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites according to God's specifications, serving as a place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

5. The Commandments
The specific instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, which the Israelites followed meticulously.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' faithful execution of God's instructions serves as a model for believers to follow God's commands precisely and wholeheartedly.

Faithfulness in Small Details
Just as the Israelites paid attention to every detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, believers are called to be faithful in the small details of their lives, knowing that God values obedience in all things.

God's Presence and Worship
The completion of the Tabernacle was crucial for the Israelites to experience God's presence. Similarly, believers are encouraged to create spaces in their lives for worship and communion with God.

Community and Cooperation
The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the entire community, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes.

Trust in God's Plan
The Israelites' adherence to God's plan for the Tabernacle reminds believers to trust in God's perfect plan for their lives, even when it requires patience and diligence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Israelites' obedience in constructing the Tabernacle challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are paying attention to the "small details" in our spiritual lives, as the Israelites did with the Tabernacle?

3. How does the concept of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God's presence influence our understanding of worship today?

4. What are some practical ways we can foster community and cooperation within our church or faith community, similar to the Israelites' collective effort?

5. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's plan, as demonstrated by the Israelites' adherence to His instructions, in our current life situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which the Israelites followed as described in Exodus 39:42.

Hebrews 8:5
This verse highlights the importance of following God's pattern, as the earthly Tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly one, emphasizing the need for obedience to divine instructions.

1 Chronicles 28:19
David's instructions for the Temple, given by God, parallel the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, underscoring the importance of following God's precise plans.