Exodus 40:16
Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.
Moses did everything
Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, is depicted as a faithful servant who executes God's commands with precision. This phrase highlights his obedience and dedication, which is a recurring theme in the narrative of the Exodus. Moses' actions serve as a model of faithfulness and leadership, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions. His role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel is crucial, as he ensures that God's will is carried out among the Israelites.

just as the LORD had commanded him.
This phrase underscores the importance of adherence to God's specific instructions. The LORD's commands to Moses were detailed and precise, particularly concerning the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle, which is the immediate context of this verse. The Tabernacle was a portable earthly dwelling place for the divine presence, and its construction was a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Moses' compliance with God's commands reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience leading to blessing, as seen in Deuteronomy 28. This obedience also prefigures Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, as seen in John 6:38.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the one through whom God communicates His commandments. His obedience is highlighted in this verse.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who gives specific instructions to Moses regarding the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, which Moses is instructed to set up according to God's precise directions.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who are the beneficiaries of the Tabernacle's construction as it represents God's presence among them.

5. Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the Israelites are encamped and where the Tabernacle is being set up.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God’s Commands
Moses' example teaches us the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions. Just as Moses did everything as the LORD commanded, we are called to follow God's Word fully.

Faithfulness in Leadership
As a leader, Moses exemplifies faithfulness. Leaders today can learn from his example to lead with integrity and adherence to God's guidance.

The Presence of God
The setting up of the Tabernacle signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. We are reminded that God desires to be present in our lives and communities.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle remind us that God cares about how we worship Him. Our worship should be intentional and in accordance with His Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' obedience in Exodus 40:16 inspire you to follow God's commands in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness in your current roles and responsibilities, similar to Moses' faithfulness?

3. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle relate to the New Testament understanding of God dwelling within believers?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to pay more attention to detail in your worship and service to God?

5. How can the example of Moses' obedience encourage you to trust and obey God even when His instructions are challenging or unclear?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 6:22
Noah's obedience in building the ark as God commanded parallels Moses' obedience in setting up the Tabernacle.

Hebrews 3:5
Moses is described as faithful in all God's house, reinforcing his role as a faithful servant in executing God's commands.

John 14:15
Jesus speaks about the importance of obedience to His commandments, which echoes the obedience demonstrated by Moses.

1 Samuel 15:22
The importance of obedience over sacrifice is highlighted, which aligns with Moses' adherence to God's instructions.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Commanded, Orders, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:16

     8454   obedience, to God

Exodus 40:12-16

     8345   servanthood, and worship

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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