ETB Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38

Session 10: 2/2/2025 Inhabited p.91

The quarterly starts today’s session talking about Buckingham Palace and how the flags being flown indicate a royal presence.

Ask: What is a visible indicator that you and your family are at home? (p. 91)

When might it be a bad thing to advertise that you are or are not at home? Do you think that the flags over Buckingham Palace have ever been “misleading?”

What was the sign of God’s presence with the Israelites to this point? This could not be misleading or faked not only would it be impossible physically, but spiritually God would also never allow misrepresentation of Himself. Today’s lesson finishes the Exodus story with God moving from before the camp into the middle of the camp. But before that happens, Moses must be sure that all of God’s instructions of the past few chapters are completed as God prescribed.

Understand the Context

Last week we studied briefly the contribution, and the craftsmen gathered for the building of the tabernacle. Once the materials and men had be set apart, Moses went back up the mountain to get the final instructions and receive the stone tablets with the 10 commandments.

While Moses had been enveloped by God’s holiness and glory for forty days, the people grew impatient and urged Aaron to make them a new god. Out of the Egyptian plunder destined for the tabernacle, Aaron made a gold calf and instituted counterfeit worship of “Yahweh” (32:1-6). God justly threatened to destroy them, but Moses intervened. He withdrew His threat, but not the disastrous consequences of their rebellion. Some 3,000 people died, and God also struck Israel with a plague (32:35).

Exodus 33 shows how Israel’s covenant violation had corrupted their intimacy with God. They were now under His discipline, and He had to keep His distance (33:3-6). Moses became the nation’s mediator, using a tent outside the camp. The estrangement between Israel and God contrasted with Moses’s intimacy with Him. He talked with God “face to face,” an idiom that emphasized openness and directness rather than physical vision (33:11).

The relationship was also described as a friendship. This was further illustrated by the remarkable conversation Moses had with God in 33:12-23, where he glimpsed God’s glory, but not His face (33:20).

Exodus 34 constitutes the renewal of the covenant ceremony that began in chapter 19 but was interrupted by the apostasy in chapter 32. Moses’s conversation with the Lord concluded in verses 8-9 with his plea for God’s forgiveness of Israel and their reconciliation, which the Lord accepted. This resulted in the creation of two new, identical stone tablets (34:1,29) since Moses had smashed the first two.

In addition, the Lord promised to lead Israel personally and to drive out the Canaanites (34:11,24; see 33:2). Chapters 35–39 then describe the tabernacle’s construction and the priestly garments. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-’25]

Believer’s Bible Commentary H. Erection of the Tabernacle (Chap. 40)

Exodus is the history of God’s people during the year between their deliverance from Egypt and the erection of the tabernacle at Mount Sinai. The book is filled with beautiful pictures of Christ and His moral perfections

Our lesson passage today completes our study in Exodus with the completion of the tabernacle and God’s presence with the people being manifested.

Explore the Text

Exodus 40:16–21 ESV

16 This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. 17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. 18 Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars. 19 And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 20 He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month

What ceremony and event precipitated the Israelites leaving Egypt and became the beginning of their calendar year?

Exodus 12:1–3 “1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.”

What was going to be happening in 10 days?

Do you think it is significant that God had the tabernacle completed before the people celebrated their 2nd Passover?

Moses erected the tabernacle.

Commentaries and theories vary on whether or not Moses did all this work himself, or if he “supervised” all the assembly of the tabernacle.

What do you think?

Like other places in Scripture, when two options are possible, I believe that a combination of both happened. I do not have a problem with Moses performing most of what is described on his own in verse 18-20. Much of it was repetitious so he could have shown some of the Levites how to do it and supervised the remainder. However, verse 21 possesses a practical problem for the sole constructor option.

he brought the ark into the tabernacle

The ark as it is described in previous chapters was approximately 45”x 27”x 27”. That is the size of desk like the one in our classroom. Then it was covered in gold, had a lid of gold, and 2 cherubim of gold, with poles to be used to lift and carry it. All of this would make it very cumbersome and heavy (200-300 pounds) for an 82-year-old man to lift and “bring into” the tabernacle on his own. If he had the strength of Samson, maybe - but we do not find any mention of such in Scripture. The more practical and allowable explanation is that Moses was the “overseer” for those allotted to carry the ark to its prescribed place.

set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony

After moving the ark into the most holy place, Moses sealed it off by the veil that would only be breached by the high priest once each year. [ETB:ALG Win’25]

Thinking about this I realized that after this moment, Moses would never again see the ark or inside this place that he helped create and set up. He would be permitted to come “before” the tabernacle, but never into it. All the details and intricate work that was done would not be seen by human eyes except for once a year.

