26 And he put H7760 the golden H2091 altar H4196 in the tent H168 of the congregation H4150 before H6440 the vail: H6532
And thou shalt make H6213 an altar H4196 to burn H4729 incense H7004 upon: of shittim H7848 wood H6086 shalt thou make H6213 it. A cubit H520 shall be the length H753 thereof, and a cubit H520 the breadth H7341 thereof; foursquare H7251 shall it be: and two cubits H520 shall be the height H6967 thereof: the horns H7161 thereof shall be of the same. And thou shalt overlay H6823 it with pure H2889 gold, H2091 the top H1406 thereof, and the sides H7023 thereof round about, H5439 and the horns H7161 thereof; and thou shalt make H6213 unto it a crown H2213 of gold H2091 round about. H5439 And two H8147 golden H2091 rings H2885 shalt thou make H6213 to it under the crown H2213 of it, by the two H8147 corners H6763 thereof, upon the two H8147 sides H6654 of it shalt thou make H6213 it; and they shall be for places H1004 for the staves H905 to bear H5375 it withal. H1992 And thou shalt make H6213 the staves H905 of shittim H7848 wood, H6086 and overlay H6823 them with gold. H2091 And thou shalt put H5414 it before H6440 the vail H6532 that is by the ark H727 of the testimony, H5715 before H6440 the mercy seat H3727 that is over the testimony, H5715 where I will meet H3259 with thee. And Aaron H175 shall burn H6999 thereon sweet H5561 incense H7004 every morning: H1242 when he dresseth H3190 the lamps, H5216 he shall burn incense H6999 upon it. And when Aaron H175 lighteth H5927 the lamps H5216 at even, H6153 he shall burn incense H6999 upon it, a perpetual H8548 incense H7004 before H6440 the LORD H3068 throughout your generations. H1755 Ye shall offer H5927 no strange H2114 incense H7004 thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, H5930 nor meat offering; H4503 neither shall ye pour H5258 drink offering H5262 thereon. And Aaron H175 shall make an atonement H3722 upon the horns H7161 of it once H259 in a year H8141 with the blood H1818 of the sin offering H2403 of atonements: H3725 once H259 in the year H8141 shall he make atonement H3722 upon it throughout your generations: H1755 it is most H6944 holy H6944 unto the LORD. H3068
These words G5023 spake G2980 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 lifted up G1869 his G846 eyes G3788 to G1519 heaven, G3772 and G2532 said, G2036 Father, G3962 the hour G5610 is come; G2064 glorify G1392 thy G4675 Son, G5207 that G2443 thy G4675 Son G5207 also G2532 may glorify G1392 thee: G4571 As G2531 thou hast given G1325 him G846 power G1849 over all G3956 flesh, G4561 that G2443 he should give G1325 eternal G166 life G2222 to G3739 as many as G3956 G846 thou hast given G1325 him. G846 And G1161 this G3778 is G2076 life G2222 eternal, G166 that G2443 they might know G1097 thee G4571 the only G3441 true G228 God, G2316 and G2532 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 whom G3739 thou hast sent. G649 I G1473 have glorified G1392 thee G4571 on G1909 the earth: G1093 I have finished G5048 the work G2041 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 to G2443 do. G4160 And G2532 now, G3568 O Father, G3962 glorify G1392 thou G4771 me G3165 with G3844 thine own self G4572 with the glory G1391 which G3739 I had G2192 with G3844 thee G4671 before G4253 the world G2889 was. G1511 I have manifested G5319 thy G4675 name G3686 unto the men G444 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 out of G1537 the world: G2889 thine G4674 they were, G2258 and G2532 thou gavest G1325 them G846 me; G1698 and G2532 they have kept G5083 thy G4675 word. G3056 Now G3568 they have known G1097 that G3754 all things G3956 whatsoever G3745 thou hast given G1325 me G3427 are G2076 of G3844 thee. G4675 For G3754 I have given G1325 unto them G846 the words G4487 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me; G3427 and G2532 they G846 have received G2983 them, and G2532 have known G1097 surely G230 that G3754 I came out G1831 from G3844 thee, G4675 and G2532 they have believed G4100 that G3754 thou G4771 didst send G649 me. G3165 I G1473 pray G2065 for G4012 them: G846 I pray G2065 not G3756 for G4012 the world, G2889 but G235 for G4012 them which G3739 thou hast given G1325 me; G3427 for G3754 they are G1526 thine. G4674 And G2532 all G3956 mine G1699 are G2076 thine, G4674 and G2532 thine G4674 are mine; G1699 and G2532 I am glorified G1392 in G1722 them. G846 And G2532 now G3765 I am G1510 no more G3765 in G1722 the world, G2889 but G2532 these G3778 are G1526 in G1722 the world, G2889 and G2532 I G1473 come G2064 to G4314 thee. G4571 