---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Exodus 40"
description: "CHAPTER 40   :-. THE
TABERNACLE REARED
AND ANOINTED. 2. On the first day of the first
month—From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to
have"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/exodus/40"
---

CHAPTER 40

. THE
TABERNACLE REARED
AND ANOINTED.

**2. On the first day of the first
month**—From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to
have happened after the exodus ([Exodus 12:2](../../../kjv/exodus/12/2);
[Exodus 13:4](../../../kjv/exodus/13/4); [Exodus 19:1](../../../kjv/exodus/19/1);
[Exodus 20:18](../../../kjv/exodus/20/18); [Exodus 34:28](../../../kjv/exodus/34/28),
c.), it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was
commenced within six months after that emigration and consequently,
that other six months had been occupied in building it. So long a
period spent in preparing the materials of a movable pavilion, it
would be difficult to understand, were it not for what we are told of
the vast dimensions of the tabernacle, as well as the immense variety
of curious and elaborate workmanship which its different articles of
furniture required.
**the tabernacle**—the
entire edifice.
**the tent**—the covering
that surmounted it ([Exodus 40:19](../../../kjv/exodus/40/19)).

**15. anoint them, as thou didst
anoint their fathers**—The sacred oil was used, but it does not
appear that the ceremony was performed exactly in the same manner;
for although the anointing oil was sprinkled over the garments both
of Aaron and his sons ([Exodus 29:21](../../../kjv/exodus/29/21);
[Leviticus 8:30](../../../kjv/leviticus/8/30)), it was not poured over
the heads of the latter. This distinction was reserved for the high
priest ([Exodus 29:7](../../../kjv/exodus/29/7); [Leviticus 8:12](../../../kjv/leviticus/8/12);
[Psalms 133:2](../../../kjv/psalms/133/2)).

**16. Thus did Moses: according to all
that the Lord commanded him**—On his part, the same scrupulous
fidelity was shown in conforming to the "pattern" in the
disposition of the furniture, as had been displayed by the workmen in
the erection of the edifice.

**33. So Moses finished the
work**—Though it is not expressly recorded in this passage, yet,
from what took place on all similar occasions, there is reason to
believe that on the inauguration day the people were summoned from
their tents—were all drawn up as a vast assemblage, yet in calm and
orderly arrangement, around the newly erected tabernacle.

**34. a cloud**—literally, "*The*
cloud," the mystic cloud which was the well-known symbol of the
Divine Presence. After remaining at a great distance from them on the
summit of the mount, it appeared to be in motion; and if many among
them had a secret misgiving about the issue, how the fainting heart
would revive, the interest of the moment intensely increase, and the
tide of joy swell in every bosom, when that symbolic cloud was seen
slowly and majestically descending towards the plain below and
covering the tabernacle. The entire and universal concealment of the
tabernacle within the folds of an impervious cloud was not without a
deep and instructive meaning; it was a protection to the sacred
edifice from the burning heats of the Arabian climate; it was a token
of the Divine Presence; and it was also an emblem of the Mosaic
dispensation, which, though it was a revelation from heaven, yet left
many things hid in obscurity; for it was a dark cloud compared with
the bright cloud, which betokened the clearer and fuller discoveries
of the divine character and glory in the gospel ().
**the glory of the Lord filled
the tabernacle**—that is, light and fire, a created splendor,
which was the peculiar symbol of God (). Whether this light was inherent in the cloud or not, it
emanated from it on this occasion, and making its entry, not with the
speed of a lightning flash as if it were merely an electric spark,
but in majestic splendor, it passed through the outer porch into the
interior of the most holy place ([1 Kings 8:10](../../../kjv/1-kings/8/10);
[John 1:14](../../../kjv/john/1/14)). Its miraculous
character is shown by the fact, that, though "it filled the
tabernacle," not a curtain or any article of furniture was so
much as singed.

**35. Moses was not able to enter into
the tent of the congregation**—How does this circumstance show
the incapacity of man, in his present state, to look upon the
unveiled perfections of the Godhead! Moses could not endure the
unclouded effulgence, nor the sublimest of the prophets (). But what neither Moses nor the most eminent of God's
messengers to the ancient church through the weakness of nature could
endure, we can all now do by an exercise of faith; looking unto
Jesus, who reflected with chastened radiance the brightness of the
Father's glory; and who, having as the Forerunner for us, entered
within the veil, has invited us to come boldly to the mercy seat.
While Moses was compelled, through the influence of overwhelming awe,
to stand aloof and could not enter the tabernacle, Christ entered
into the holy place not made with hands; nay, He is Himself the true
tabernacle, filled with the glory of God, ever with the grace and
truth which the Shekinah typified. What great reason we have to thank
God for Jesus Christ, who, while He Himself was the brightness of the
Father's glory, yet exhibited that glory in so mild and attractive a
manner, as to allure us to draw near with confidence and love into
the Divine Presence!

**36. when the cloud was taken up from
over the tabernacle**—In journeying through the sandy, trackless
deserts of the East, the use of torches, exhibiting a cloud of smoke
by day and of fire by night, has been resorted to from time
immemorial. The armies of Darius and Alexander were conducted on
their marches in this manner [FABER].
The Arab caravans in the present day observe the same custom; and
materials for these torches are stored up among other necessary
preparations for a journey. Live fuel, hoisted in chafing dishes at
the end of long poles, and being seen at a great distance, serves, by
the smoke in the daytime and the light at night, as a better signal
for march than the sound of a trumpet, which is not heard at the
extremities of a large camp [LABORDE].
This usage, and the miracle related by Moses, mutually illustrate
each other. The usage leads us to think that the miracle was
necessary, and worthy of God to perform; and, on the other hand, the
miracle of the cloudy pillar, affording double benefit of shade by
day and light at night, implies not only that the usage was not
unknown to the Hebrews, but supplied all the wants which they felt in
common with other travellers through those dreary regions [FABER,
HESS, GRANDPIERRE].
But its peculiar appearance, unvarying character, and regular
movements, distinguished it from all the common atmospheric
phenomena. It was an invaluable boon to the Israelites, and being
recognized by all classes among that people as the symbol of the
Divine Presence, it guided their journeys and regulated their
encampments (compare [Psalms 29:1-11](../../../kjv/psalms/29/1-11);
[Psalms 105:1-45](../../../kjv/psalms/105/1-45)).

**38. the cloud of the Lord was upon
the tabernacle,** c.—While it had hitherto appeared sometimes in
one place, sometimes in another, it was now found on the tabernacle
only so that from the moment that sanctuary was erected, and the
glory of the Lord had filled the sacred edifice, the Israelites had
to look to the place which God had chosen to put His name there, in
order that they might enjoy the benefit of a heavenly Guide (). In like manner, the church had divine revelation for
its guide from the first—long before the WORD
of God existed in a written form; but ever since the setting up of
that sacred canon, it rests on that as its tabernacle and there only
is it to be found. It accompanies us wherever we are or go, just as
the cloud led the way of the Israelites. It is always accessible and
can be carried in our pockets when we walk abroad; it may be engraved
on the inner tablets of our memories and our hearts; and so true,
faithful, and complete a guide is it, that there is not a scene of
duty or of trial through which we may be called to pass in the world,
but it furnishes a clear, a safe, and unerring direction ().

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