Exodus 40:21
Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.
Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle
The ark, a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people. Its placement in the tabernacle's Most Holy Place signified the heart of Israel's worship. The tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was central to Israel's religious life during their wilderness journey. This act of bringing the ark into the tabernacle fulfilled God's instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:10-22).

put up the veil for the screen
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the ark was kept. This barrier symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest could pass beyond the veil, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2). The veil's tearing at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this separation, granting believers direct access to God through Christ.

and shielded off the ark of the Testimony
The ark is referred to as the "ark of the Testimony" because it contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were the testimony of God's covenant with Israel. Shielding the ark emphasized its sanctity and the reverence due to God's law. This act also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the ark was central to Israel's identity and relationship with God.

just as the LORD had commanded him
This phrase underscores Moses' obedience to God's specific instructions. Throughout Exodus, Moses' adherence to God's commands is a recurring theme, demonstrating the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of God's people. This obedience is a model for believers, reflecting the call to live according to God's will as revealed in Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law. In this verse, Moses is fulfilling God's command by setting up the tabernacle.

2. The Ark of the Testimony
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel. It was placed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey in the wilderness. It was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

4. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between God and man due to sin.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who commanded the construction of the tabernacle and the placement of the ark.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives.

The Presence of God
The tabernacle and the Ark of the Testimony symbolize God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, making our bodies His temple.

The Separation of Sin
The veil in the tabernacle represented the separation caused by sin. Jesus' sacrifice has removed this barrier, granting us direct access to God.

Reverence for the Holy
The careful handling of the ark and the tabernacle elements teaches us to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness.

Fulfillment in Christ
The tabernacle and its elements foreshadow Christ's work of redemption. Understanding these connections deepens our appreciation for His sacrifice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' obedience in setting up the tabernacle challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the presence of God in the tabernacle compare to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?

3. How does the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion impact our understanding of access to God?

4. What can we learn from the reverence shown in handling the ark and the tabernacle about how we approach worship and prayer?

5. How does the tabernacle foreshadow the work of Christ, and how can this understanding enhance our faith and worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 9:3-5
This passage describes the layout of the tabernacle and the significance of the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, drawing a parallel to the heavenly sanctuary.

Matthew 27:51
At Jesus' crucifixion, the temple veil was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, which the tabernacle veil represented.

Exodus 25:10-22
Provides the instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing its importance as the place where God would meet with Moses.
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
Ark, Bringeth, Commanded, Covered, Covereth, Covering, Curtain, Hanging, Hung, Orders, Placeth, Screen, Screened, Separation, Shielded, Shielding, Tabernacle, Testimony, Vail, Veil
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:21

     7344   curtain
     7396   Most Holy Place

Exodus 40:20-21

     7306   ark of the covenant

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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