What was the purpose behind all that detail and ornamentation?

Why would God care about the color of the curtains and the size of the posts that surrounded the tabernacle? [ETB:PSG Win'25]

The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible Exodus 25:1–31:18; 35:1–40:33

This uncompromising attention to details is another indication that the tabernacle is an act of creation: It reflects the order that God originally created in the universe. There is no room for human disorder or for chaos to invade this holy space. Everything must be exactly as God has commanded. The order of the tabernacle reflects God’s very nature, a nature that creation itself reflects.

Ask: In what areas are you tempted to offer partial obedience instead of full obedience? (p. 95)

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 40

The physical care of the Tabernacle required a long list of tasks, and each was important to the work of God’s house. This principle is important to remember today when God’s house is the church. There are many seemingly unimportant tasks that must be done to keep your church building maintained. Washing dishes, painting walls, or shoveling snow may not seem very spiritual. But they are vital to the ministry of the church and are an important part of our worship of God.

as the Lord had commanded Moses

What phrase is repeated 3 times in these 5 verses?

Since this is God’s Word and He inspired this to be written, what does that tell us about God’s view of obedience?

John 15:10 “10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1 (Genesis–Job) Exodus 40:33, 34

The pathways of Bible studies, conferences, and camps are strewn with the good intentions of people who began to do something but never finished. How I pray we would be those who say, “Lord, by Your grace, help me to finish what You’ve called and gifted me to do”—for it was only after Moses finished the work that the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

It is not printed in the quarterly but the last sentence in verse 33 is significant for context and timing. It says, “Moses finished the work.” Whether it was just him or those working with him, as their leader he is given the credit for the task being completed.

Moses’s finished work is echoed by Solomon regarding the temple in 1 Kings 7:51 (using a different verb, shalam).

But both are transcended by a greater work finished by God. The almost exact Hebrew words occur in Genesis 2:2, when God finished (kalah) creation. Moses’s work symbolized a new creation of sorts, a new chapter of God’s redemption story. Centuries later, a very different new creation would be “finished” at the cross (John 19:30). [ETB:ALG Win’25]

I do not know how much time passed between verse 33 and 34 but any amount of waiting could have built anxiety. Was all the work that we have done over the last 9 months or so acceptable to the Lord?

Exodus 40:34–35 ESV

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle

A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity, Volume 1: Prolegomena and the Doctrines of Scripture, God, and Angels Fellowship with God

There was no continuous dwelling of God on earth from Eden onward, only sporadic appearings to various people. However, during the administration of Law, God did come down in the symbolized form of the Glory Cloud and live with Israel (

God’s glory cannot be separated from God’s presence. One translation had this phrase rendered “the glorious presence of the Lord.”

The obedient faithful work of the craftsmen, artists, priest, and Moses were rewarded with God’s presence. This is still true today as we read, learn, and apply God’s Word and what He reveals to us through it we are blessed with His empowering presence within us to accomplish His will and ways.

Lexham Survey of Theology God’s Glory

God’s glory is the manifestation of the perfection of all of his attributes. The doctrine of the glory of God emphasizes his greatness and transcendence, his splendor and holiness. God is said in Scripture to be clothed with glory and majesty (

Ask: How do we know when we have been in God’s presence? How can we point others toward His glory? (p. 96)

We do not have the advantage of being able to point towards the glory cloud and say, “See God is right there.” If we are walking with Him daily and allowing Him to change us regularly, we may be able to point to an area in our own life and give testimony of His presence and power that way. God’s working in our lives though is not the same as His glorious presence indicated here in the text.

Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting

When God was on the mountain a few Chapters ago, who was allow to set foot on the mountain?