Holy G40 Father, G3962 keep G5083 through G1722 thine own G4675 name G3686 those G846 whom G3739 thou hast given G1325 me, G3427 that G2443 they may be G5600 one, G1520 as G2531 we G2249 are. While G3753 I was G2252 with G3326 them G846 in G1722 the world, G2889 I G1473 kept G5083 them G846 in G1722 thy G4675 name: G3686 those that G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 I have kept, G5442 and G2532 none G3762 of G1537 them G846 is lost, G622 but G1508 the son G5207 of perdition; G684 that G2443 the scripture G1124 might be fulfilled. G4137 And G1161 now G3568 come I G2064 to G4314 thee; G4571 and G2532 these things G5023 I speak G2980 in G1722 the world, G2889 that G2443 they might have G2192 my G1699 joy G5479 fulfilled G4137 in G1722 themselves. G846 I G1473 have given G1325 them G846 thy G4675 word; G3056 and G2532 the world G2889 hath hated G3404 them, G846 because G3754 they are G1526 not G3756 of G1537 the world, G2889 even as G2531 I G1473 am G1510 not G3756 of G1537 the world. G2889 I pray G2065 not G3756 that G2443 thou shouldest take G142 them G846 out of G1537 the world, G2889 but G235 that G2443 thou shouldest keep G5083 them G846 from G1537 the evil. G4190 They are G1526 not G3756 of G1537 the world, G2889 even as G2531 I G1473 am G1510 not G3756 of G1537 the world. G2889 Sanctify G37 them G846 through G1722 thy G4675 truth: G225 thy G4674 word G3056 is G2076 truth. G225 As G2531 thou hast sent G649 me G1691 into G1519 the world, G2889 even so G2504 have G649 I also G2504 sent G649 them G846 into G1519 the world. G2889 And G2532 for G5228 their G846 sakes G5228 I G1473 sanctify G37 myself, G1683 that G2443 they G846 also G2532 might G5600 be sanctified G37 through G1722 the truth. G225 Neither G1161 G3756 pray I G2065 for G4012 these G5130 alone, G3440 but G235 for G4012 them also G2532 which shall believe G4100 on G1519 me G1691 through G1223 their G846 word; G3056 That G2443 they all G3956 may be G5600 one; G1520 as G2531 thou, G4771 Father, G3962 art in G1722 me, G1698 and I G2504 in G1722 thee, G4671 that G2443 they G846 also G2532 may be G5600 one G1520 in G1722 us: G2254 that G2443 the world G2889 may believe G4100 that G3754 thou G4771 hast sent G649 me. G3165 And G2532 the glory G1391 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 I G1473 have given G1325 them; G846 that G2443 they may be G5600 one, G1520 even as G2531 we G2249 are G2070 one: G1520 I G1473 in G1722 them, G846 and G2532 thou G4771 in G1722 me, G1698 that G2443 they may be G5600 made perfect G5048 in G1519 one; G1520 and G2532 that G2443 the world G2889 may know G1097 that G3754 thou G4771 hast sent G649 me, G3165 and G2532 hast loved G25 them, G846 as G2531 thou hast loved G25 me. G1691 Father, G3962 I will G2309 that G2443 they also, G2548 whom G3739 thou hast given G1325 me, G3427 be G5600 with G3326 me G1700 where G3699 I G1473 am; G1510 that G2443 they may behold G2334 my G1699 glory, G1391 which G3739 thou hast given G1325 me: G3427 for G3754 thou lovedst G25 me G3165 before G4253 the foundation G2602 of the world. G2889 G2532 O righteous G1342 Father, G3962 the world G2889 hath G1097 not G3756 known G1097 thee: G4571 but G1161 I G1473 have known G1097 thee, G4571 and G2532 these G3778 have known G1097 that G3754 thou G4771 hast sent G649 me. G3165 And G2532 I have declared G1107 unto them G846 thy G4675 name, G3686 and G2532 will declare G1107 it: that G2443 the love G26 wherewith G3739 thou hast loved G25 me G3165 may be G5600 in G1722 them, G846 and I G2504 in G1722 them. G846
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Exodus 40
Commentary on Exodus 40 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 40
Ex 40:1-38. 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 (Ex 12:2; 13:4; 19:1; 20:18; 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 (Ex 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 (Ex 29:21; Le 8:30), it was not poured over the heads of the latter. This distinction was reserved for the high priest (Ex 29:7; Le 8:12; Ps 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 (Mt 17:5).
the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle—that is, light and fire, a created splendor, which was the peculiar symbol of God (1Jo 1:5). 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 (1Ki 8:10; Joh 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 (Isa 6:5). 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 Ps 29:1-11; 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 (Nu 9:15-23). 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 (Col 3:16).