Exodus 39:43

And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Study Bible

And Moses inspected all the work
Moses, as the leader appointed by God, had the responsibility to ensure that the construction of the Tabernacle was completed according to divine specifications. This inspection signifies accountability and adherence to God's commands. The Tabernacle was a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, and its construction was detailed in earlier chapters of Exodus. The inspection reflects the importance of obedience and precision in following God's instructions, as seen in Exodus 25-31, where God provides detailed plans for the Tabernacle.

and saw that they had accomplished it
The phrase indicates that the Israelites, under the leadership of skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, completed the work. This accomplishment was a collective effort, demonstrating unity and dedication among the people. The successful completion of the Tabernacle's construction is a testament to the Israelites' willingness to follow God's commands, contrasting with their earlier disobedience, such as the incident with the golden calf in Exodus 32.

just as the LORD had commanded.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions. The detailed commands given by God for the Tabernacle's construction are found in Exodus 25-31. The Israelites' adherence to these commands reflects their reverence and commitment to God. This obedience is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the blessings that come from following God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.

So Moses blessed them.
Moses' blessing signifies approval and divine favor. In the Old Testament, blessings often conveyed prosperity, protection, and success. This blessing can be seen as a precursor to the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. It also foreshadows the ultimate blessing found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets, bringing spiritual blessings to all believers, as seen in Ephesians 1:3. Moses' blessing underscores the joy and satisfaction that come from faithful service to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this verse, Moses acts as the overseer of the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were responsible for constructing the Tabernacle according to the instructions given by God to Moses.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among His people, constructed according to divine specifications.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who provided the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. The Blessing
The act of Moses blessing the people, signifying God's approval and favor upon their obedience and work.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' careful adherence to God's instructions for the Tabernacle serves as a model for our obedience to God's Word today.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' role in inspecting and blessing the work underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding and affirming the community's efforts.

The Significance of Blessing
Moses' blessing signifies God's approval and serves as a reminder of the joy and peace that come from fulfilling God's will.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle reflects the importance of reverence and precision in our worship and service to God.

Community in God's Work
The collective effort of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle highlights the value of community and cooperation in accomplishing God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways can we ensure that our work and service align with God's commands, similar to the Israelites' adherence to His instructions?

3. How can leaders today emulate Moses' example in overseeing and blessing the work of those they lead?

4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate attention to detail and reverence in our worship and service to God?

5. How does the concept of community in the construction of the Tabernacle inspire us to work together in fulfilling God's mission today?

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 precisely.

Genesis 1:31
Just as God saw all that He had made and declared it "very good," Moses inspects the work and finds it done according to God's command, leading to a blessing.

Numbers 6:22-27
The priestly blessing, which reflects the idea of God's favor and peace being upon His people, similar to Moses' blessing of the Israelites.

Hebrews 3:1-6
This passage compares Moses' faithfulness in God's house to that of Christ, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness in God's work.