Moses and Joshua, one time, with Aaron and the elders came up another time.

What would happen if an uninvited person set foot on the mountain?

This pattern is continued with the tent of meeting, the tabernacle, and the Temple. Only when God called, or the time God allotted where humans allowed in to these holy places.

Human kings and Pharaohs had the same rules and would kill “uninvited guests.”

God rules about the tent would come later, but here is another example of how Moses did “as the Lord commanded.”

Hebrews 9:24 “24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”

This verse in Hebrews reminds us that this tabernacle is a copy of the “true things” not made with hands. When we all get this this place the restrictions of access will be lifted, for we will be fully glorified and sinless and therefore able to approach God without and fear of wrath. Free to wander through the halls of all the True Temple and enjoy all the work of God’s will be manifested around Himself for our enjoyment and to increase our worship of Him.

Moody reminds us:

The Moody Bible Commentary K. The Occupation of the Tabernacle (40:34–38)

The tabernacle is finished but it was designed to move and this nation needed to be on its way to the land of promise.

This is both its purpose and its judgement. It was designed and constructed for the journey ahead that was going to take much longer than a less sturdy tent could handle.

Exodus 40:36–38 ESV

36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage The Guiding Cloud (36–37)

The Lord was effectively among his people and present as the living God, not as though at their disposal, but as the Sovereign One. In active control, care and leadership, he was the same God who had led his people in the tricky and testing days between Egypt and Sinai. They were to be at his disposal, not he at theirs. They are his to command. It is not for them to find a comfortable camp site and then decide to stay longer, or to chafe at discomfort and decide to move on. They are his people; he is their God, coming to them always, as ‘commander of the army of the LORD’ (

if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out

There is valuable principle in this following the guidance of the cloud and God’s presence. Moving before God directs is disobedience. Not moving to where God has gone is also disobedience. God’s moves first, then we follow.

Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Which do you have tendency to do more often, to move too soon and “get ahead of God” or stay put too long and miss out on God’s work elsewhere?

in the sight of all

Cloud by day, fire by night, in the sight of all.

Do you remember the kid’s song “This little light of mine?” One version has a line about not hiding it under a bushel.

God’s presence is evident and visible to everyone in the camp. Probably to anyone looking toward the camp also.

Is the presence of God noticeable in you?

What can we do to make His presence more like the “fire at night” in our lives?

throughout all their journeys

The Lord would not leave or abandon Israel, and He would not fail to guide them. Later, He promised His protection and success to Joshua (Josh. 1:5). Jesus included this truth about God’s enduring presence in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). God’s call on our lives comes with a guarantee that He will be there each step of the way. [ETB:ALG Win’25]

God’s presence never left them over the next 40 years. We know enough the rest of the story to be encouraged by this.

Were the people of Israel obedient and faithful “throughout all their journeys?”

What does that mean for us today when we are not so obedient or not staying close to God’s presence?

God does not change. He is always faithful and just, even when we are not.

If He pulled us into His presence and adopted us from the depths of our sin, how much more does He what to lift us back up when we are trying to obey but just stumble?

As momentous and crucial as [God coming to dwell in the tabernacle] was, it only pointed to another event that would bring explosive change to the human experience. What God began in Eden and continued at Sinai, He is finishing through Jesus Christ. He came to dwell among humans, and they observed His glory (John 1:14,17). We will see His glory and live in His presence even more fully once He returns to judge the world and usher His people into their eternal blessing. [ETB:ALG Win’25]

Apply the Text

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 40

The Israelites were once Egyptian slaves making bricks without straw. Here they were following the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, carrying the Tabernacle they had built for God. Exodus begins in gloom and ends in glory. This parallels our progress through the Christian life. We begin as slaves to sin, are redeemed by God, and end our pilgrimage living with God forever. The lessons the Israelites learned along the way are ones we also need to learn.

Pray: Lord, we ask that You reveal Your glory through our lives in the coming week. Help us to be more obedient to Your commands and to “do all that You have commanded” with our best efforts and Your empowering. God, Your presence in our lives is the greatest blessing we can ever imagine. Remind us of this often. We know that You desire to guide us in all things for Your ultimate glory, teach us to trust You with all our plans each day.